Question Below Submitted By:
My wife had gastric bypass surgery. She is anemic and takes 3 proferrin 11 mg iron supplements a day. Her iron is at a 90 and her storage is a 3. She gets b12 shots once a month.
How much iron can she take to raise her levels? I’ve heard that too much iron can be fatal.
Hi Tonya,
Wow, sounds like you have had some unfortunate issues with your supplements, etc.
In our practice, we require/encourage out patients to take in at least 70-80 grams protein/day. Also, 3 Flintstones multivitamin with iron, Calcium, and B12. The issues you are experiencing are a bit unusual.
Therefore, I would recommend seeing your surgeon, a hematologist, and an Endocrinologist.They should be able to get things back in order.
Good Luck,
Troy LaMar MD
(click here for Dr. LaMar's full bio & contact info)
DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.
Hi Tim,
The initial comments seem reasonable, but I would recommend your wife see her surgeon. She may need to see an Hematologist to help her deal with the anemia.
Good luck,
Troy LaMar MD
(click here for Dr. LaMar's full bio & contact info)
DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.
Related Pages:
- Gastric bypass side effects
- Complications of gastric bypass surgery
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Patient Responses to the Question Above
Low Iron & vitamin levels
by: TS
Okay, I'll admit that I'm sick to death of protein shakes, muscle milk, etc., & it was difficult for me to get even close to the required 50g protein/day, but I did it...it took time, but I hit my targets. I'm also taking my daily multi-vitamins twice daily, & my B12 nasal spray once weekly.
For some reason, I just can't catch a break! I'd been on B50 supplements following surgery & after my 1st round of labs, was told I could d/c the B50, & Victoza for Type 2 Diabetes, but that my Vitamin D & iron/prealbumin levels were a bit low, so more, but different supplements were prescribed. I took them religiously. Several months & more blood work later & I learn my D levels are good, B12 is good, BUT again, my other B's & iron/prealbumin levels are low...THRU THE FLOOR LOW.
The low iron was literally written on my face, as I am VERY pale--so much so, my pain doc is questioning doing my steroid injections for my chronic back pain. So...back to the B50 & twice-a-day iron supplements (ironically, I'd already been taking 'em twice daily). & I've been ordered to increase my protein intake to SIXTY grams/day; it's hard enough for me to get 50! I'm at my wits end, bc, despite my food intake & use of supplements, I'm see-sawing & it's becoming a bit worrisome, to say the least, especially when the numbers are as low as they are. I've not even begun taking calcium citrate yet because of the problems I'm experiencing & how iron & calcium interact.
Any thoughts on how to bring my levels up--& keep them there-would be greatly appreciated.
For Tim
by: Anonymous
Hey Tim,
I usually would say talk to the doc but I have a friend who is an expert on this stuff and here is what she said.
"You can't OD on Proferrin. Make sure she's:
(1) breaking it in half
(2) not taking it all at once - body can only absorb 10mg at one time
(3) not taking Proferrin with any Vitamin C or acidic things (oj, whatever)
I hope this helps.
I know how serious this can be.