mhysteik

I had the Gastric bypass and I am out 7 years from surgery. I always took my multivitamin supplement and later found out how important it was to get in my iron supplement as I had a hard time getting it back in the normal range. I always took a calcium supplement as well but was only taking in approximately 500 to 1000 on average. However, I learned how difficult it was getting my iron levels in the normal range and was having to take additional iron supplements and it took approximately 1 1/2 years to just get it in the normal range, and 2 years to get it to the 50 level, a level that is much better where you are not groogy all the time and functioning much better. So in the process of getting the iron normal I found myself not taking my calcium regularly (at least 1000 per day) because you need to keep the iron and calcium 4 hours apart. Well the iron supplements I was taking was at least 3 times a day and having to spread the calcium between them was difficult, not too mention I was also taking thyroid medicine which has to be at least 2-4 hours difference from calcium or iron. So I was willy nilly with my calcium supplements, however, I know I was getting in at least 500mg calcium perday. Thinking it would work because I am a big fan of greek yogurt, cheese, kefir, and milk. The upshot is this I am now Diagnosed with Osteoporosis now. Now I am making sure I get 1500 to 2000 mg of calcium per day. I take my iron with my multivitamin 2 times a day plus a add a supplement of iron as well when taking the vitamin. My point here is that it is very important to make sure you take all your supplements if you have had the Gastric bypass and figure a way to get them in. Do not skip them. I am giving this advice from my own experience and trying to save someone else before its to late. Its hard to reverse osteoporosis, the =best cure is prevention.

I am 7 years out from the Gastric by pass surgery. I have always been fanatical about taking my multivitamin supplements. Originally I didn't it was important to take iron supplements since I was in menopause and felt I was always healthy and never had any iron issues. Well it was approximately 2 years after surgery when I found myself anemic. My doctor did a ferritin (iron) check and found it to be 11 with the low end of normal being 20. Therefore I found myself starting out taking 30mg of iron a day. Three months later they checked the ferritin and it dropped to 9 even though i was taking the supplement . I ended up doubling it to 60, but 3 months later, it was still only 14 slightly higher but not in the range. Fast forward to the present, I now take 120 mg of iron a day and my ferritin level is at approx. remains at approximately 60. It took approximately 1 1/2 years to get my iron in the normal range, but to feel better and lively and not so tired, it is a good ideal to have the iron level at at least 50. My suggestion is to stay on top of it from the beginning.