I called my nutritionalist yesterday about the blood work I had 2 weeks ago. She apparently had not looked at it before and got it out and said everything looked OK. I said are you sure? Then she said oh your Iron is low. Told me some kind of iron pill to take. I already take 3 bariactric Vitamins that have 3 times the daily amount. Then I did some research and got out my cast iron skillet and sauce pan. I needed these when my husband went thru chemo and I researched to help keep his iron levels up.

Has anyone else had low iron levels and what did you do?

I will eat high iron foods and use the pans and test again in a couple months.

Any suggestions appreciated.

I take B12 shots for pernicious anemia. I also drink GNC wheybolic protein shakes choc flavored. Mixed with milk and ice. 60 gms of protein per shake

I take B12 injections and a prescription Iron supplement. I tried diet and it wasn't enough for me, likely because my iron levels have run borderline my entire life. I just can't eat enough to make up the difference.

If you're trying diet, be sure to make your iron-rich meals low in Calcium because calcium is going to interfere with iron absorption. I'd give it a try and see how it goes, but don't be disappointed if you find you need another supplement. In my case, I should have been on these iron pills years ago and regret that I wasn't because I feel much better now that my levels are balanced and healthy.

~Cheri

I have a question about iron pills after surgery. I was prescribed iron just before surgery ( I had been taking OTC iron). My stomach killed me after taking iron before surgery...I am so scared that my stomach will hurt especially now after surgery. When I say hurt its more like constipation. Any issues?

Great idea about the iron skillet! Let me know if it works. I use to have very low iron, I chewed ice all the time! I received two iron skillets for Xmas and have been cooking with them continually, bc I love them, and my iron was perfect I thought maybe it was my diet never imaged it was my pans.

I too worry about low iron. It has been 6 weeks since my surgery and I am waiting another 2 weeks before calling my docitor to have blood work completed. I remember my father always using and iron skillet to help keep his iron levels up and it sure did the job. Thanks for the reminder, I am getting my iron skillet out and will start using it.

I have a question about iron pills after surgery. I was prescribed iron just before surgery ( I had been taking OTC iron). My stomach killed me after taking iron before surgery...I am so scared that my stomach will hurt especially now after surgery. When I say hurt its more like constipation. Any issues?

There are bariatric iron pills available for people like us. You should ask your nutrionist to recommend one for you or go to a website that specializes in vitamins for bariatric patients.

Just had 6 month checkup and iron is low (has been my whole life). They suggested supplements but they totally constipate me. Aside from getting more iron from food, does anyone know of a supplement that doesn't clog the plumbing?

I have hemoglobin and iron issues too. Pills don't work for me unfortunately so I am going to he getting iron infusions in a couple weeks. Best of luck to you all!