men Anaemia in men post gastric bypass

[sydneyjonno 18]

Hi guys,

I have had 4 weight loss procedures over the last 13 years (long story) anyway my most recent major op was a gastric bypass done in May 2016. I've also just the pouch and stoma size reduced with the Overstitch.

Anyway, my Iron levels are really low, the doctor was surprised I was awake, alert and not on the floor. My iron levels were in the very low single figures. Apparently anaemia in men is quite rare compared to females. In fact it's quite unusual for a man to become anaemic unless they have internal bleeding or something more sinister going on.

So I was just wondering how many men on here who have had a gastric bypass have ended up with anaemia.

looking forward to hearing from you all. :-)

Thanks!

[James Marusek 5,244]

After gastric bypass surgery, I had blood work done once per year to assess any deficiencies that might occur. It is a little like fine tuning a car. After my first annual review it was determined I was Iron deficient. As a result I have been taking an additional iron supplement once per day. I am 4 years post op and I would not describe myself as anemic because I have plenty of stamina (ability to perform physical labor). I just have an iron absorption deficiency.

A couple more points - it is important to space apart your iron and Calcium supplements by at least 2 hours. Because that will affect absorption. According to my nutritionist, if you are taking iron supplements, it should be ferrous sulfate for the best absorption.

[Thucydides 250]

I have had a similar experience to James (although I had a gastric sleeve). I had very low levels in my initial blood work post-op and have been taking a slow release Iron supplement ever since. That has gotten my iron levels back closer to normal & have not had any energy problems. In addition to separating iron & Calcium supplements, I was also advised by my dr. to talk the iron supplement with Vitamin C. The Vitamin C apparently helps with iron absorption.