Hi everyone!!

I just found this forum and think its about time I find support. I am 45 yrs old and I had my surgery in 2008 and went from 384 lbs to 167 lbs in my first year. I am currently 210 lbs, 5ft 8in, BMI 31.93. Two years after my surgery, I found out that I have chronic anemia and malabsorption for a lot of vitamins and minerals no matter how healthy I eat. I try taking supplements, twice the recommended amounts and still doesn't help much. My surgeon moved out of my state, and my regular doctor has no clue of how to assist me. I try to exercise and pass out right after I finish, usually no more than 30 mins because I physically can't do more than that. Is there anyone here who has experience anything like this? Maybe has suggestions on getting the nutrients that absorb better for people who go through this surgery? I appreciate all suggestions.

Have you tried seeing a naturopath? I was having a problem with anemia & I did not like the side effects from the iron from the drugstore! I started seeing a naturopath & she is trying a different approach.
There are chiropractors in my area that look at all your blood work including all of your vitamin & mineral levels. They will tell you what you need to take to bring your levels up.
I also take a powdered “greens blend”. I buy it at Sam’s for about $24. You can buy something similar at Sprouts. It called Greens Blend by Amazing Grass. It is considered a superfood. I mix a scoop into some apple juice or water in the morning. I use it to wash down all my pills.
It really is hard for us to get in all the fruits & veggies along with all of the protein requirements because of your tiny little tummies!
Best of luck to you.

Can your regular doctor look into vitamin injections/infusions for you? I'd be asking about that. My brother has to have iron infusions when his Ulcerative Colitis really knocks him about.

Really sorry you're going through this, and especially losing access to your surgeon. How frustrating!

I agree a naturopath can be a big help. If you don’t have someone near you, can your PCP refer you to a digestive health specialist in your area?

Or do you have a different Bariatric or non surgical weight-loss specialist in your area you can call to speak? (My program has the surgical and non surgical weight-loss specialists in the same office. Both are overseen by medical doctors, have nutritionists and nurses).

Another option to look into is your health insurance. Some insurance plans offer wellness programs (at no cost) where you can virtually (or by phone) meet with nurses and dietitians that can review your concerns, offer guidance and help connect you with medical professionals in your area that work with your insurance.

Sorry you are going through this… I hope you can find answers and feel better soon.

I’m assuming you were already taking bariatric formulations of your vitamins and those didn’t work. Yea the injections seems like a logical solution since they bypass the stomach alltogether. Hopefully your primary doctor can arrange for those.

Another option is to find a new local bariatric surgeon/specialist. Let them start from the beginning, go over everything and do their own testing.