Almost 9 years out...

[raiderjules 4]

Hi!!

Brand new to this forum!

Was wondering: I had my gastric bypass in December of 2014. I have lost 120ish pounds and have NOT gained back (it's a life change--not a "miracle!'

I have a few questions.

1--the past 2-3 years my hemoglobin has dropped to a 7 (January) and 8 (a month ago.) I've been recently referred to a specialist-in which I go on the 20th of this month.

Has anyone had this problem? BTW--extremely addicted to Sonic ice!! haha.

2--are gastric bypass patients still supposed to wait 30 minutes after eating to drink anything? I know we had to in the beginning.

Asking these questions because my dr who performed the surgery (in Texas, btw) - I didn't see him but maybe 2 times post-surgery. (LONNNGGGGG STORY!)

What does anyone think?

PS--I've still kept the weight off--and have even lost a couple of pounds the past year.

Thx!!

2--

[Bari_KS 497]

The first thing which came to my mind when you mentioned your love for Sonic ice was that craving for ice is associated with Iron deficiency.

[raiderjules 4]

Most def!!!

[Arabesque 4,876]

I believe anaemia or low Iron is a risk with bypass because of the potential for absorption issues & many with a bypass are on iron tablets forever. I’ve heard about the relationship between craving ice & anaemia or iron deficiency too.

As for continuing to the wait to drink I don’t think it’s a specific long term requirement. Certainly with sleeve it’s not a necessary long term requirement but more of a what you are able to do. I haven’t waited the 30 mins before & after for some time. I can slowly sip up to about 5 mins before & after & can have a little sip during but I still eat slowly so I’m still pacing myself. Can’t gulp mouthfuls though but it means I can enjoy a glass of wine or whatever I choose when out.

Congratulations on maintaining for so long. I hope I can say the same thing in nine years. I agree, it is a life change.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/iron-deficiency-after-gastric-bypass-surgery

[kcuster83 1,439]

Hello.

First, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss and maintaining it!

My surgeon explained to me that it was very likely for Bypass patients to end up Anemic and to need Iron transfusions. Especially if already anemic before surgery.

Before surgery I was already slightly anemic but managed with OTC iron supplements.

I now take a Multivitamin with iron and so far so good but I am only 3.5 months post op so who knows what the future holds.

I also believe the 30 minute rule is life long, at least with my team it is. Sometimes if I feel like I just REALLY need a drink while eating I will eat 1 ice cube and it seems to do the job.

[The Greater Fool 1,634]

Congratulations on your success.

Route 44 Slushie Lime Ade... a special treat we do about once a month, along which Church's chicken. :sigh:

My surgeon approached the 30 minute thing as more of a suggestion than hard and fast rule. I drink when I'm thirsty, and I sip a bit during meals. It's not the end of the world to do your own thing if you are doing well.

Anemia does seem to be a Gastric Bypass thing, at least it was for me a couple times over the years. Passing out is fun. I put a hole in the wall with my head once. Iron usually does the trick. I take slow-FE just once a week which seems to do the trick.

Good luck,

Tek

Edited July 12, 2022 by The Greater Fool

[kcuster83 1,439]

33 minutes ago, The Greater Fool said:

Congratulations on your success.

Route 44 Slushie Lime Ade... a special treat we do about once a month, along which Church's chicken. :sigh:

My surgeon approached the 30 minute this as more of a suggestion than hard and fast rule. I drink when I'm thirsty, and I sip a bit during meals. It's not the end of the world to do your own thing if you are doing well.

Anemia does seem to be a Gastric Bypass thing, at least it was for me a couple times over the years. Passing out is fun. I put a hole in the wall with my head once. Iron usually does the trick. I take slow-FE just once a week which seems to do the trick.

Good luck,

Tek

WOW! That seems like an extreme anemia case. Glad you are ok!

[lizonaplane 1,596]

I am on a Facebook group "Bariatric Nutrition with Dr. Susan Mitchell" and recently she posted an article from a peer-reviewed journal that said there wasn't much evidence for not drinking after you eat long term. However, I find it hard to drink when I'm really full. I never wait after drinking to eat - my surgery center never said that was an issue.

Congratulations on maintaining so long! That's amazing!

For the anemia, see what the specialist says. What did your GP say? Iron needs to be taken at least 2 hours apart from Calcium. And it might upset your stomach. There are preparations that are better (slow iron). You might try to get back in touch with your surgeon, too, if possible, but you seem to be doing great on your own. It's inspirational!

[Lorikw 0]

Same simptoms, I've had 2 Iron infusions and they were life changing. If you ask for Injectafer, they have a reduced price if you go on their website. You can pay as little as $50 for each injection!!

[b4oai8 1]

I had my rny almost 14 years ago. I’ve had two short series of Iron infusions to address lower hemoglobin levels. Keep an eye in it. I found out about the issue when I fell asleep at the wheel going 85mph on I95. Luckily it was a quiet Saturday and although I hit the jersey barrier, the only damage was to my car. It prompted a transfusion to make sure I got my levels higher, but it was the rudest wake-up call of my life. BTW, I too have lost 120+ and maintained it for almost 11years.