I have had over 17 Copper Infusions to date to try to overcome a deficiency. My number is still at 63 mcg/dl since Jan. 29, 2021

DS Bariatric Surgery was August 20, 2020. The Copper deficiency was picked up after an Iron Infusion was given

after/before Bloodwork for anemia/fatigue. Oral Copper did not help at all; I just have not absorbed copper orally. Has anyone experienced

this and what are the recommended treatments? My Nutritionist says copper gummies do not work.

I have not found a copper chewable to try. These 2 hour weekly infusions of cupric chloride are starting to be useless. Is there another form of copper to take

that might be more effective? I am reaching out to this forum as I don't know who to turn to. I knew of the malabsorption risks before surgery and proceeded

as the benefits would outweigh the Type 2 Diabetes Complications and Morbidity; A truly life changing procedure that saved my life. Is there a Bariatric Center of Excellence that runs a forum

that might address this concern? I am under the treatment of a Hematologist, Weight Loss MD, PCP, and a Nutritionist that might not be well versed in DS Deficiencies. (so it seems)

Any thoughts or ideas? This deficiency will eventually kill me.

Thank you

I keep trying to notify you and respond to you but the content is being rejected so I will private message you.

This sounds really tough, and I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with so many infusions without seeing much improvement. DS surgery changes how the body absorbs things, so I get why it feels like you’re running out of options.

I don’t have experience with copper issues, but I do take Jaje Health Superfood Gummies just to keep up with basic nutrients because they’re easy for me to handle. They’re not meant for copper, but they helped me stay consistent with my routine.

For your situation, I honestly think getting a second opinion from a bariatric center that understands DS-specific deficiencies might help. Sometimes you just need someone who sees these rare cases more often. You’ve been doing everything you can, and it makes sense to look for more support.

I do not have an answer or know of any forum that would be more specialized, but maybe you could reach out to a larger clinic and try to do a virtual appointment. I have recently been doing that for my cancer treatment and it has worked pretty well. Moffitt has done a “second opinion” a couple of times and basically whatever they’ve suggested the local doctors have carried out for me in terms of treatment. I did have to go the first time in person, but I think that’s usually only required if you need to be physically examined. If it’s not something they need to literally touch you for they should be able to just gather your records, but I believe it has to be in your same state or your physician has to be licensed in your current state where you will be during the appointment. I actually have developed iron deficiency anemia, and I don’t know if it’s because of the bariatric surgery or my chemo treatment because I was diagnosed only three months post surgery. I have also had problems with potassium during my treatment, but I think that’s due to a kidney issue I seem to have developed most likely because of immunotherapy. It’s not fun getting infusions or needing them. Another thing that might help a tiny bit would be to get a port installed to make the infusions a little less inconvenient if they use a power port, they can infuse it quite a bit faster although I’m not sure if Insurance will cover it for your condition, but it’s worth asking. I hope you find an answer here. If not, I’d keep posting the different forms because it’s just a matter of the right person seeing this I’m sure. Best of luck to you.

Thank you, I am having additional blood tests for hormones- my copper transport is flawed and not being utilized. So next is a Fecal Copper Test to see if It is totally excreted. Prior 24 Copper Urine Test was negative. So where is it going? 30mg infusions, 5 days a week- Where is it??? Liver is very healthy, just is not processing Copper. So checking Sex Hormones and vit A is current plan. I had a Hickman (hanging portal) as I have had over 100 infusions and the skin and veins were hardening up.I am going to the big boys in Philly and possibly a Hepatologist and an Endocrinologist depending on my Test Results. I believe I am close to figuring out what's going on but will be scratching my a** again in looking for a solution.

On 2/15/2026 at 7:39 PM, john19508 said:

Thank you, I am having additional blood tests for hormones- my copper transport is flawed and not being utilized. So next is a Fecal Copper Test to see if It is totally excreted. Prior 24 Copper Urine Test was negative. So where is it going? 30mg infusions, 5 days a week- Where is it??? Liver is very healthy, just is not processing Copper. So checking Sex Hormones and vit A is current plan. I had a Hickman (hanging portal) as I have had over 100 infusions and the skin and veins were hardening up.I am going to the big boys in Philly and possibly a Hepatologist and an Endocrinologist depending on my Test Results. I believe I am close to figuring out what's going on but will be scratching my a** again in looking for a solution.

Wow, that does not sound like fun!! I guess they have to rule out the basics before they can get insurance to pay for the more extensive and usually also very expensive tests. It sucks because it drags things out while we are suffering but it sounds like you are a champ for hanging in there and you have a solid plan. I hope you get an answer soon.

I will fill you in after my Philly visit of 3/10/2026 , You you are interested .

2 ways for Copper Deficiency ( Besides Genes) : Malabsorption or Low Liver Ceruloplasmin

You need to do a deep dive to ~TRY~ to understand what your problem is. At first you might try to put it together, like asking certain questions trying different things and asking for different Blood work or tests. Then you will realise that no one can put it together. I will tell you this: Ai will get you closer; it has learned alot in the past year and is a least trying to putting it together. But do not insult the Doctors with Hallucination. You must research and challenge Ai and place your questions or findings in your own words. Don't piss the providers off; A doctor doesn't want to be replaced by a Computer. Nobody- Not One Doctor will bring about a solution. You will need a multidisciplinary approach with many expert Medical Professionals under one roof that work as a team AND TALK TO EACH OTHER. A Bariatric Nutritionist, A Bariatric Surgeon, A Endocrinologist, A Hematologist, A Hepatologist, etc. - A TEAM!

A University Hospital or a Research University - I WILL be going to Penn Med in Philly on 3/10/2026 to get help. I believe my problem is my Liver is not producing enough Ceruloplasmin that transports copper; but we will see................