Iron deficiency after gastric bypass is a problem for fifty percent of patients and is connected to anemia in one third of the cases. A 1998 study found that women were more than two times more likely than men to have an iron deficiency after gastric bypass. Women who are pregnant or having heavy menstruation are most susceptible.
Iron is a critical part of the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Lack of iron will lessen the production of hemoglobin and cause anemia.
Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Iron deficiency can occur after gastric bypass surgery because the duodenum is bypassed in the procedure. Iron is partially absorbed in the duodenum. Stomach acids draw iron from food and make it more easy to absorb. The small stomach pouch that has been created reduces the amount of acid that is produced which in turn decreases iron absorption.
Iron deficiency begins with the exhaustion of stored iron. A diagnosis can be made via blood testing. A low ferritin level in the blood signals a drain of stored iron. Annual screening for iron deficiency and anemia should be part of the bariatric patient’s post-surgery maintenance.
Meat intolerance is another factor that contributes to iron deficiency. Many patients who have had weight loss surgery develop an aversion to red meat, which is a significant source of iron. One study found that approximately forty percent of the gastric bypass subjects under review vomited after eating meat. Another researcher discovered that a full half of his gastric bypass patients had a chronic distaste for meat following surgery. Count me among that group; the only “meat” that I eat is fish and occasionally fowl.
In some instances patients develop pica, an eating disorder characterized by compulsive cravings to eat nonfood items such as ice or clay.
What Is Iron-deficiency Anemia?
Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells bring oxygen to organs and, if these cells also lack hemoglobin, then the body does not get enough oxygen.
There are several different types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and menstruating women who’ve had bariatric surgery are particularly at risk. Another type of anemia that bariatric patients are prone to is linked to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are paleness, fatigue, and general weakness. It can develop gradually and go unnoticed for an extended time. I developed iron deficiency anemia due to discontinuance of iron supplements on the advice of a bariatric surgeon. I was so tired that I doubt I’d get out of my bed if my house was on fire. It took nearly a year to fully recover once I’d resumed taking oral iron supplements. And I should have stayed on that regimen because once again I developed iron deficiency anemia after using the bariatric vitamin patches.
Other symptoms that have been reported are constipation, drowsiness, palpitations, and depression.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass
Supplements of iron are use to treat the iron deficiency that can follow weight-loss surgery. Oral supplements are prescribed most often along with vitamin C to increase absorption. Liquid iron drops, which is what I take nowadays, may be best absorbed by the gastric bypass patient. Do not take iron within two-hours of a calcium supplement as calcium can interfere with iron absorption.
IV iron given at an infusion center is a treatment that I have undergone twice for iron deficiency anemia.
Side effects from the high dosage of iron that is needed after gastric bypass can include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation. I have found Super Aloe 450, Psyllium Husk Powder, and Magnesium Citrate Powder taken daily prevent my constipation. Should oral supplements prove ineffective then intravenous iron can be administered at a hospital. Side effects can include chills, rashes, and body aches.
Foods containing iron are organ meats, shellfish, whole grain products, leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, and dried fruits.
Oral iron supplements that are taken after the gastric bypass weight loss surgery have been found to prevent iron deficiency in women who are menstruating, although anemia still presented in instances.
Living larger than ever,
My Bariatric Life
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