I’ve been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don’t have my usual get-up and go. Naturally, I blame the gastric bypass - it gets the blame whenever I don’t feel well. After careful assessment I realized I have forgotten to take my vitamin for almost three weeks now. I am probably iron deficient - a risk all gastric bypass patients face.
We’ve all heard of anemia - a dangerous iron deficiency disease. In fact, iron-deficiency anemia is second only to obesity as a nation-wide health problem in the United States. Nine out of ten women in this country do not get their RDI of 18 milligrams of iron a day. That means their heart, brain and all other tissues are not receiving enough oxygen - iron is the chemical element in the red blood cell hemoglobin that delivers oxygen throughout the body.
If a person is short on iron they suffer a loss of energy, low-level fatigue - the blahs!
Brain activity, breathing, cellular respiration and every activity of the body depend on iron in the blood. Rosy cheeks and a glowing complexion indicate iron needs are met. Energy levels are up and an overall sense of wellness pervades.
Gastric bypass patients are at risk of iron deficiency because iron found in meat, poultry and fish is normally absorbed by the duodenum and small intestines. The nature of the bypassed system prevents adequate iron from foods from being absorbed. In addition, patients cannot physically eat enough food to meet the Daily Reference Intake (DRI).
To avoid iron deficiency and the resulting loss of energy patients must take an iron supplement daily.
Iron supplements: ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate or ferrous sulfate are recommended for all weight loss surgery patients. The body more readily absorbs iron when it is taken with vitamin C or a glass of orange juice. Your bariatric center may recommend a specific iron supplement for you. I take Puritan’s Pride
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