Fatigue After WLS: Iron Deficiency May Be the Cause

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® Easy Iron; a capsule that contains 28 milligrams of iron glycinate, a gentle form of iron that is highly absorbable and well tolerated. It also contains Vitamin C, Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12 to further aid iron absorption by the body. I take it by itself between meals with water. Iron can interfere with zinc and calcium so I do not take my other supplements at the same time.

Iron is a key element in the body's energy-producing system. As you lose weight and become more active you will thrive with bounding energy. Be sure to maintain it by supplying your body with the iron it needs. In your annual blood test your serum ferritin level will measure your iron level and the nutritionist at your bariatric center will make the appropriate recommendations for supplementation.

It should be noted that iron RDI's are different for men and pre-menopausal women. Men over 19 years old should intake 8 milligrams of iron a day, preferably from food sources; women aged 19 to 51 should intake 18 milligrams, supplementation is suggested. After menopause women need intake only 8 milligrams to meet iron needs.

Always assess your nutritional intake if you lack energy. There's probably something you are missing, that once you get it back in your system you'll be feeling prime and proper in no time! If you don't know what vitamins & minerals you should be taking see your bariatric center.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com - Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

Copyright © 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved.

---

The Perfect Supplement

I wanted to write this article because of my sincere... Read More

Mens Herbal Health Care ? Health Enhancement Supplements

Over recent years, mens herbal health care has become big... Read More

The Colloidal Silver Controversy

Colloidal Silver might just be a wonderful thing and here's... Read More

Suffering From Osteoarthritis Pain? Natural Relief Is Available

It is clearly evident that hyaluronic acid in its oral... Read More

Dietary Supplement Vitamin

Dietary Supplement Vitamin - why is it important?Dietary supplement vitamin... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - Methoxyisoflavone

Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More

Nutritional Supplement - The Good Food, Bad Food Myth

Will common sense ever prevail? We've all seen stories on... Read More

Best Vitamins to Help Keep You Fit at Forty Plus

Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More

Vitamin B-Complex: Gastric Bypass Patients Must Supplement

The malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass system prohibits adequate... Read More

Eat Well First Before You Take Your Vitamins

There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins.... Read More

Vitamin E

Three Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, and Sodium and... Read More

What Vitamin Supplement is Best for Gastric Bypass Patients

The multi-vitamin market is rich with choice. It's also very... Read More

Glyconutrients For You?

Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More

Stop Suffering With Arthritis Pain Today!

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More

The Benefits of Whey Protein

The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More

Vitamin Supplements and Your Child

In a perfect world, your children would eat a balanced... Read More

Nutritional Supplements: The Amazing Benefits of Vitamin E

The real benefits of Vitamin E may surprise you. First... Read More

Anabolic Steroids and Will They Work for Me?

Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid therefore it must be... Read More

Sleep and Vitamins

Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More

The Real Truth About Supplements

Not All Supplements are Created Equal. There are more supplements... Read More

Garlic Can Kill Superbug - A Health Supplement

The Superbug MRSA which is becoming more common in Hospitals,... Read More

Looking For Health Care Supplements ? The Easy Way To Order

When looking for health care supplements Texas residents can enjoy... Read More

Researching Glyconutritionals (a.k.a. Glyconutrients)?

The Greek word "Glyco" means, "Sugar". Most people think of... Read More

Calcium Supplement - The Importance of Taking One

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More

Beyond Vitamins and Minerals - Glyconutrients

It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More

An Introduction to Whey Protein

Made from cow's milk, whey protein is a pure, all-natural,... Read More

The Eight Week Cholesterol Challenge

When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More

3 Steps to Identify Supplements that Lack Scientific Evidence

You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More

8 Minerals Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition... Read More

Vitamins for Smokers

Numerous studies and surveys have consistently shown that a majority... Read More

Congestive Heart Failure And CoQ10

Since the 1960â??s there have been numerous controlled clinical trials... Read More

Vitamin Supplements ? A Pill is Not Always the Answer

Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very... Read More