Fatigue After WLS: Iron Deficiency May Be
the Cause
Kaye Bailey
Ive been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just dont
have my usual get-up and go. Naturally, I blame the gastric bypass
it gets the blame whenever I dont 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.
Weve 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 Puritans 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 bodys 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 RDIs 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. Theres
probably something you are missing, that once you get it back in
your system youll 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
www.livingafterwls.com and
www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com
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