Can gastric bypass cause low iron?

Category: medical health digestive disorders
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Iron deficiency and anemia are common after a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery, especially in women. For men, or for women past menopause, iron-deficiency anemia might not be related to the gastric bypass surgery. You can get iron deficiency and anemia years or decades after your gastric bypass surgery.



Also to know is, what kind of iron do you need after gastric bypass?

Ferrous fumarate is the most recommended iron salt due to its higher bioavailability with 33% available as elemental iron. Ferrous fumarate is also gentler on the stomach (i.e., less constipating), another reason why it is the most common type of iron used in the bariatric surgery patient population.

Furthermore, what can gastric bypass patients take for inflammation? (i.e.: Aspirin, Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Ibuprofen and naproxen, Potassium supplements, to name a few). As gastric bypass patients, you must protect yourselves.

Besides, can low iron keep you from losing weight?

If your iron levels are low, the body cannot oxidize fat as well as it should, thereby slowing your ability to lose weight. Without enough oxygen, fatigue sets in and slows down the metabolism, which will in turn decrease total daily calorie burn.

Can gastric bypass cause autoimmune diseases?

It is not known whether bariatric surgery protects against development of autoinflammatory or autoimmune conditions; nevertheless, changes occurring in the immune system are incompletely understood. Patients in our case series were asymptomatic before surgery and developed an autoimmune disease within 11.2 months.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How fast can iron levels change?

– It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks of taking regular iron supplements before your symptoms start to improve. – You may need to keep taking iron for several months to build up your iron reserves and keep your anemia from returning. Take your pills for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms have improved.

Why do bariatric patients need b12?

Bariatric patients are at an increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency because their digestive tracts have been altered in such a way as to interfere with the natural absorption of this vitamin.

Does gastric bypass weaken immune system?

— While the massive weight loss associated with gastric bypass surgery is beneficial, some patients may face malnutrition, poor wound healing and infection as their immune systems adjust to the extreme decrease in food consumption, according to a Michigan State University researcher.

Can you drink coffee after gastric bypass?

Caffeine should be avoided for the first 30 days after you have surgery. If you love coffee or caffeinated tea, you may reintroduce these beverages into your diet slowly after this point if your surgeon thinks it is safe to do so.

Can you take iron after gastric bypass?


A low level of acidity in the GI tract can greatly affect iron absorption in the post-bariatric surgery patient. Therefore, patients should not take iron supplements within two hours of taking antacids.

Can gastric bypass patients take gummy vitamins?

Our dietitians recommend the following vitamins after bariatric surgery. * Multivitamin – You will be advised to take a multivitamin in the chewable form. It cannot be a gummy, because they do not contain iron. It needs to be a complete multivitamin that contains 100% of you daily iron needs (18mg).

What vitamins do I need after bariatric surgery?

Vitamin Recommendations for Patients
Gastric Bypass: Doctors recommend that gastric bypass surgery patients take a complete multivitamin, calcium with Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. Others may be recommended.

Do gastric bypass patients absorb medication differently?

Answer: Many medications can be absorbed normally after gastric bypass surgery. But certain drugs, including some types of time-release medications, require careful monitoring in people who have had gastric bypass.

What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?

In stage 3, anemia (reduced hemoglobin levels) is present but red blood cell appearance remains normal. Changes in the appearance of red blood cells are the hallmark of stage 4; first microcytosis and then hypochromia develop. Iron deficiency begins to affect tissues in stage 5, manifesting as symptoms and signs.

Can lack of iron make you gain weight?


Weight gain
While this may come as a surprise, iron doesn't only affect your energy. According to recent research it can also have an impact on your waistline, and vice versa.

Does taking iron make you gain weight?

Patients who receive iron treatment gain weight, if they do not make diet or have a metabolic disease. So, iron therapy increases serum ferritin levels accompanying with body weight.

Is 10 a low iron level?

In iron-deficiency anemia, blood levels of iron will be low, or less than 10 micromoles per liter (mmol/L) for both men and women. Normal levels are 10 to 30 mmol/L. Levels of ferritin will also be low, or less than 10 micrograms per liter (mg/L) for both men and women.

Do iron pills make your hair grow?

Iron helps boost circulation and carries oxygen to your hair's roots, which helps the hair grow faster and longer.

Do iron pills help you lose weight?

Iron plays a role in helping your body create energy from nutrients. Iron helps carry oxygen to all of the cells in your body, including your muscles. This, in turn, helps them burn fat. Too little iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the United States.

Can low iron cause anxiety?


Even in adults the first symptoms of iron deficiency are often neurologic, as those affected will frequently complain of fatigue, brain fog, and also restless legs causing insomnia. Sometimes iron deficiency will present as anxiety, depression, irritability, and even poor concentration and general restlessness.

What happens when you are low on iron?

Iron deficiency occurs when the body doesn't have enough of the mineral iron. This leads to abnormally low levels of red blood cells. If your body doesn't have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles won't get enough oxygen and be able to work effectively. This leads to a condition called anemia.

Does iron deficiency affect metabolism?

Iron deficiency slows your body's thyroid function and blocks its metabolism-boosting effects, according to the National Academy of Hypothyroidism.