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.

---

More Complete Arthritis Supplement

People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More

Neugenisis Reviewed - Is It A Truly Effective HGH Releaser?

Some say that the benefits of this all-natural HGH releaser... Read More

What Is The Best Muscle Building Supplement Available Today?

What's the best muscle building supplement available today? You might... Read More

Coenzyme Q10 - Learn All the Wonderful Properties of this Vitamin-Like Nutrient

Sometimes I ask myself why this wonderful antioxidant supplement was... Read More

Are MLM Nutrition Supplements Right For You?

Considering that the Health and Wellness industry is currently a... Read More

Is Citrus Aurantium Really Bad for Your Health?

Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More

Body Building Supplementation

Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More

Getting the Most Out of Your Supplements and Yourself

Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More

XanGo The Most Concentrated Source Of Xanthones, And Its All Natural

Xango is a brand new health and dietary supplement. It... Read More

Reviving Vitamin E Studies That Challenge Claims of Wonder Supplement Also Leave Openings

The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More

Calcium and Women: For More Than Just Bones

For women, calcium is one of the most important nutrients... Read More

Lower Cholesterol Naturally Using a Smorgasbord of Fiber

With a high cholesterol and heart disease in the family,... Read More

Ganoderma Herbal Supplements ? Natures Gift to Humanity

Use of herbs and herbal therapies has been an integral... Read More

Havent Heard of the Acai Berry Yet?

You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More

Vitamin Euphoria ? A Shot in the Dark

Vitamins seem to be so good for everything. The newly... Read More

Vitamin Supplements and Your Child

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

Taste is Everything When Choosing a Protein Bar

As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what... Read More

Ganoderma Lucidum - The Wonder Herb

One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought... Read More

Vitamin C - The Most Common Health Food Supplement

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More

Nutritional Supplements - How To Choose A High Quality Product

Looking for quality nutritional supplements can seem quite overwhelming at... Read More

Taurox SB: A Balanced Immune System Leads to Increased Energy

Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More

What are Phytochemicals (Phytonutrients)?

Don't be overwhelmed by this big word, ... Read More

The Immune-Boosting Power of Colostrum

Bovine Colostrum is the form of "milk" taken from dairy... Read More

Vitamin Supplement Ratings ? Proof Of Popularity

Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional... Read More

To Supplement or Not to Supplement; That is the Question

Some fitness adherents are supplement crazy and spend money like... Read More

Why Supplements and Glyconutritionals?

Food is one of our most basic needs. However, in... Read More

All-Natural HGH Releasers- Does Neugenisis Really Work?

I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More

Recommended Supplements for Weight Loss

There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More

The Shocking Truth About Eight Deadly Diseases That May Be Affecting Your Health and Lifestyle

I came across an article written by Dr. Ray Strand,... Read More

Pros And Cons For Vitamin Supplements ? Are They Good Or Bad?

There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More

L-tyrosine and Your Health

L-tyrosine is a protein that the body produces from phenylamine,... Read More

A Review of Popular Whey Protein Products

Because whey protein products have a wide variety of uses... Read More

How Does Whey Protein Affect My Body?

Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein... Read More