Conflicting Problems

Hey everyone!
I am still having problems with constipation (distal rny 1/10/03). Saw my
surgeon 4/10. He told me to take 1-2 tbs of MOM with my iron daily. This has
helped a little (3 X in a week), but not like it should. I am worried about
daily laxative use. On the other hand, I am probably not getting the benefit
of the malabsorption part of the surgery according to my surgeon when I
questioned him.
Found out today that my iron is low (not critical yet- guess I should be glad
here). I was taking Ferrous Gluconate also. Thanks Barbara, I switched to
Ferrous Fumerate - My surgeon also said this is the right iron to take.
Problem is, my surgeon hoped my iron was ok and was going to decrease it some
to help my other problem.
Anyone else had this problem? How long and what did you do to correct it? I
am drinking over 64 oz of water daily.
Anyone found a good Ferrous Fumerate for us to absorb? I am having trouble

finding it locally and am taking slow release caplets I am chopping up til I
find something else. Think I better find something else and soon!
Thanks for any advice!
Debbie
open rny 1/10/03
Dr King , MS
263.5/200

3 Responses to “Conflicting Problems”

  1. Noah Kirstin Says:

    Debbie:
    I’m interested in knowing why your surgeon thinks you aren’t getting
    the benefit of the malabsorption part of the surgery? Especially
    since you’re distal! Does he think that it’s because of your
    constipation? Many of us suffer constipation after surgery. I think
    the high protein diet does it, and iron supps can certainly do it too.
    I take 2 servings daily of SF metamucil. It’s orange flavored so I
    mix it into an orange flavored crystal light or diet snapple. It’s
    not too bad, but it does get a little thick. Actually the added
    fiber tends to fill me up for awhile. I still have some trouble with
    BM’s being hard to pass, but I go at least once a day with the
    metamucil. And the added fiber in the diet is good for us.
    Michele
    Open RNY 12/5/02
    296/222/150 (lost 10 % before surgery)

  2. Neva Marjory Says:

    You could ask your Dr if you can take Colace? I take it daily now
    for “maintenance” as I have had problems with constipation. But then
    I don’t know if it will effect any of the other pills that you take.
    Any of you pro’s know the effects?
    Shelly
    LapRNY 3/3/03
    258/219/???

  3. Raquel Micaela Says:

    Hi! Just some FYI… I was on prescription iron prior to surgery because of
    chronic anemia. My doctor prescribed NIfeREX Elixir. It appears to be the
    liquid version on the pill I was taking before surgery. I just KNEW it was
    going to be the most GROSS concoction I had ever tasted, but I told myself, this
    is one of the things I KNEW going into surgery…. iron for the rest of my life.
    Was I ever surprised that it tastes fine and seems to have no ill ieffects on
    the digestive system. (I guess the proof of the pudding will be my next
    hemoglobin work up.) Just thought I’d share…… Cheers!
    JenelleLAP RNY 4-15-03272/???/140

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.