As many as two-thirds of weight loss surgery patients experience anemia. This is a simple red blood cell deficiency brought on by lack of iron–something normally counteracted by taking the kind of bariatric vitamins that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Anemia is commonly thought to be caused by an iron deficiency. In gastric bypass patients, this is half-true: the root cause often lies with the post-surgery small intestine’s absorption capability. The new, shortened intestine doesn’t have as much of its own material to work with, which often puts patients at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Post bariatric patients typically need lifetime bariatric supplements to avoid anemia.
Anemia Symptoms
Each individual may experience symptoms of anemia differently. Indications and symptoms of anemia vary depending on the cause, but may include:
- Easily fatigued and loss of energy
- Pale skin
- An unusually fast or irregular heartbeat, particularly with exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Cognitive problems and difficulty concentrating
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Leg cramps
- Insomnia
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pale lips and gums
- Soreness of the mouth with cracks in the corners
- Abnormal menstruation (either absence of periods or increased bleeding)
Unusual Anemia Symptoms
Many people with iron deficiency anemia have an odd symptom called pica. This is the habit of craving and eating or chewing unusual substances. These bizarre materials can include ice, cornstarch, paper, and even clay! The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and indiscriminate appetite.
An additional and unusual anemia symptom is koilonychias. Simply put, this condition creates spoon-shaped fingernails and toenails. This abnormal curving of nails is often coupled with extreme nail thinness.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is another type of anemia that the post-bypass patient must guard against. This is a condition in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B-12. People who have pernicious anemia can’t absorb enough vitamin B-12 from food because of a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach.
Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia may include:
- Confusion
- Dementia
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Loss of sense of touch
Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements for Anemia Prevention
Because of bariatric patient’s unique absorption needs, anemia can be an ongoing concern. Fortunately, the solution is a surprisingly easy one in most cases. Daily intake of bariatric iron supplements and bariatric B-12 supplements are an easy solution for helping to prevent and eliminate anemia and its accompanying symptoms. Just make sure you get vitamins that dissolve properly and have no fillers!
