Iron deficiency is a common concern after bariatric surgery. It can lead to a range of symptoms including hair loss, tiredness, weakness, brittle nails and pale skin.

There are a variety of different bariatric iron gastric sleeve iron soft chews available to help you get the right amount of iron in your daily diet. These can include regular tablets, capsules, syrups and liquids. Some also come in coated tablets that are delayed release, making it easier for you to take them at a time convenient for you.

The type of iron you need to supplement after bariatric surgery depends on the severity of your iron deficiency. Your doctor will recommend a blood test to check your iron levels and determine the appropriate dosage and type of bariatric iron supplement for you.

The Importance of Regular Iron Testing After Bariatric Surgery

You should also make sure you are getting enough dietary iron by eating a variety of foods that contain it, as absorption of dietary iron can be limited post-bariatric surgery due to decreased stomach acid production. The two main types of dietary iron are heme (iron from meats, fish, and poultry) and nonheme (iron from plant sources).

Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body as compared to nonheme iron. In order to ensure that you are getting the most dietary iron possible after bariatric surgery, it is recommended to eat foods high in heme as well as other sources of dietary iron such as cereals and lentils. However, if you have difficulty with iron absorption, an iron salt such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate may be the best option for you.