Whats the fastest way to build your hemoglobin level from 11.3 to 13.0?

Thank you for the question. Ideally the hemoglobin level should be within normal range which for women starts at 12. If you are having all three procedures performed at the same time then I would recommend using Iron tablets daily two or three times a day depending on the dosage and the type of iron as recommended by your doctor. That usually brings up the Hgb level by 1 over a two week period Best of luck...Dr. Khuthaila

Hello. Your levels are ok, but if you want them higher, or if you want to make sure they don't drop before the procedure you can certainly take some supplements and eat more of certain foods.When patients need to boost their levels prior to surgery I always recommend a high dose of Iron, folic acid and Vitamin C, up to three times a day, taken together all at once. If tolerated, they can be taken on an empty stomach. This, plus the vitamin C help with absorption. Eating spinach, beets, red meat, liver and most great leafy vegetables will also help as they are good sources of Iron as well.Best of Luck!Dr. Miguel Mota

Thank you for your questions on how to rapidly build your hemoglobin from 11.3 to 13.0. The fastest way to get your blood from 11.3 to 13.0 is a blood transfusion. However, I do not know if anyone how would transfuse blood for a hemoglobin of 11.3. Another way to increase your iron levels and perhaps secondary increase your hemoglobin levels, is with an iron transfusion. An iron transfusion can either be done before your surgery or sometimes during your surgery. Another way is to increase iron in your diet. I would suggest you eat lots of red meat, fortified cereals, beans, etc. I would also suggest you take an iron supplement two or three times a day. If you take calcium, please be sure you do not take it at the same time as iron. Calcium and iron compete for the same receptor.  Usually, iron cannot be fixed in several days, but rather takes weeks for it to correct or elevate. Sometimes the iron will not correct. This may be due to either metabolic conditions or even prior surgery like gastric bypass surgery. If your level does not return to “normal”, you need to discuss this with your internist hematologist, gastric surgeon or plastic surgeon. If your hemoglobin does not rise above 12 with therapies mentioned above, you may want to discuss with your plastic surgeon why they have such a restriction on the specific number 12. You may still be able to have plastic surgery with a hemoglobin lower than 12. Thank you for your questions regarding how to build up your hemoglobin level quickly. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call my office. When seeking plastic surgery, please find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in your neighborhood who specializes in the procedure you are desiring. I hope that I answered your questions regarding hemoglobin and plastic surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen