I have iron deficiency anemia from gastric bypass. What effect will this have on tummy tuck surgery?

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most cases this will not prevent you from surgery as a tummy tuck involves little blood loss, but a thorough discussion of your medical history and laboratory results needs to be reviewed.  Hope this helps.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. 
Iron deficiency anemia is not a contraindication for tummy tuck. A medical clearance and review of your blood work will be needed before proceeding with surgery. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options after a formal exam. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question.  You will have to be medically cleared before surgery.  Your surgeon of choice may require you to see a hematologist and possibly start iron supplements or iron infusions.  I would recommend speaking with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and following their recommendations.  Best of luck.

You will want to begin by determining how low your hemoglobin is.  Your PCP can order these labs and begin you on iron replacement protocol if needed.  It is important that your blood counts are within normal limits before having surgery.  When you are ready for your consultation we welcome you to visit us in our Houston office!

It is always best to optimize your condition prior to surgery including treating anemia.
Have your labs to determine that the hemoglobin is indeed low, particularly if you have never had a diagnosis of anemia. In most cases, the anemia is an iron-deficiency anemia and introduction of oral or parenteral iron can improve the anemia over a period of time. In most cases, oral iron is effective and can bring the hemoglobin levels to optimal levels.  If the oral absorption of iron is poor, iron infusions can be utilized to bring the hemoglobin levels up. If the hemoglobin levels remain low, ask your plastic surgeon if the TT surgery should be postponed until the hemoglobin levels reach a satisfactory level.  In some unusual cases of iron-deficiency anemia, the replacement of the iron can be very difficult and can lead to suboptimal hemoglobin levels no matter the intervention or method of administration. It is also very important that an individual with a lower hemoglobin be diagnosed correctly as there are many reasons for a lower hemoglobin other than iron deficiency.

Hello and thank you for your question.
In order to be in the best possible conditions to undergo an elective surgical procedure such as tummy tuck, it is necessary to have normal hemoglobin levels which are low in patients with iron deficiency. Therefore it is necessary to restore your optimal iron and hemoglobin levels with supplements. Your GP will be the first point of contact to address this problem. 
All the best with your tummy tuck
Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Manchester and London, UK

Dear Ravenpri,
you should be healthy prior to any elective procedure. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi @RavenPriCongrats on your weight loss and starting your #TummyTuckJourney. Depending on how low your hemoglobin is we would put you on an iron replacement protocol to optimize you before your surgery. Typically our Protocol for Low Hemoglobin as as follows:1. Start a one-a-day quick release iron supplement (e.g. Ferro-Sequels)2. Take 1000mg (or 1 gram) of Vitamin C Daily with the Iron Supplement or Drink a glass of orange juice with the iron pill. The vitamin C enhances iron absorption.3. Take 50mg of Vitamin B6 and 2mg of Copper Daily. Both are essential to the molecular transfer of iron from the liver to the bloodstream. 4. Eat more iron-rich foods such as tofu, blackstrap molasses, oysters, lentils, swiss chard and most green leafy veggies, and red meats.5. Avoid drinking black tea or green tea with your meals. 6. Eat Kellogg's Whole Wheat Iron-Fortified Bran Flakes7. Eat Peanut Butter. GoodluckDr. Chopra