An Answer for Terisa-about B-12 (plus some other stuff)

Whew.. ;) I feel better now, have a great Friday and great weekend!

I have a question....my doctor has never put me on B-12. What is it for and what are the benifits of being on them? Is it just a once a month shot or what? Thanks Diana

B12 is a vitamin used for fortification of foods. It is especially important for the elderly and for those who have had gastric surgery.These researchers found that vitamin B12 deficiency is often undetected in post-gastric surgery patients whose subsequent neurologic symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Most had not been advised, after surgery, to be monitored for vitamin B12 deficiency. These researchers stress the need for regular vitamin B12 screening in all gastric surgery patients, no matter how many years elapsed since the surgery. They point out that vitamin B12 deficiency may develop many years after surgery. I think that it is controversial among dr's whether it is necessary or not.....but I take Sublingual Tablets 1000 mcg daily and Injections once a month......it really boosts my energy level...

If you had the RNY I cannot believe that your dr did not put you on b12. There are only a couple of ways that your body can absorb b12, 1 is through your regular stomach, 2 is through an injection and the 3rd is through sublingual (pill you put under your tounge and allow to dissolve) Once you have RNY you do not use your regular stomach anymore therefore you cannot absorb any that you are getting from food. Since you have not been taking it your body has gone without b12 this whole time and your body has to have it. It is extremely important. do not even bother calling your surgeon, just go out and by the sublingual today and take it daily. I suggest the pill and not the liquid, the liquid sublingual is kind of gross. Or you can do the once a month shot. The shot is so much easier to me, but it is a personal preference. You can call your surgeon and ask for a script for the injections. Either way. you need to start taking this today.This is the first time I have ever heard of a surgeon not putting his patient on b12. It is not just a benefit, it is necessary. You will have a lot more energy too by taking it. Please let us know how this turns out for you ok. Take care ~ Terisa