Need some help to see clearly!

Hi! I had my surgery 3 1/2 weeks. Things are going better this week and I posted over the weekend and the support was so much help. It helped through a rough time. I encountered something yesterday that for some reason really upset me. I was talking to an aquaintance through work and she mentioned that she doesn't have any feeling in her fingers. I asked if something had happened to her fingers. She said it was because she had a B-12 deficiency and she has to receive weekly B-12 shots now for the rest of her life. She mentioned that she had had gastric bypass in 1990 but she has put all the weight back on and more. She also mentioned that everyone else that had had surgery at that time had regained also. I did not mention that I had had surgery. When I left, I was so shook up. The rational part of me knows the surgery is probably different and better now and the program and support groups and message board were probably not there then. I also know this is only a tool and you have to work it which is what I am doing. I can't seem to shake off that I may have messed up my life. Can anyone help me reframe my thinking. I am feeling so panicky about it. Thanks. Suzanne C

Hello Suzanne, I can understand your being upset! However just talk to your nutritionist to get the right plan for vitamin and mineral supplements. My nutritionist said that b-12 is actually stored in your body for 10 years but since the area where intrinsic factor is no longer seeing food we need to supplement. It doesn't hurt to start taking some now. I take a sublingual of b-12 each week, it is 1000mcg. That is of course on top of all the other supplements. (womens one a day, iron and calcium citrate plus d) As far as gaining weight back, yes it is possible. (And not losing what you would like.) Changing habits and living an all around healthier life can prevent that. Exercise for health not weight loss, take vitamins and eat/drink right for health not weight loss. Yet weight loss will be the great side effect. Your stomach now gives you restriction and malabsorption so use it while you have this window of opportunity. I lost 100lbs in the first six months, not without hard work. So it really is a matter of taking control of the things you have control of and being happy with your choice. I hope this helps some. Casey

Dear Casey, You have such a calming effect on people as do others in this support board. I will remember what you are saying and continue to be inspired by all of the members, like you, who encourage people like me just starting out in the journey. I know this will be a lifetime challenge but I am up to it for the exchange of being healthy. That is the reason why I had this surgery in the first place - to be healthy and live longer. Thanks again! Suzanne C

Suzanne, I am happy to be of help! Casey