B1 level is good now

Last thing I was worried about for surgery was the fact that my B1 (Thiamin) was low. They have had me taking a double dose of B Complex for the last 3 or so weeks to get it up. Well, Susan just called from the bariatric center, told me to go ahead and STOP taking it for a few days, then go back to a normal dose for the last week before surgery. Seems now it is actually HIGH. I sort of wonder now though if it was all that low to begin with. When I had the blood draw the first time to check it, the gal just pulled a vial of blood like a normal draw and set it on the counter. When I had it done the second time (at a different hospital), the lady said something to another nurse about having to keep it in the dark for that test. In fact, she started to put tape all around the tube, but it didn't fit in the needle/fill tube they use. So she just got a black plastic tube, drew that vial and IMMEDIATELY put it in the dark tube and put a lid on. So now I am thinking this must be sensitive to light and I wonder how long the first draw sat in the light and how much it affected the outcome of the test. Oh well, as long as it is good, I am good to go for the 9th. Getting more excited every day.

----- 
Even the toughest criminals become remarkably docile 
 once separated from society by six feet of soil. 

Maybe you should discuss your concerns with the manager of the blood lab where you had it drawn the first time.  It could be that the personnel there was not aware that the blood was supposed to be kept in the dark for the B1 test.   You might also want to talk with Susan at the bariatric clinic too.

Hey Gary- The first blood test after my surgery my B1 (Thiamin) was low, too, and they put me on B Complex also.  Then 3 months later they said my B was too high.  So now I've been taking the B Complex ****very 3 days or so, and my last test said it was in normal range...  (now my vit. D is low, heheh)  Its all a balancing act. I don't remember them checking my vitamin levels before surgery at all, only after surgery.  I guess insurance companies have different requirements/ standards.   Whatever, huh?  Like you said, as long as its in normal range now, and you're getting your surgery, its all good :)

Yeah, I'm not worried much since everything is good now. However I think you are right Vicki. I think I might let Susan know. I don't want to cause anyone a problem, but it may be a training issue that needs to be addressed. The first blood draw was at the hospital where the bariatric program is, so it is probably important they be aware of it. Thanks everyone for your continued support. I have been hanging out with the guys at the mens forum a lot lately, but I try to stay posted in here too. Don't know why some of the other guys don't. In my opinion, being surrounded by a bunch of wonderful women is NEVER a bad thing.

----- 
Even the toughest criminals become remarkably docile 
 once separated from society by six feet of soil. 

Well I think it is nice to have some male perspective on the board....

I think almost everyone's story has been different, yet all helpful. Thanks for the heads up on the lab issue.

deb366

Hmm - kind of makes you wonder when you're told something is off.  I agree it's nice to have a male perspective.  Randy hasn't been on here much since surgery, and what ever happened to Bil?  He works near me, I should check in and see what he's up to.  Last I knew, he and the fam were going to Disney Land! Linda