B12 Deficiency, Pernicious Anemia

I have recently (in the past 2 weeks) reached my all time lowest post op weight, 139 lbs...yeah. However, there have been some things I have learned in the past week that are a little disturbing. I recently found out that I am seriously B12 deficient (due to bariatric surgery) and have pernicious anemia. My husband hounded me to go to the dr due to my body bruising and it becoming out of control. We found out that my b12 level was 82 and it should be between 190-1000 and they like you around 300-400. I have since learned from the hematologist that nearly every bariatric patient at 2 years post op becomes b12 deficient and i was never told this before surgery or by any of my dr's since. I will now need monthly B12 injections for the remainder of my life, if I knew this, I don't think it would have changed my mind on the surgery, I would have still had it. What is bothersome is my level is so low and we do not know how long it has been that low that it can cause your spinal cord cover to disappear which causes nerve damage and paralysis. they do not feel that I have paralysis yet obviously since I can still touch, feel, move etc but the covering may have already begun going away. On Friday, I began a rigerous course of b12 injections, i must go once a day m-f for 2 weeks, then 3 days a week for 2 weeks and 1 day a month then out if my level is back to normal. We also found out that my body is using every possible resource it has to produce blood and the platelets it is producing are no good which is why I am bruising...they are not allowing my blood to clot. Which can be caused from the possibility of Lupus. I tested positive on 2 blood tests for SLE (not surgery related, my mother has SLE as well and many overlapping illnesses) and they took several more tests while there on Friday, I get those results next week. My main concern is to warn those that are not aware of the B12 deficiency. I am also having to have a CT Scan to check my spleen.

Hi, Thanks for sharing. The B-12 thing is pretty important. I learned about it last year from another room. I take 2500mcgs a day, but sometimes I go a week or so without it. - Not a good thing. I am a little frustrated at the new findings from this surgery. I say that will tongue in cheek, because these issues have been around for some time, but no doctor seems to want to talk about it prior to the surgery. We usually have to come here to learn about it, and then confront the doctor. Needless ot say I've got mixed feelings about my decision, though I'm happy to have lost 100 pounds wh9ich is flucuating. Tayah

It makes me angry that no one told you to supplement B-12 in the first place/ I had surgery 3 years ago and I have had a B-12 shot every month since, though you can take it under your tongue. After RNY, the part of the small intestine that contains intrinsic factor, the chemical needed to absorb B-12 no longer functions. My dietitian told our group this, and reminded us throughtout our aftercare program. I am currently studying to be a dietitian and its in our therapeutic nutrition textbook....That's why I am mad for you. I am a sophomore in my dietetics program and I know this, why didn't your doctor or the dietitian or nutritionist who works with him tell you? I can't stress enough how important it is to see a dietitian who specializes in Bariatric Surgery, before and after surgery...its kept me from serious deficiency problems.... I have autoimmine problems also. My current diagnosis is Psoriatic Arthritis with mixed connective tissue disorder. I take lots of drugs so my liver function must be tested every month. That's another reason I have so few deficiency problems, we catch them right away...I am anemic, though, and I can't seem to get that together... I'm sorry you are having such a bad time...Good Luck Kelly

I'm going through the same thing right now. My B-12 was 288 even with taking 3000 units of b-12 every week. I'm waiting on my test results from Friday for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple schlerosis, and a whole slew of over things. I agree with the other poster who was upset about you not being told about the b-12. My surgeon sent me home with b-12 rx and said to use what my body needed. Good luck! Liz

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can't believe your surgeon didn't warn you about this. From the very beginning my surgeon told me I would need to take a daily multi-vitamin, a calcium supplement, and a B-12 supplement for life because of this. All surgeons should ensure that patients are aware of this. I make sure like someone else mentioned to get blood tests every 6 months to check these levels. Hope everything works out for you!

You look great!! Since reading you're post I have started IV Infusion iron therapy,1x aweek...2hrs...for 6weeks! Sound familiar at all ? I also found out that low iron,or being anemic,for too long can shut down your ovaries!! I did not know this,my hematologist just told me this! Kind of bummed about that because we are trying to have a second child,my clock is ticking!!! I got pregnant 7months out of surgery...oops...i supposedly couldn't have kids..PCOS~~~Anyways,thank god the stretch marks were already there!!HAHA Iwas able to support the health of my baby and myself while working a fulltime job,why am I having such a problem now? Sorry to drone on and on! Any feedback welcome,unless u r my mom,then call me at home! Nikki