B-12 - how often and how much do you need?

I just started getting B-12 supplements last month.  My doc wanted to wait until the levels dropped off before supplementing.  It was really clear when they dropped off too - very low energy, aches all over, irritable, etc.  So, he gave me one injection and within 24 hours I felt like a new man.  By the end of the week it seemed some of the symptoms were coming back and he gave me another one.  He said he thought I would need an injection once a month but he would see me in 3 weeks.  It's now been about 2 1/2 weeks and I've been starting to feel the energy drop off already and some of the irritability begin.  So, I'm curious... I suspect this is a fairly individual thing and I'm wonderin how often and how much do any of you guys need B-12 supplements?  Do you do injections, sublingual or that nasal spray stuff? Appreciate your feedback. Steve

Like you said I think it is an individual thing that is different for each person.  In my case my surgeon started me on B-12 injections at 3 months post-op and has me taking one 1 ml injection every sixty days.  He also has me taking a 2ml injection of Thymine (B-1) every sixty days as well. -Steve

Steve you are probably going through a chronically low B12 sicne you were not on it at the time of surgery.  I would get it on an accelereated schedule (2 weeks or so and then spread it out).  My surgeon had me on B-12 immediately with the sublinguals.  You could augment the shots with that for now, but I found that the shots work much better for me.  Fortunately, my wife is a nurse so the doc just prescribes the stuff and my wife takes care of administering the shot at home.  

I had a B-12 absorption problem diagnosed about 2 years before surgery, so I have been taking monthly shots since then.  Currently, I am taking one shot per month and 1 sublingual tablet per week.  I had stopped the shots, on surgeons advice, after surgery.  About two months out, I felt awful, chronically tired and nasty.  Restarted the shots and feel great again.  For me, the shots work really fast and best.  I give them to myself, which really isn't that bad.

Steve, I got my first injection in the hospital right after surgery and gave myself one this morning.  I'll be on one per month from now on.  My surgeon is super cautious, I think ,but i'm starting to think that's a very good thing.  How is your hematocrit and hemoglobin?  Maybe that is the culprit and not necessarily the b-12.  are you on an iron supplement...and if so, are you taking it at least 2 hours away from any calcium supplement? Hope you're feeling up to speed again soon! Ken

Steve, I’m on one 1 ml injection per month.  Started at Month one.  No drop in B-12 levels.  No question or issue with not absorbing.  "Shot is Sure."  Insurance covers the Rx for the stuff and the needles.  Best Wishes- Dx

 

I follow my Bariatric Program's recommendation of 1000 mcg per week, using one sublingual 500 mcg tablet on Thurs. and Sundays.