B-12 Question

Hi all!!! Hope ev1 is doing well. I went to my PCP for my yearly bloodwork, and he said everything was fine except my b-12. He said it was in the floor. I told him I have been taking 1000 mcg a day and he said that I am obviously not getting any of it. He gave me a shot today and I go back in a week for another, then he wants me to come in for 1 once a month. What is the B-12 level? What does b-12 do or not do. What is a proper level going to change for me? I just dont know anything about this and appreciate any help. Thanks!!!! Pegi 283/140/135

I am pre-op ( 12 days to go) but I know when I was growing up that my mother had to have B-12 shots regularly ( she had a gastric bypass over 40 years ago due to ulcers she only weighed a little over 100 lbs when it was done) But I remember she seemed so tired before having the shots but after she seemed to have more energy.So if you are feeling kind of tired that may be because of the B-12 deficiency. Hope this helps.

B12 is involved in metabolism of protein. fats and carbs, neural function and red blood cell formation. deficiency ususally occurs in vegetarians. Intrensic factor (produced in the stomach) is necessary in absorbing B12 in the GI tract. B12 deficiency is usually caused by the absence of Intrensic factor. This can lead to what is called Pernicious anemia and can cause nervousness, neuritis, tingling in the hands and feet, and poor muscular coordination. When you have a low b12 level sometimes you have to take injections to make sure your body is absorbing it. After you get your level up you can take the shots once a month or you may be able to go back to pills. Also, their is a B12 patch on the market now and a sublingual form if you do not want to take shots. Talk to your doc about this. I was diagnosed with Pernicious anemia 2 years ago and took the shots for a while but now i take pills and am fine. I have not had WLS yet so when I do I will have to keep a close check on my level because of my history. I am also a nurse. I hope this helps some.

WOW!! Thank you for the information. I have had the one shot and get another on Friday, then monthly until , I guess, he decides I can do otherwise. I am not especially fond of shots, but my ins. pays 100% for them. I can honestly feel a difference. I dont seem as tired. I wish you the best of luck on this journey. I dont regret having WLS in any way, shape, or form, but I have to say that I wish I knew about alot of things beforehand. Some things I would have done much research on. This has been a very difficult surgery for me. I read all I could find about WLS and talked to alot of people, but alot of people think they will scare you off if they tell you the bad things that happened to them. Anyway.... thank you again!!! Pegi 283/140

Pegi, I'm a newbie and learning more about WLS now. I think all parts of the WLS experience should be shared within the community. If you don't know the good AND the bads, then that isn't very helpful! I'd love to hear your story! Congrats on your fabulous loss! (btw...I am "originally" from Lexington! :cool: