Were you told of the importance of B-12?
I am a member of another WLS message board and I was shocked to see that almost all of the members over there were told to take vitamin B-12. Neither my surgeon or nutritionist ever told me to take this extra supplement. I'm taking a multi vitamin, but it looks like I should be taking the B-12 too. My B-12 level is taken during my routine labwork. I guess if I'm deficient, then they'll let me know to start it. But wouldn't it be too late at that point? I like to stay ahead of the game and prevent any problems. I mean, afterall its my life and my kids' futures we're risking!
Were you told to take it?
~Jessi
Due to the work I do, I tend to be very detail orientated and tend to want to control my destiny, so I do my blood work at my PCP. I do this so I ensure that I get a copy of the results.
This particular time there were two tests that were out of norm, but my surgeon stated that my tests looked great. What I didn't know was that did they really look great or that he did a quick read of them walking in the door and overlooked 2 items over a 100 (easy enough to do). I made a point of saying,what about these two items. We then had a very good discussion about that there wasn't any real concern at the moment, but if the traits persist in 6 months then action should be taken.
I firmly believe the more information you have, the better you can engage in meaningful dialogue with your physician.
Jessica,
If I were you, I'd get a copy of my blood work. Sometimes you will see a pattern before you hit the "abnormal" category. You might see declining B-12 levels (or iron,etc.) over the course of a few tests and your doctor may not say anything until it is out of the normal range. It's easier to be pro-active (up necessary supplements before you're out of normal range) than it is to be reactive (waiting until you get abnormal results and trying to play catch-up).
I personally get a copy of all labs and chart them on a spreadsheet so I can see the differences from test to test.
By the way, my labs are also done quarterly and the last time I went, my PCP said my labs were fine. Well, I got my copy in the mail the same day I got a letter from my surgeon (who had received a copy of my labs). My surgeon didn't think my labs were so good - he had my start taking iron and a B-complex. My "normal" labs such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, TSH, etc. were all within normal range, but the malabsorption specific ones like the BUN, B-12, FeSat, Iron, etc. - were either out of the normal range or borderline. My first labs at 3 months out were great, at 6 months there was a drastic change for the worse. I'm hoping that at 9 months I'll be back to normal.
Good Luck.
I had a list of supplements in my packet I got from my surgeon long before I had surgery! B12, magnesium, calcium, iron and so forth. I would go ahead and start some B12 (sublingual). I always get copies of my labs, and I have my PCP follow them. You are in charge of your health, so don't ever feel that you can't ask your regular doctor to check something you are concerned about. I really think most doctors do appreciate patients who are knowledgable about their own needs and particular health concerns.
Sue
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