PLEASE Learn from my mistake.

I would never flame anyone for telling their story in hopes of helping others! Thank you for your honesty! I realize it expensive and can sometimes be a pain to rememeber when to take what, but its so very very important! I hope that you are able to get those levels up and that you get to feeling better!

Hi, I am so sorry to hear what has happened to you,. but I can totally relate to the vitamin and supplement issues.. I just got tired fo them but recenlty I have come to realize I really do feel and do better taking them.. thankfully my issues have not become severe so hopefull I can get back on track .. thanks for be a motivating factor in mine and others *****ad your posting..
Donna

Thank you Jillyyaya for your posting!

It took allot of courage to post about your journey. So often we only see "positive success posts". I know I am like an alcoholic and will always be in recovery. I am out 19 months from my lap-band surgery and am losing at a slow rate; 80 pounds to date. I am purposely taking it slow and hoping that all the changes I have made are becoming a permanent part of my life. I still have another 47 pounds to lose, but your post has been very helpful to me personally. Thank you again.

Diana

Wow reading your post was like deja-vu for me! I am so sorry you are feeling so badly...
I did take vites, not enough calcium or B12 and the dr. just kept upping my iron but nothing seemed to work.... I had almost all the same symptoms you described and at the time I ended up having to quit medical transcription school because I could not process or retain the information to save my soul! My husband and I took a dancing class at the local high school and I couldn't do it... mentally but I also couldn't get my breath I was breathing so shallow... One day at work my whole right side went numb and after a zillion tests and possible MS, Lupus.... no conclusions..... Finally a lady who runs a natural food store near my home said "girl you need to see a hematologist today!!!" So I did and within 30 minutes they had me hooked me up to an iv and I had to go back every single day for two weeks, then tapered over time - now I'm once every 3 mos. with b12 shots and I am religious about my vites now.  Please know that you WILL feel better but it will take some time and diligence to get there.... be well, Lisa

I am a WLS grad and taking my vits.  However, before the surgery I had the symptoms you have (Only I became wheel chair bound, lost my vision, lost my short term memory, couldn't think some days) It came on gradual, over a few years.  Had all the tests you have had.  My blood levels were all way below where they should have been.  I finally got tested for Heavy Metal toxicity.  Mercury  level was off the charts.   How? Why? never worked in a factory or even lived near one.  I did have 16 metal fillings.  Long story short, had the fillings removed, was chelated (mercury medically removed) all my levels are restored to normal.  I do have some short term memory issue that will never  leave, my vision is still off and I now need glasses, I still struggle to get out the right word occassionally.   While it could be you stopped taking your vits, just ask the doc to order a urine heavy metal test to rule it out.  No need to waste time trying to reverse damage if not taking the vitis is not the only issue.  Can't hurt.  It saved my life!  Your body and metabolims has changed. How your body handled thing prior is not the same now.  It is a easy urine test  to rule it out.  Also thanks for the nudge to continue to take my vits.  I realize the importance of them, but it always helps to be reminded of why.

What is really scary is that you can have the same symptoms if you have too much B6!  I figured that B vitamins were the safe ones.  However, B6 can be toxic and can cause all the symptoms you describe.  Little did I realize the actual amount of B6 I was ingesting between my vitamins, shakes, bars and B complex supplement was 3 times the RDA! 

Be sure that when you have your labs done, to have a B6 also.  My doc did one but never told me I needed to reduce the amount of B6 since it was high last May.  After undergoing tests for ALS and MS, I find out it was B6 and I should have been told last MAY!    We are definately going to have a discussion about that. 

And just because you take your supplements as you should, doesn't mean your levels will stay where they are supposed to.  SEE YOUR DOC and HAVE LABS DONE at least every year.

Thanks so much for sharing your story.  It takes alot of courage and love for others to be so honest.  I am 15 months out, and already starting to slack on the vitamin department.  Your post really made me stop and think about how important it is to stick to the long term dedication this surgery requires.  I truely do hope you get well soon, and I will be weller because of your kind heart.  God Bless, and  best best wishes to you!

Hi Jilly,

I'm so sorry that you are enduring this and I hope that you will be on the mend soon. Thank you for your though provoking post. 

I'll be sure to be more vigilent about my own suppliment regimen.

Thank you,

Barb

I have been so bad with this lately.  Honestly, the last time I took any vitamins, I was pregnant  with my son, and he was born last Oct. 1st.  So, it's been like a year since I've really taken care of myself supplement wise.  And, lately, I've been having some issues too.  Joint and muscle pain being the main issue, along with weakness, constant fatigue, and constipation.  I also stopped going to my follow up visits with my surgeon, so I haven't had any labs drawn or met with a nutritionist in about 2 years.  On my 3 year surgiversary, I made an appt. to visit my surgeon, and the appt is this coming Wednesday.  Hopefully I can get a complete work up done, and all will be well.  At least maybe then, I'll be able to get back on the right track in all areas.  Thanks for the post.  I feel enlightened.

I want to be a GRAD! I am only 6 1/2 months out but lurk this board to learn and become a successful grad.  I literally got off the couch (broke my foot yesterday) and took the iron I havent taken in weeks.  I take everything else but the iron constipates me.   I even put a post it on my mirror to remind me to take my vitamins.  Thanks for the post!  It helped at least one person!