Question:
B-12 Pills vs B-12 Shots>>> Which one would beneficial ?

I will be 12 months post op June 12 and my lab work results showed that my Iron and B-12 levels were very low. My doctor wants me to take 1000mcg per day of B-12. I am also taking the Iron, 2 vitamin c, and multi-vitamin daily. I hate taking pills especially large ones. I was wondering about the B-12 shots. I am going to call my doctor and ask about shot. I would like to know what the pros and cons of taking the shots are from you all.    — Nita R. (posted on June 1, 2003)

June 1, 2003
B12 can be taken sub-lingually (under the tongue). There are B12 'dots' that are about the size of the head of a pin. You just put it under your tongue and let it dissolve. The ones I take are 500 mcg.
   — garw

June 1, 2003
I'm doing Gar is doing. Sub-lingual B-12 dots under the tongue. Tasteless!
   — Ginger M.

June 1, 2003
My surgeon recommends sublingual B12 once a week for prevention purposes but I do know that several of his patients get shots once a month because their levels were low. I have just started taking the shots because my insurance company will pay for it and won't pay for the sublingual. I am 18 months post-op and have never taken any at all and my levels are good. But, my surgeon has now put all his patients on B12 whether we are low or not so I get the shot. Ask your doctor.
   — Patty_Butler

June 1, 2003
I used to take the sublingual B12 "dots" that the previous posts spoke of. I thought they were okay but I take so many vitamins orally now anyway I thought I would look into the injections as well. I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!!! I get them once a month and like a previous post stated, insurance pays for the injections and not the pills. It was definately the way to go for me. I was worried about them being painful but honestly I can never even feel the needle. A piece of cake! I just mark my calendar each month about the time I should have them and "VOILA!" I think you should at least give it a try. It won't be as bad as you think. Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

June 1, 2003
If your getting monthly B 12 shots get labs drawn right before you get your shot. B 12 isnt stored well in the body and getting tested right after shot like within a couple weeks can give you faulty measurement. Jen is on twice a month this was discovered by accident.
   — bob-haller

June 1, 2003
Hi AMOS Friends! Our last support meeting was on the B-12 shots virus the pills. We had a pharmacist there to speak and he thought the shot was the most benifical way to go. Many who were on the pills had to go to the shots, eventually. My DR has all her patients on the shots. So easy! My insurance pays for shots and it's painless. By the way..... This pharmacist says so many WLS patients take to many vits/and or pills, that do not get used by the body. Iron being the most common. Unless, your iron is low, there is no need to take them. A woman brought 6 different kinds of vits/supplements and he said to throw them all away! Just take prescription medication by the Dr and your chewable vit and calcium pill. The others are a waste of time and filling your pouch and doing you no good! Thought I would pass that tid bit along. Lap RNY......2/11/03.....-65 pounds and loving my new healthy lifestyle! 35 pounds to goal. God Bless!
   — Hazel S.

June 1, 2003
I'm a shot person, myself. Swallow pills are useless for B12, so it's sublinguals or shots. I know I won't DO subs, so shots it is. Cheaper, anyway. I do them myself. What kind of iron are you doing? With vit C, not with anyother vites or minerals, right? And I did not see the 2000mg+ of calcium citrate listed. Can I assume you just do them separately?
   — vitalady

June 1, 2003
I started with the dots.. and while they may be tasteless I found the texture of the dissolving thing kind of nasty. Anyway, at my doctors recommendation I started up on the shots. Its quick, relatively painless and easier than having to remember yet another pill. Plus for me the shots are free (covered by insurance) whereas the expensive bottles of dots are out of pocket.
   — Anne R.