Question:
I am two years pre-op, my b-12 levels are in normal range

My levels are normal but in the low normal range. My friend says her doctor said they should be about 1100 and mine is 347. can you tell me what my levels should be.    — DEBBIE B. (posted on June 4, 2005)

June 4, 2005
there are highs and lows in every test of any kind- how can they tell who is "normal"? someone has to be high and someone has to be low-are you taking your supplements? You probably have nothing to worry abut. I was sent all over town to figure out why I was "high normal" on some studies. The determination was- after everything- it wasnt too high- just "high normal". Someone has to be there- it was me and probably hundreds of others, too. Dont freak out, high normal is still "normal"
   — Janet H.

June 4, 2005
Ask your Doctor for a copy of your lab results everytime you have a blood test. These should reveal a trend of any or all vitamins and minerals and or your liver function if these are done. Don't hesitate to ask your Dr what they mean, and if you are still unhappy, you could ask for a second opinion by another Dr. Sometimes it can be disconcerting to follow the advice of another patient, because their outcomes and current health considerations could be quite different to yours. Your Dr will guid you.
   — Lise K.

June 5, 2005
Hi, interesting question actually. I am 3 years post op and my levels have all been great up till this time. I was recently worked up so that I could have another revision. however, I am first now low and require shots and oral FE. Apparently the liver is able to store the vit until it runs out 1-2-3 years later.
   — train

June 6, 2005
I like my levels up around 1000, also. My docs are happy if it's anywhere near 300 (clinically "fine"), but I live in this body and have to run it. I don't like to run it on fumes! Although they "say" we can live on "stores" for so many years, that is assuming that there WERE stores. My DIL at age 31 was B-def as a NORMIE,and had to reach 400 before her WLS. I'm encouraging her to hold a higher level. After all, she is the mom of my grandson, right? I just spoke to her (my original) support group on the value of labs and making a spread sheet that starts from pre-op til forever. You can make it by hand if you are not good on the computer. The docs appreciate it HUGELY (surprisingly) and it will help you monitor your own needs. You can SEE your iron, B12, vitamin, calcium levels as they ebb and flow according to what you are doing.
   — vitalady