Question:
Our doctor does not start us on B12 until our labs reflect the need,

however--I have noticed a SIGNIFICANT energy decrease (in bed ASAP after dinner)over the last 3 weeks. This is in contrast to my previous full of energy self this surgery has afforded me. I will see him for my 6 month check up next week. Of course I will mention this then--but is it too presumptious of me to ask for blood testing prior to going to save time and get me energized sooner? I am not ordered bloodwork this visit. Also, do I need a prescription for the sublingual B12? Thanks gang--you always have the answers...    — Wannabe A. (posted on May 10, 2003)

May 10, 2003
If you are not taking B12 shots - you SHOULD ALREADY be taking the daily sublingual B12. And NO this is not a prescription; you can get the B12 at the store.
   — star .

May 10, 2003
Supposedly, we have a store of B12 in our bodies that is good for about 2 years. By the time it shows up short, it's often too late...the damage is done. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but it's incredibly irresponsible (not to mention dangerous) of your doc to tell you not to take B12. Twin Labs makes sublinguals available at any vitamin place, but if you have a Trader Joe's nearby, their's dissolves a lot faster. Please go get some. Again, I hope you don't take offense at the comment about your doc, but this is just so important.
   — Leslie F.

May 10, 2003
The B12 that I take is just like a vitamin. I get mine at KMart. I think you can get it anywhere that vitamins are sold. It just says B12 on the outside. I cut mine in half and take them in halves. I take one a day.
   — Kim L.

May 10, 2003
You can always make an appointment with your PCP to have bloodwork done, especially as a post-op. Just let them know how you feel and that you'd like to have yourself checked. Since my WLS surgeon is out of network, I go through my PCP for all of my blood tests.
   — Amy W.

May 10, 2003
B12 effects your neurological system. If it gets too low, it may be too late, you can get muscle neuropathy (droopy foot) and other neurological problems. Take at least 1 b12 sublinqual dot a week.
   — ~~Stacie~~

May 10, 2003
I usualloy get my labs done about a week ahead of my appts. Then I have a chance to review them before I see the doc. If he doesn't notice something, *I* already have. My PCP was also not in any big hurry to start the B12 shots, but *I* was. The ref numbers on the lab work are just that. Reference. They're not hard & fast and the "220" number for B12 might not be where *I* start to feel poorly. I started shots at 330, BEFORE I felt the shortage. It took me 6 yrs to get that far down. I've seen others deplete in 6 months--depends on where you were when you started. Again, I can't stres how important it is for you to keep copies of all your labs, pre-op til forever, and keep an eye on the patterns your own self. No one is as vested in your good health as you are. As everyone said, B12 subs are available OTC. The Rx for shots is even cheaper, even without insurance. The consequences are so very dire, and the fix so very easy & cheap.
   — vitalady

May 11, 2003
you can call your doctors office and have them fax an order to the lab. it could also be other stuff. Iron ect. my doc. gave me a lab slip to do 2 weeks before my next visit which is soon. I got them done, they all came out really good.Im in range on everything. it takes a while sometimes for the B12 to drop. Im 4 mos. out. Your doctor may want to wait till you see him. I dont' know how he/she is but a lot will order ahead so you don't have to come back again. I figure part of my wanting to go to bed after dinner is I'm working and more active.
   — Joan W.