Question:
I'm B12 deficient...am I facing a lifetime of injections?

Im almost 12 months postop and recent bloodwork shows I'm deficient in vitamin B12. My family doctor isnt familiar with postops but thinks I may need to take vitamin B12 shots once a month for the rest of my life since my stomach can no longer process it. I havent had a chance to talk to my surgeon so I was hoping to hear from others facing this situation. Are there any other postops who successfully brought their B12 levels back to normal with use of supplements, either sublingually or pill form?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 23, 2000)

August 23, 2000
Hi There, I am two years since surgery, and down 230lbs. and I started taking B12 on my own right after 6 mo. I have never been defficent, so I know that the pills do help my counts have always been fine. Linda
   — Linda H.

August 23, 2000
My levels were last in the high/normal range and I take a 2000 mg sublingual B-12 every day. Give it a try!
   — Marjie W.

August 23, 2000
I found out after my 3 month follow up that I needed B12 and iron supplementation (proximal RNY). My surgeon said that most of his patients resond well to oral supplements and that only a few need injections. I'll find out in 2 weeks if the B12 that I've been taking orally is helping.
   — Kellie L.

August 23, 2000
My B-12 levels showed a little below normal about six months post-op, so I started taking 1000mg sublingual b-12 daily. After three months, I re-tested and my levels were back up to normal. I know some people respond to the oral b-12, and some people need shots.
   — Lynn K.

August 23, 2000
I am 6 yrs post-op, my husband is 5 yrs. We have never needed B12, though our levels are lower than pre-op, of course. I asked our doc why and he believes it is the high level of protein supplements we take. We never get very low in B12 or any other elements, but correct with supplementation immediately.
   — vitalady

August 24, 2000
I have to have a B-12 shot once a week. I am 1 yr. post op, and between the 3rd and 6th months I lost A LOT of hair. Thanks to the B-12 shots my hair is growing back at a fast rate and I have lots of energy. I highly recommend getting the shots. If you take it orally, such as by pills or drinking a supplement it does not stay in your system long enough to do you any good. Good Luck!! Linda F. [email protected] Beginning weight 298 Todays weight 188
   — Linda F.

October 5, 2000
I'm six months post-op and starting getting B12 shots 2 months ago. My B12 level was extremely low. The shots have really helped with my energy level. Starting this month I'm going to be giving myself the shots so I don't have to keep going to the doctor every month. Hope it works out for you.
   — Cathy S.