B-12 question

I had surgery on Aug. 5th. Everything is going pretty well. I've noticed the last couple of days that I have difficulty getting up and around in the morning (I used to drink coffee but haven't since the surgery so not sure if this is part of it and I've been doing my fluids and protein like a pro). I've never been a morning person but I do want to know from you guys when you started your B-12 supplement post-op. I've got my follow up appt. scheduled for the 28th (over a couple of weeks) and I plan on getting my labs done to check everything. Is this when most people figure out if they need the B-12 supplement or did your doc just go ahead and start you on one right after surgery? I'm thinking I might go in to my PCP to do some lab work late next week so I can just be ahead of the game and send the results to my surgeon so we don't have to wait for any results by the time I meet with him. Sound wise?

Just start taking a sublingual B12 - you'll pee out what you don't need.

I think there is a misconception that every feeling of lethargy is down to B12 or vitamin D, but you just had SURGERY!  It's normal for you to be feeling tired at this point because of he anaesthesia, low food intake,  etc etc!   Your B12 at this point is probably pretty much what it was pre-op - it takes months or years to get a protein or vitamin/mineral deficiency - not a week or two!

I see so many posts where people say if they miss a day of some vitamin for one or two days, they feel bad - it's ridiculous to be honest, but if taking a supplement helps you "feel better" then do it - whatever works!!!!

 

Thanks for the info. I think my question was born out of admitted ignorance. I think I will wait for the labs as you say 'at this point is probably pretty much what it was pre-op'. I don't think it would necessarily make me 'feel better' unless it truly makes a person 'feel better' because they have a true deficiency and thus, I had a true deficiency. So, I'm down with that. Thanks again!

So you want to wait until you develop a deficiency to start taking B12?  You don't want to prevent a deficiency?  Since B12 deficiency can cause PERMANENT nerve damage, I think you might want to reconsider that plan.

I was shown how to inject myself with B-12 while still in the hospital and have given myself an injection every month since.  My test levels have always been normal - high in B12 content.

I am 5 weeks post op and feel terrific  I take 2 chewable childrens vitamins daily which covers all the bases.  I mix one third chocolate protien shake with two thirds coffee in the morning. Tastes good and is easy on my tummy. I too was a bit slow in the mornings for the first couple of weeks but it soon wore off  I got used to the lower calorie intake.  I find now that I have lost some weight, 25 pounds, I sleep better and wake up ore refreshed.

Good luck with your journey

 

kathy

KATHY-How old are you? Are you over 18? If so, then it is highly doubtful those "2 chewable children vitamins daily".."cover all the bases"...I, too, took children vitamins..and I also chewed Calcium CARBONATE--but--that was over 11 yrs ago, and my surgeon didn't know any better. When I learned better--from my peeps right here, on OH, I took the info to my surgeon-he was opened minded, did further research-and he CHANGED his protocals for his post ops (this was back before Nuts and big budget bariatric centers-at least around here)...

Also, at only 5 weeks out, I hope at least some of that coffee/chocolate if decaf-I drink my Click exactly the way you make your shakes, and Oscar (my grouch pouch), still gets angry sometimes--and he's over 11 YEARS old...just be careful...

Congrats on your loss-and MORE importantly-on feeling well!

Yea, I know you didn't ask my opinion on what you are taking/drinking, but that very rarely stops the concerned vet/nurse/mama in me from jumping forward. The older I get, the less filter I have. Just please know, it is only done out of caring...

Like everything else on the www-take what you want, and ignore the rest   :)

Gina  RNY 4/22/02  Below goal

Two children's vitamins don't cover all the bases.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery says all VSG patients should take an ADULT multivitamin AND 1500 mg calcium citrate daily.

I take four of  those chewable childrens vitamins every day (flintstones Sour gummies ) .. and a few chewable caltrate throughout the day ****ep them in my car to have them handy and remember to take em ) .  I also chew  chewable vitamin C pills .. which taste like candy lol 

When my body says " enough " though I let it take a few days' break ....

 

as far as B12 goes I did take a pill sublingually every few days post op .  Its a water soluble vitamin .. so the body throws out what U don't need in 24 hours .  

I am having surgery in 4 days and my surgical nutrition/instruction book says to start when I go home from the hospital. I take Sundown brand subling. b-12 in cherry, 6000mg, that is absolutely delightful. I hope it's as delightful after surgery when my tastebuds might be messed up.