B12 question for all you vitamin experts!

I feel like every post has to start with the same preface: Hi, I'm Meghan, and I'm about halfway through my pre-op diet to qualify for gastric bypass. Now on to the question : Even as a pre-op, my bloodwork indicates that I am low in B12 (though not deficient). My PCP has ordered Animi 3 vitamins (which contain B12, among other things) and she also wants me to take a B12 supplement. However, when I got home, I checked my regular multivitamin label and it already has 100% of recommended daily B12. If I continue taking my regular multivitamin and add the Animi-3 vitamin, should I really add another B12 supplement? Perhaps I should do all three until the levels rise to normal? I figure  that if anyone understands B12, it's you guys!

You can take all 3 and not encounter a problem.  If your multivit was sufficient, you wouldn't be low now.  I would suggest getting sub-linual B12 supplements since that is what you will be using after surgery.  Many of us take 1000mcg a day....others only weekly.

Thanks, quiltz! Stupid me, I should have mentioned that I've only been taking my multivitamin for a couple of weeks, but I get your point! I'm going to take all three... I don't want to go INTO gastric bypass with a deficiency already! Thanks for your help!

 It has been said that if your body doesn't need the vitamin it will pass through your     urine............Good Luck to you!

Thank you! Now I'll be all revved up on B12 before surgery!

My doctor started me on monthly B12 shots after surgery.  However, I find if I go for longer than three weeks between shots that I become extremely fatigued.  My daily milti-vitamin has B12 in it, but it's my understanding that the portion of intenstines that processes the B12 into the blood stream is bypassed in those of us who have had r n y.  I know the sublingual dosage works for most people, but I find the shot works best for me.  I give my own shots at home so I don't need a doctors visit. 

I bet shots are in my future too, but I'll give the traditional delivery a chance first! Thanks for your help!

Mousie is right.  We don't absorb B12 at all, but you do.  Before surgery you can absorb B12 in whatever form because you still have the upper part of your intestine, and thats where it jumps into the bloodstream.  But to be safe maybe a sublingual.  Talk to your Doc about shots after surgery.  I take the shots and they work fast.   You can also boost it by food.  Dairy, meat, fish and eggs.  The very top of the food list is mollusks...clams and beef liver.  If  you like liver..... Anyway....hope this helps.

Charlie, That food list makes it abundantly clear why I'm already low... I don't eat ANY of those foods, save for the occasional serving of dairy in a smoothie! (well, aside from meat. A girl's gotta eat!) I appreciate your help!

Not to scare anyone but, "TAKE YOUR B-12 OR DIE!!!!"  If you are getting an RNY you must either get the B-12 shot or under the tongue.  No questions about it, do not screw up this one area!!  2 people have died (a quote from my surgeon) for lack of B-12.  A multi. won't do it.  Of all the areas to cut back or or to play around with, this is the one you want to do the least.  Sorry to shout it but this must be said.  Please get completly informed about what requirements you will need before you ever consider this surgery.  Talk to your surgeon.  Do the right thing.  Brian