One more issues to deal with

I had gone to the hematologist last Friday.  Evidently he sent my regular doctor the results of the blood work.  My doctor called me this morning and said my B-12 is too low!  This is BEFORE I have the surgery (Aug. 21 scheduled).  I have to go every week for the next 4 weeks and get a B-12 shot and then every month for the next 6 months!  I am wondering now, if I should be getting worried because B-12 is one of the things you have to watch closely after the surgery.  :)  I am thinking of going ahead and ordering the B-12 supplements that are suggested for the surgery patients and begin taking them now.  Would that be too much B-12 along with the shots?  Anyone else have this problem?

Thanks,

Vera-Ellen

I know nothing about B12 shots but I think you should check with your surgeon if you will still be qualified for surgery if you drop below a BMI of 40.  My friend could not drop below 40.  I could not drop below 35 (I am a diabetic).  Pax et bonem, Daisy

from what I understand, if you lose down to a lower BMI pre-op it won't disqualify you from surgery since your original bmi was high enough.  Insurance usually goes by your starting weight for qualifying.

I don't know what my levels were before surgery but I get both a B1 and B12 shot monthly since surgery and also take the sublingual every day. I don't think you can have too much, but you can deffinitely go low after surgery. My B1 was  a little low right after surgery but so far so good with the monthly shots. Hope this helps. =)

Thank you everyone for the support.  I called my regular doctor today and she said to start taking the sublingual B-12 under the tongue and let it melt.  That is along with the shots.  I see the hematologist on June 26th and I will see what he suggests. 

I was told that all I need to have is a BMI over 35 with the other problems I have, osteoarthritis in spine, type II diabetes, fibromyalgia, diegenerative disc disease and bone spurs on 2 bulging discs in my back.  The back surgeon will not replace the discs and put a spacer between the new discs until I lose the weight and maintain.  He said it would destroy the fused discs and spacer he will be putting in.  I have L4 and L5 issues that are very painful and hard to sit or stand or lay for very long.  I am always moving and attempting to find a more comfortable position.  Not being able to exercise except to swim or do yoga or physical therapy has caused weight issues, along with age and other health issues.  The surgery which is scheduled for Aug. 21 will definitely be a blessing.  Once I heal, lose the weight and have PT for the back this year, next year is back repair time!!

I appreciate all the concern whether I will have the surgery or not.  I am worried about the B-12 keeping me from having the surgery.  I am hoping with the shots and the pills, the hematologist releases me for surgery.  This has been a long and arduous journey, starting with stress test, heart cath, possible clotting issues because of lupus in family, pulmonologist, hematologist, next week vascular surgeon visit, then surgeon visit and question of vena cava - hopefully has been answered and will not be done!  The seminar was on February 24th, the nut, psych and another seminar was in March, the other doctors in April, the approval for surgery in May, more doctor visits in June and July, and finally surgery in August (21).  Every time another doctor calls me I am afraid that is one more reason the surgeon will not do the surgery, but so far, so good.  I know, everyone has their own story.  Just sharing mine.  I totally understand those people waiting for the day to be reborn.  I will live each day as it comes and pray that no more issues arise before my surgery.

Vera-Ellen