Xpost from Grad board- Its NO joke folks...

Hi everyone, Just wanted to share with everyone! I know that many are new and a few of us are considered grads, as well! I hope this helps keep you on track or puts you BACK on track! Hugz Dawn Post Date: 4/8/08 10:23 pm
VITAMINS - FOR LIFE!!! Does everyone hear this???? VITAMINS FOR LIFE!!!

I work in an Occupational Health Clinic but I have several patients who are WLSers (mostly RNY because that's what's available in our area). Anyway... I was doing a routine physical on one of these patients today - she's about 19 months post-op. She has been having some problems for a few months but has been afraid to see the surgeon because she hasn't taken ANY vitamins for about 9 months (and prior to that it wa**** and miss) and doesn't want to get lectured. She's been getting tingling and weakness in her hands and feet and she can't concentrate. She bursts into tears for no reason at all (which she did during the exam) and it seems to be getting worse.

So... as I'm doing her exam - she starts to get slurred speech and her neurological status starts to deteriorate quickly - can't remember where she is or what year it is. I call 911 and they whisk her off to the ER. I thought she was having a stroke!

The diagnosis - SEVERE MALNUTRITION AND B1 DEFICIENCY!

She will be hospitalized for quite a while to TRY to correct this problem, but I don't know if she will ever be the same.

THIS CAN BE AVOIDED IF YOU TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!!!!!

YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THIS! You could have the most balanced diet on earth, but you still can't absorb the vits that you need from your food so supplementation is necessary for life - I don't care how good your 3, 6, or 12 month labs look...if you stop taking the vits - you WILL develop deficiencies and you may suffer potentially irreversible complications - including death.

OK - I'll grudgingly step down off my soap box now. But have I made my point????!!!

Bekah  Please feel free to take a look at this post! A lot of responses with some f the same results as well as alot of input about vitamins and regimens! Hugz agin, Dawn

Dawn,  I know that it is essentual since someone I know ( not an OH'r)didn't take there's and ended up in the hospital, with severe malnutrition- 3 times! She then had anorexic tendancys.Hopefully, she is getting it under control now~~~ But she has had a horrible journey- one which SHE COULD HAVE AVOIDED! So, please everyone DO TAKE YOUR VITAMENS AND CALCIUM! ((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) Ellen

Dawn  At my all day Nutrition class Tuesday Ruth Ann was telling us a very similar story.  About our B vitamins and I think she said a lack of Thiamin will do the same thing also.   Maybe Shanna can confirm on the Thiamin.  She also said people taking the sub lingual (sp?) b-12 aren't garenteed its really getting into your system because if you don't let it totally disolve then you aren't getting the B 12 you need. I didn't know really the seriousness about vitamins until this class.  Once you have the surgery our bodies can't absorb some of the vitamins through foods. Because of this we have to take vitamins/ shots. 

Thanks for bringing this up its a very serious matter

Robin

Yes...Ruthanne couldn't stress that enough. Vitamin defficiency very very bad....Must take vitamins!

Thanks Dawn!! I do remember I signed a "contract" with my Dr that I realized I HAD to take vitamins for life.. it helps to be reminded..Every morning I get up takem my vitamins and come to the computer to wake up.. Get into a habit and stick with it.. Linda Kay 3 years out on April 26th

I work in Vocational Rehabilitation. I remember seeing a woman who came in because she was in a wheelchair. She had had a severe B12 deficiency. It was not from WLS, but still it was evidence to me of what could happen if you are not getting complete vitamins.

Thanks Dawn for posting this.  It is a good reminder for us all.  I do take my vitamins faithfully and my B1 & B12 and Biotin.  I do need to work on the calcium.  I did try the ones that were sitting out at the clothing exchange and I think I could tolerate those but I dont remember the name of them or how to get them.  Do you know?

Jenny.....Those are from bariatriceating.com and are Baraitric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenges....avaliable in four flavors.......Hope this helps!!!!!

Sorry.......  bariatriceating.com Forgot the "c"

Jenny...Geez...it was there....Ok, on that note, I think I am going back to bed!!!!!!