FYI - normal lab values

It's always a good idea to get a copy of the lab report when you have labs done. Doctors will sometimes tell you your labs are good when they really aren't, plus if you see the numbers yourself you can track trends. Like if you get your iron tested today and it's still in the normal range but it's dropped a lot since you had labs done three months ago, you'd want to start taking more iron. Docs usually will not tell you if it's dropped, just that it's normal now.

I have a spreadsheet I use to track my results.  I’d be happy to send anyone a copy if you want.  Pam has one on her blog you can download too.  Andrea sells a lab tracker workbook that includes all kinds of interesting info about labs and also has places to track your results.  Of course you can devise your own system, as well.

So look at your lab report. They are really easy to read and you don't need any special medical knowledge to read them. Your lab report will list the normal ranges and on mine, if something is high or low, they have it in bold type and put a big H or L next to it so it's easy to spot.

The normal values they list will all be accurate except two. You want to pay close attention to those two.

It will say something like 211-911 for B12 and you really want your B12 to be about 900-1000, but it's OK up to 2000. Below 550, people get symptoms like depression and fatigue. Below 400, people get permanent nerve damage in their hands and feet. I have no clue why they list it normal below that.

It will say something like 30-80 for vitamin D but you really want your D about 80-100.  Lower than that, we are at increased risk for things like osteoporosis, heart disease and some cancers.

Most other things, like iron and ferritin and protein, etc, you want near the top of the normal range.

Your PTH, you'd rather have near the bottom of the normal range.

This is all true for all people, not just those that had RNY.

 Kelly,
I would like to have a copy of your spreadsheet.  I developed one myself but have trouble logging since I have different labs done occasionally.  I enter the ones I get and then get lost and screw up the info.  
Will you post it or I can send you my email address.  Don't know how to do that privately either.  I am computer challenged!
Thanks,
Karen

Kelly I would like a copy of your Spreadsheet.

Thanks Amber

I need your email address to send it to you.

 May I please have a copy of your spreadsheet for vitamin levels.  My surgery is May 13th and I am interested in anything that will help me keep track of my health and doing the best i can with weight loss.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Cheri

Kelly, I'd love to have a copy of your spreadhsheet as well.

I need an email address to send it to.

Thanks for the info Kelly.  I did receive your copy of the spreadsheet you sent me, now I'm just waiting for the rest of my labs to come back to see where I land.

Thanks again,
Kate

HI KELLY, WILL YOU PLEASE SEND ME A COPY OF THE SPREADSHEET AS WELL? THANK
YOU.  JOY [email protected]