Abnormal labs and not sure why?

I had labs done on 12/26 and went to myChart online to see the results.  Probably not a good idea for lab results to be available to the patient before reviewing them with the PCP, but they are, so I looked.  
In reading the results, my Vit B 12 is over 2000...really high. It was a normal in the previous results, but my surgeon started me on daily sublingual dose anyway.  That, I'm ok with...I know why it's high.  
But, my protein was low at 6.0...the low normal is 6.3.  So, since I get at least 90-100gm of protein each day, I am confused!  I eat protein, drink protein shakes and can't understand why it would be low?  
Also, my CK was low at

When do you follow up with your physician? That should be who you ask about your protein. What type of protein supplement are you using? That could be one of the reasons for your level to be low. Whey protein and eggs are great sources for us. However, collagen protein types are terrible for us.
Also by CK, are you referring to cardiac markers? I am not sure why they would test cardiac markers for you. Or is this something else?

I had surgery on 7-30-12 and my labs were off too. That's pretty normal. Not sure why your b-12 is so high, but protein doesn't surprise me much. Just get all you can for until they test you again...and call your doctor. It's pretty normal to have weird results the first time. I did too.

 

Janine

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone struggles with B12 after surgery ...   There''s a lot of misinformation given on this site about vitamins!   Clearly it's not necessary to be taking a sublingual every day - why not go to 5 x per week?    Note that too high B12 will give you very similar symptoms to too low - so its NOT desirable to be this high!

I would continue as you are doing with protein and see where you are in 3 months.  Trending is what is is important in your labs and your body has just undergone a major change.   Give it a chance to settle down - your absorption will get better and better ...   You are certainly not in any danger of malnutrition at this point!

You do need to make tweaks but there is NOTHING to worry about in these results - the next will be more telling ...

Thank you!  
I see my PCP on the 31st.  The protein that I'm using is Whey, it's one that my NUT recommended.  
Thanks, Kim...I just don't want anything to happen to my heart (a muscle) as a result of low protein.  You are a great source of information!  I'll try the cutting back on Vit B 12.  
My CK has run high in the past...I have cardiac issues.  I'm just not sure what the low value meant, if anything of importance.  I'm glad it's not still high.  
Again, thanks for quick responses.  
My laptop is not functioning, so I'm using my teenage daughter's...she is insisting that I stop playing and let her have her toy!  Kids!  :)  
Night! 

 

Some people tend to malabsorb protein permanently after RNY and need higher daily amounts in order to keep their lab values up.  Yours is not far from the "normal" range,, so I would not be terribly concerned unless this was a significant drop from our previous value.  If your previous protein value was much higher, though, you likely DO need more protein.  

Lora

No, this is not a significant drop.  I don't recall the exact value, but I do know that it isn't terribly different.  I've increased my protein intake and am thinking that I'll see what my next labs look like before I freak out. 
Funny how my focus on food has changed.  It used to be that I'd worry about what "junk foods" to cook, buy or eat next and now I'm focused on what protein and "good foods" to have.  I still think about food a lot...just differently.

I often get my lab results before I review them with my PCP.  I don't see a problem with that.

Your surgeon probably started you on B12 because we don't absorb B12 well at all after RNY.  How much are you currently taking daily?  The ASMBS recommends 350-500 mcg daily in a sublingual, but some people need more than that.  It's also possible, though less common, that someone people need less.  I would just cut back on the amount you're taking.

What was your albumin and pre-albumin?  Those are other labs that tell us about our protein intake and absorption.

My albumin is 3.7 with the normal range being 3.2-5.4
No pre albumin shown.  
My dose of B12 is 1000 mcg daily?  I believe that's the dose...I'll have to check the bottle when my husband wakes up.  He works nights and I've been in the room too many times already...:)  
I'm pretty sure it's either 1000 or 2500mcg, which would be WAY too much according to what you've listed.  It's what my surgeon recommended.
I wish I had gotten on this site LONG before my surgery.  Surgeons and clinics should require this site for potential patients. It wouldn't have changed my decision, but I think I would be better prepared for some of these issues.  
I've done lots of searches since being told about "search" on this site.  Very helpful!  As are you who've had WLS for some time.  You have no idea how grateful some of us are.  
 

I learned that I needed 120-150 gr of proteins daily to maintain normal levels. Even 4+ years post op.