Has anyone had to have B12 shots because they had issues?

I am 2 days from surgery and my mother tells me that I can't have the surgery because if the intestine bypasses the duodenum then I won't be able to absorb any B12 and will end up having to get shots for it. Is there anyone out there that is 6 mths post op or greater that can tell me if B12 absorption Has been an issue or not?<br /><br />
I think I have reassured her but now I'm wondering?

B12 absorption is an issue, which is why the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery says all RNY patients should take a B12 supplement.  They recommend either a sublingual that dissolves under the tongue or injections.  There is also a nasal spray that is effective.

I did not "end up" on B12 shots, but chose to use the shots because they are more convenient for me than the sublinguals and because I hated the taste of the sublinguals and they made me nauseous.  B12 shots are not a big deal if you choose to go that route, but you can use the sublinguals or nasal spray if you prefer.

I've taken b12 shots from the beginning because I PREFER them to the sublingual... 

but I've always like shots;) 

yes, I am aware this is weird. 

 

Your mother is correct that we cannot absorb ORAL B12, but she is NOT correct that you will require B12 injurious.  Some people do opt for weekly or monthly shots, but most people use very small sublingual B12 pills.  They melt very quickly under your tongue  (depending in brand) and, depending on the dosage of each pill, can be taken daily or weekly.  I get Twinlabs 5000mcg dots and take one weekly.  they cost about $12 for a bottle of 60, which is an entire year's worth!

Lora

Is that Available in Canada?

1 shot (1000 mcg), once per month.  No issues.

same here, 1 shot a month , i do it myself at home, no big deal

I had pernicious anaemia before RNY and do 2 x 2ml (2000mcg) shots per week.   Most RNY;ers would be fine on sublinguals but for some strange reason chose to do shots!

If you do the sublinguals properly and at the right dosage, there is no need for shots - so you were right to reassure your mother!

Thank you so much for the information. It has really helped. I called my mom and she feeling a lot better too.

After reading your post, suddenly I felt unsure of weight loss surgery even though it was the right thing for me.  I would have been  way more nervous if it had been one of my two daughters instead of me.  Glad you were able to reassure your mom.  Gotta love mothers.