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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
    Said "Thanks" 24 Times
    Was Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    HI there, my sleeve surgery was 5+ months ago, I had been religiously taking 1000 mg of B12 every day, along with multivitamin 2X day, Iron, Vitamin D and Calcium. I found out this week that I have a vitamin B12 deficiency the dr said that my stomach wasn't absorbing the B12 (my levels were 37). So, she started me on injections right away and will follow up every 2 weeks. And now she said, not to bother swallowing the B12 pills - they are not absorbing, the injections will do the trick. So, my question is what other vitamin is said to "not absorb" - will I have issues with vitamin D and Iron now? Anyone else have experience with B12 deficiency and what was the outcome? Thanks in Advance!



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  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Marsh17's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    03/27/2018
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Last Activity
    08-27-2018 04:08 AM
    Location
    H-TOWN
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 24 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    You may want to check out a product called NASCOBAL. My doctors have prescribed it. To my knowledge it is the only prescription FDA approved b12 nasal spray. I checked this week and it is covered under my United Health Care drug formulary at $35. With no insurance one pharmacy was charging $400. The spray by passes the GI track and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. From what I have read there are many vitamins that do not "survive" the stomach acids for absorption. My surgery it not until the 27th so I am not currently taking the NASCOBAL. When I do begin I will report back.

    My husband and I have also started taking a product called 8Greens which is loaded with the B vitamins. It is a tablet that you dissolve in water. We just began this week so far so good for energy.

    On the Vitamin D3 there are liquids that are available. The one I plan on taking is SOURCE NATURALS Vitamin D-3. I subscribe to an Independent Laboratory that independently checks vitamins to make sure what is on the label is in the product and this one meets that standard. As always be sure to check with your doctor before taking anything new. These might be worth a discussion. Best of luck to you!

  4. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
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    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
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    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    The specific vitamins / minerals that "don't absorb" vary a lot person to person -- and many people have zero issues with absorbency / deficiencies post-op. You're just one of those for whom your smaller stomach's production of "intrinsic factor" either isn't sufficient to bind to B12 or it simply doesn't bind to B12 to make it absorbable by the body.

    The good news is that you found out early on. BTW, this is just one example re why we ALL need to have ongoing blood tests after WLS. One person's experience does not predict another person's experience. Our bodies are not all the same!

    BTW, the absorption of B12 (as far as I know) isn't related one way or another to any other nutrients that our bodies need. In fact, the B12 absorption mechanism is very specific to B12 -- that stomach-produced "intrinsic factor" dealio. You can google these terms and learn more about it.

    Best to you!



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

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  5. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member DHB's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Dale
    Surgery date
    11/14/2017
    Surgeon
    Kathrine Lamond
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Last Activity
    03-18-2019 09:24 AM
    Location
    Chevy Chase, MD
    Posts
    460
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 141 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Yes, my PCP warned me that I will have to watch for B-12 issues because people with my heritage (Scandinavian/N European) have a higher risk of not absorbing B-12 well, especially after being sleeved. Ann2 is right. It's particular to the person and to this vitamin. Good to catch it early.


    Beginning weight: 265
    Weight at surgery: 255
    M1: 240 (-15)
    M2: 232(-8)
    M3: 227 (-5)
    M4: 221 (-6)
    M5: 215 (-6)
    M6: 210 (-5)

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  7. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Stacey03's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Edie
    Surgery date
    11/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Phil lockie
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    04-27-2019 09:56 AM
    Location
    Australia
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    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Quote Originally Posted by DHB View Post
    Yes, my PCP warned me that I will have to watch for B-12 issues because people with my heritage (Scandinavian/N European) have a higher risk of not absorbing B-12 well, especially after being sleeved. Ann2 is right. It's particular to the person and to this vitamin. Good to catch it early.
    Oh, I didn't know that, maybe it's the scandi in us! I had a course of B12 every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and now I have it every month. I also had ferrinject iron infusions because I just have a susceptability to anaemia and shamoz. Gawd, I reckon it helped a lot :-)


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  9. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Juanita62's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/10/2018
    Surgeon
    Stephen Archer
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Last Activity
    08-31-2020 09:46 AM
    Location
    Bend, Oregon
    Posts
    132
    Said "Thanks" 134 Times
    Was Thanked 92 Times in 68 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 156 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    I recently found out that I have a genetic mutation called mthfr. It has something to do with the absorption of folate acid and vitamin b12. You can google it, but I have to take methylated B12 and folate acid. I wonder if that could be your problem. It's actually a very common mutation.



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  11. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
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    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Quote Originally Posted by Juanita62 View Post
    I recently found out that I have a genetic mutation called mthfr.
    Juanita, I just had to google MTHFR because, well, I just had to.

    And it really is a deal, and it really is called MTHFR.

    Who knew!



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  13. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Juanita62's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/10/2018
    Surgeon
    Stephen Archer
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Last Activity
    08-31-2020 09:46 AM
    Location
    Bend, Oregon
    Posts
    132
    Said "Thanks" 134 Times
    Was Thanked 92 Times in 68 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 156 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    LOL....I know, right!?! I haven't had my surgery yet, but I've been discussing it with my nutritionist because I'm worried about the possibility of a deficiency.



  14. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
    Said "Thanks" 24 Times
    Was Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Thanks all for the responses! it sure does help!!

    Kind Regards



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  16. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member DHB's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Dale
    Surgery date
    11/14/2017
    Surgeon
    Kathrine Lamond
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Last Activity
    03-18-2019 09:24 AM
    Location
    Chevy Chase, MD
    Posts
    460
    Said "Thanks" 615 Times
    Was Thanked 416 Times in 264 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 141 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Quote Originally Posted by Juanita62 View Post
    I recently found out that I have a genetic mutation called mthfr. It has something to do with the absorption of folate acid and vitamin b12. You can google it, but I have to take methylated B12 and folate acid. I wonder if that could be your problem. It's actually a very common mutation.
    You realize that this may be the first time someone knew something that Ann2 hadn't already researched? Congratulations!


    Beginning weight: 265
    Weight at surgery: 255
    M1: 240 (-15)
    M2: 232(-8)
    M3: 227 (-5)
    M4: 221 (-6)
    M5: 215 (-6)
    M6: 210 (-5)

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  18. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Quote Originally Posted by DHB View Post
    You realize that this may be the first time someone knew something that Ann2 hadn't already researched? Congratulations!
    Oh, there is so much I have not researched and universes of things I have no idea what I don't even know!

    But give it a semi-dirty name, and I'm on it like a chicken on a June bug.




    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  20. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member DHB's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Dale
    Surgery date
    11/14/2017
    Surgeon
    Kathrine Lamond
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Last Activity
    03-18-2019 09:24 AM
    Location
    Chevy Chase, MD
    Posts
    460
    Said "Thanks" 615 Times
    Was Thanked 416 Times in 264 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 141 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    Quote Originally Posted by Ann2 View Post
    Oh, there is so much I have not researched and universes of things I have no idea what I don't even know!

    But give it a semi-dirty name, and I'm on it like a chicken on a June bug.

    One of my sons works for a biotech. He's always laughing about the researchers who come up with some discovery and want to use initials to name it, completely oblivious to what those letters stand for in the rest of the world.


    Beginning weight: 265
    Weight at surgery: 255
    M1: 240 (-15)
    M2: 232(-8)
    M3: 227 (-5)
    M4: 221 (-6)
    M5: 215 (-6)
    M6: 210 (-5)

  21. Said thanks:


  22. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Juanita62's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/10/2018
    Surgeon
    Stephen Archer
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Last Activity
    08-31-2020 09:46 AM
    Location
    Bend, Oregon
    Posts
    132
    Said "Thanks" 134 Times
    Was Thanked 92 Times in 68 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 156 Times

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    LOL....so funny! I went there as well, Ann. I even call it my mthfr'ing mutation



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  24. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
    Said "Thanks" 5,839 Times
    Was Thanked 5,052 Times in 2,720 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 3,616 Times
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    That made me laugh, Juanita. LOL!



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

  25. Said thanks:


  26. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Last Activity
    09-12-2019 04:13 PM
    Posts
    5,169
    Said "Thanks" 978 Times
    Was Thanked 2,940 Times in 2,192 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,465 Times
    Blog Entries
    97

    Default Re: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    The vitamins most at risk for deficiency post sleeve are B12, calcium, thiamin, and iron. Bypass has the same but also folate and vitamin D.



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