I had a friend who had wls, and to be honest, I have considered it as well.
One of the things that my friend told me about what the inability to absorb the needed b12, and that she would get b12 shots from her doctor.
I want to increase my b12 to help me with the fatigue and stress I have been experiencing. However, I have read that sub-lingual b12 isn't absorbed so well, and that the only way to get b12 adequately is through the shot.
Does anyone on here need b12 supplements in their diet, and if so, have they tried any forms that are available over the counter? Or is that not yet a possibility with this vitamin?
Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the terminal ileum, but needs to bind Intrinsic Factor -- secreted by the parietal cells of the gastric fundus and body to be absorbed. It is because of the lack of intrinsic factor that people after gastric bypass, and those with an autoimmune disease of the stomach -- atrophic gastritis -- can't absorb ingested B12.
Assuming you don't have any reason to have problems absorbing B12 (ie: you've got your parietal cells and terminal ileum) it's reasonable to start with oral B12 supplements. Give it a few months, and if you're concerned, you can have your doc check your hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels, and he or she can let you know if you would be better off with the injected form. Keep in mind, though, that if your body's B12 stores are full you're just going to pee out any extra anyway whether its injected or ingested.
Is it true that the pill form of b12 isnt absorbed into the body as quickly as the injection form? I mainly want to use b12 for increased energy. do you automatically feel the effects in the pill form of b12?
Let's make this easier. i'm assuming that your friend had a gastric bypass, and she DOES absorb SOME B12, but it's probably not enough - decreased intrinsic factor as well as decreased area for absorption.
Most docs start us out on B12 supplements, but some people DO INDEED need the shots. I found a Solgar B12 [1000 mcg] that's in tiny pinkish tablets that i put under my tongue and let them melt.
I take 2 of these [or so] about every week. and everything's been fine. for awhile, i'd get a bottle a couple of times a year, and go through it, and then start again in a few months. my doc reported that my levels were high [annual blood work] and after he heard what i'd been doing, he was OK with it [provided i gave them a rest for awhile].
I think this couple of pills a week is working better.
Thank you. I suppose I should have written my post differently, sorry for the confusion. I had always heard that taking the pill form of b12 doesn't give the same effect as the shot version, and I just wanted to make sure that if I do buy the pill form, that it will be effective.
Have you had a b12 test? Taking B12 won't make any difference if you aren't low.
I take a multivitamin that includes B12 and I've had my B12 levels tested by my doctor as well. One thing you can do is go for a general physical, ask your doc about getting your b12 levels checked and they should be able to run a simple blood test.
Have you had a b12 test? Taking B12 won't make any difference if you aren't low.
I take a multivitamin that includes B12 and I've had my B12 levels tested by my doctor as well. One thing you can do is go for a general physical, ask your doc about getting your b12 levels checked and they should be able to run a simple blood test.
thank you. I have had my blood work done, but no mention of low b12. I was under the impression that if I took b12, it would help with my low energy (side effect of the excess weight).
I am going to have to research b12 more, I can see.
thank you. I have had my blood work done, but no mention of low b12. I was under the impression that if I took b12, it would help with my low energy (side effect of the excess weight).
I am going to have to research b12 more, I can see.
B12 supplements will help your low energy if it's due to B12-deficiency anemia (aka megaloblastic anemia) but won't give you a sudden jolt of energy like amphetamine or anything. There are some whole claim it does provide a sudden burst (Margaret Thatcher comes to mind), but this is probably just placebo effect mixed with some pain/panic-induced exhilaration in receiving an injection. Might as well just inject yourself with some saline.
If you've had your bloodwork done, assuming your hemoglobin was checked, it's unlikely you have B12-deficiency anemia. If you were anemic, your doctor could have a look at another index on the CBC called the MCV to assess the cause for your anemia. If he or she had no problems with your MCV/Hgb, you don't have anemia, B12-deficiency or otherwise.
If you're still concerned about your overall B12 stores, you'll need to request this as it's not a part of routine bloodwork, and is usually only ordered to investigate anemia or certain neurological changes.
just to add - it's one of the annual tests that MUST be done for folks who've had gastric bypass [in particular], and can help folks who've had other forms of WLS.
I have lupus and a lot of random deficiencies so it may be that or a placebo effect... but I keep a bottle of liquid B-12 in my purse and take a dropper full when I hit the 3 o'clock slump. It makes a huge difference to me.
ETA: when I was first diagnosed I went in a few times for shots and they were AMAZING. I need to find a doctor here that'll do it for me. The one on base doesn't think it's medically neccessary and told me no .
shelflife has a point - that without signs of anemia, it's hard to document a B12 deficiency. BUT, one of the key strategies to deal with WLS is to head deficiencies off before we develop signs and symptoms. for that reason, if our B12 levels [or other levels] are dropping, someone needs to pay attention. it took about a year before my liver stores of B12 were gone, and it was time for the supplements.
but docs expect that and we have to be on our toes to remind them..
i know several people who've done the B12 shots/supplements for extra energy, but i have no idea if it REALLY works or these folks were just having a placebo moment.
What about Vitamin B-12?
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