[terahkuy]

I've been feeling fairly decent so I was a little irritated at the results of my appointment. I've lost five pounds this month, which is way under the norm. The doctor says that I'm still not drinking close to enough water and need to keep pushing it. I'm also still not getting enough protein in and she wants me to try to drink more of the protein shake in the mornings. I have a stubborn 2 1/2 pounds that are keeping me from my first fifty pounds lost!!! I could scream!

I have been doing fairly decent on keeping up with my vitamins and have been taking supplemental B-1 due to a low lab result last month. At the end of my appointment, I talked to her about having difficulty concentrating so she looked up my lab results again. I also mentioned that my arms and legs tend to fall asleep quickly. When she checked my B-1 level on the labs she said it wasn't just low but very low and she was very concerned that with having been taking the supplement I was still having symptoms.

So the next step is to give myself B-1 shots three times a day over ten days. I'm not looking forward to it at all!! I looked it up: "Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, helps fuel your body by converting blood sugar into energy. It keeps your mucous membranes healthy and is essential for nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular function." It was interesting to find out that this could be a reason behind my low energy levels (which is why I haven't been to the gym yet, which is why I probably lost only 5 lbs.). I'm also glad to know that there's a reason that I have felt like I couldn't focus or think straight.

Anyway, the doctor is very insistent that I get this under control right away before there is any permanent nerve damage. My next check-up will be specifically for the B-1 issue and will be in two weeks. I don't mind having a bunch of shots, but giving them to myself is another story. This will be an adventure!!

[BreeChick]

Take a look online at MedLine and do a search for gastric bypass and thiamine deficiency. This is one I'm adamant about taking as it can be an early out issue! Very serious too as you are finding out.

I won't even go into all the symptoms or anything...because you can look that up on medline, medscape..all those sites. Its actually kind of interesting.

One thing for EVERYONE to be aware of ..thiamine is NOT one that is included in the blood panels unless you ASK for it specifically. Normally thiamine deficiency is not checked for unless you have a history of --chronic alcoholism---

As you stated from your doc..it can cause permanent nerve damage and other issues. Look it up..it is ONE supplement you have GOT to take quite a bit of OR if you have a doc that is totally on top of it do the shots!

[DocSanae]

Ouch. Sorry to hear.
Look at it this way.
At least, it's not for the rest of your life, it's for 10 days.
If you had kept your weight, likely you would have had to do insulin self injections 3-4 times daily for the rest of your life. 3 times for 10 days probably is infinitely better than that.
Hope your B1 level comes up to speed.
(((HUGS)))

[luckylocke]

Wow, you have scared me! My doc says I am not getting enough protein or water. Thanks for your post. I am going to work very hard. There is no way I want to do injections. I am so sorry that you have to go through this but I thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully you will have prevented me from doing the same.

[gailsiz]

Fore the last several weeks I have been having trouble with my eyes twitching. This may very well be nothing at all. I am having my blood pressure checked too because I still take 1/2 a blood pressure pill in the morning and at night. I am getting tired in the morning when I am at work and I am wondering if it is the blood pressure pill - I have been feeling pretty good up untill a couple of months ago - loss of engery, eyes twitching - I am getting blood work done too. Is it a vitamin problem maybe....?