[Kenyar]

I have a couple of questions about b12 absorption as well as iron deficiencies. While i know I need to speak to my dr, I figured I would pose the question to the group first.

I take sublingual b12 once a week. 1200 mcg was the recommended dosage. (I take really 2500 mcg and the dr says that dose is fine) i am wondering though if it is being absorped properly. I have been VERY tired lately; sluggish at times. I got to a point this week where i didnt go to work because i didnt want to drive due to the tiredness. I am curious what the advantge of the b12 shot would be vs. the subligual pill? i assume that going directly to the blood stream would make for better absorption but i am not sure. DOC???

in terms if iron, I am assuming i need it because i am ALWAYS cold. I saw on another thread quite a few post ops indicating that they were cold post op as well. is this something hormonal that i will need to wait out and see if it regulates itself, or should i inquire about iron now?

I dont mean to be a worry wart. I dont think I am far enough out for deficiencies to have an affect at my stage. I just want to be prepared and maybe start taking something a head so i dont run into any issues later on down the road.

All comments welcome!

[fr1endly2]

OKAY i dont know alot about the b12... i know my surgeon put me on b comples...and i have had a b12 shot but there pumping me on this due to my numbness issues....

THIS is a post i did a bit back on being cold:
Body temperature is the result of your body generating and radiating heat. The body is adept at keeping its temperature within a narrow range even though ambient air conditions vary. A normal body temperature is 98.6°F. It is common during the period of rapid weight loss for bariatric patients to feel cold or chilled, even when their temperature reads normal.
People who experience the massive weight loss associated with weight loss surgery experience feeling cold for two reasons: loss of insulation and less energy generation.

Fat is a highly efficient insulator. Consider animals native to cold climates: for example sea lions and polar bears. They are loaded with insulation and thrive in cold climates. When gastric bypass patients follow the rules: eating protein and exercising, the weight lost can only come from fat or stored energy. In effect you are losing your insulation. Less insulation increases the likelihood that you will feel cold.

I know for me i experience this all the time im always cold THIS past summer i never wanted the central air on and it was over 90 in the house a few times. BOY did my family hate me then!

[Kenyar]

BUT, is the fat loss = to the weight loss?? cuz i havent even lost that much. Ive been cold ever since i was released from the hospital 2 days post op...i mean im not panicking or anything i am just curious how this works. Geez i wonder what the winter is gonna be like if im cold now...

[MsVickie]

To be honest, I dont know much about it either. Im a neck up girly LOL. I do know iron is hard on the normal stomach. Or it is for alot of women. However this being said I have no idea how it would work on a gastric patient. So......................... DOC when you get a chance mabye you can explain it ? LOL.

[DocSanae]

In the digestive tract, the place VB12 works with the absorption of iron is the lower portion of the stomach to the duodenum--in other words, the bypassed portion that stuff taken orally will not pass through any more. That's why, even if you take more than the recommended amount of VB12 and iron, some post ops do develope anemia. The longer out you are, the portion of the intestines that are not bypassed will readjust to absorb some of these things, but again, it may turn out to be not enough. That's why liquid VB12s and VB12 shots and nasal sprays work better. They are more easily absorbed, and can be absorbed in places other than the bypassed portion. Your VB12 level and iron level, as well as your blood count should be monitored the rest of your life.

As for the cold issue, as well as the reasons Lisa wrote, fat in itself also generates heat. Research is revealing a lot these days, and it's becoming known more and more that fat just doesn't sit there, it produces some--well, plenty--of stuff, though the major organ may be elsewhere. So, just the fact that your stored fat is being burned to produce energy will result in releasing a lot of things that was stored in the cell, which brings on a change in environment due to the excess.

[A new me]

Well I was gonna ask about the being cold issue too. Lisa llike you said, my familly is ready to kill me. Its been really hot and humid and in the
90's these past few days and I dont care about putting the central air on. Now before I was alwasy complaining and always had the air on. But like
Kenyar said ever since Ive been home just about I too have been cold.
My husband laughs and says what are you doing with the sweatshirt and socks on all the time. I keep telling him Im freezing.

[Kat]

That happened to me after the first 3or4 mos. I was afraid of winter, but by then I was pretty much back to normal, self warmth-wise.

[Kenyar]

does anyone out there do the b12 shots themselves?? What about the nasal sprays?? I'd like to know a little about that if theres anyone out there.

[MsVickie]

Kenya.... I might be wrong in saying this but I don't think that you can take the B-12 shot yourself? I might be totally wrong on this. Have you ever looked at a bottle of Flintstones? Don't laugh LOL. My Doc has told me I will have to take 4 daily. One with each meal and another. He states there chew-able. Any other vitamin goes though to fast... and that way 4 wont hurt ya. And you acutally get them though out the day do it will absorb much better. Maybe that is something that you can ask your own Dr and see what he thinks. He told me however I would have to take the B12 shots for the rest of my life....... He stated he demads they stay on it. Ya know i haven't gone and done this yet but If i have any knowledge I try to share it honey. Perhaps compare next time your shopping and look at the label versus what you take. Then ask your surgeon if its comparable. If so it would be a daily thing and dont taste to bad either.

[fr1endly2]

HI KENYA....
i was put on the b 12, i have no deficiencies but due to
other issues they have me on it.....

I am not one to give myself shots so giveing myselft the b12 is a no no ...
i have heard of patients doing that.........do to my long hours of work,
i cant get to the doctor for b12 shots so yes i am on the nasal spray
NASCOBAL and very pleased with it.

IF you go to the website Welcome to Nascobal - A QOL Medical Company they offer to refund you the
copay up to 40 dollars for prescriptions for it. MY insurance pays for it
and the mfg has refunded me the copay so really works out for me.

ARE my issues better, no!
HUGS
lisa
xoxox