[DocSanae]

VB12
1)This vitamin is vital in the formation of DNA, in other words, the replication of our genes.

2)Its major functions are to promote growth (genes) and promote red blood cell formation.

3)VB12 is stored in the liver, so unlike the rest of the water soluble vitamins, it lasts about a year.

4)With stomach surgery that removes the better part of the stomach whether due to cancer or refractory ulcer, not just weight loss surgery, VB12 as well as iron needs to be supplemented for the rest of the patient's life.

5)Also, it's recommended that VB12 be given non-orally, in other words, should be taken by shots or with nasal sprays, because of lack of an agent called "intrinsic factor" which is produced by the cells in the middle to lower part of the stomach, is vital in the absorption of VB12 in the upper portion of the small intestines.

VB12 deficiency causes
6) a type of anemia called "Pernicious anemia" which develops long term--3 to 10 years after surgery. (Iron deficiency anemia, which develops within the first 3 years, is due to lack of iron, which also can happen with gastric post ops.)

7) "Demyelination" of the nerve fibers.This takes place in the spinal cord, not the brain. "Demyelination" means the coverling layer of the spinal cord dissolves. This causes loss of sensation, and in severe cases, paralysis.

In summary.
Not to scare you but.
Because storage of VB12 is about a year, depletion of the store in the liver may not become apparent for that length of time. So, it is best to start out at the earliest possible opportunity with shots, due to the reason stated in 6).
Symptoms of deficiency is anemic symptoms and changes in sensory perception, like tingling, numbness, loss of touch, and when advanced, paralysis.
So long as it is treated early , the symptoms can be reverted, but if left undiagnosed/untreated for an extended period of time, the damage may be permanent, as with any deficiencies of any vital nutrients.

These deets are from the most recent medical textbooks.

[Kenyar]

so glad you stickied this. very valuable information. thank you doc!

[A new me]

Ok ladies......my surgeons office called me back. Maybe Doc can help me out and give her input too. They told me that Im on Trinsicon also known as Conison too. Well this vitamin that I take twice a day and for the rest of my life they are telling me has: iron, folic acid, B12, and intrinsic fators and enzymes. So this is what the nurse practishioner told me. Makes me feel a bit better. She said they will continue to monitor my blood during my visits and if something changes then we would deal with it then.
Dont know if anyone else is on these vitamins or not???

[groovycori]

Doc,
At my last visit my Dr. told me to take less B12, Twice a week? Honestly I did not question the reason. Is the nasal spray avail O.T.C?

Cori

[Kenyar]

its prescription i believe....

[DocSanae]

How much VB12 you are told to take will depend on your lab results. If the count is high, and the dr feels is fine, he/she may tell you to reduce the intake a bit.
Water solubule vitamins when taken in excess will be excreted, so, even though overdose doesn't happen, you could say it is a kind of waste.

It's best to take vitamins that have been developed to meet the specific use of gastric bypass patients, so as with everything else, if you've been specified what brand to take, then it's best to do so, even if they are a bit expensive compared to others. Since A_new_me's vitamins include the intrinsic factor, it should help with the absorbtion of VB12, so I think it's fine to continue with the pills, so long as your blood level is monintored periodically.

[grandiose16]

Ok just to clarify. Is sublingual B12 considered oral? That is what I take. Please let me know. Mattie

[DocSanae]

Yes, sublingual is oral.

[groovycori]

You are right Doc. My B12 level was high now that I remember.
Thanks for the info Doc always a delight.

Cori

[Kenyar]

what about thru the skin. i just saw an ad for b12 patch. sounds interesting. this is the link that comes up when you click on the ad Vitamin B12 Patch: Revolutionary Vitamin B12 Supplement.

what do you think about this method?