Not taking your supplements is NOT okay - Page 3 - ThinnerTimes

Dyann · 08-03-2007, 07:09 AM

There was an article in one of my journals published this month regarding neurological complications of GBP patients. They ranged from 4 months to 20 years post op (average was 6.6 years). Most were related to B12, thiamine or copper deficiencies. There were a few that didn't have any identifiable lab abnormalities. Those were a small number and either due to an unidentifiable deficiency we just don't know about, or sometimes these things happen even to non gbp and are just the same rate as the general population.

Beth, for me the downside of a B12 deficiency is HUGE!!!!! The taking of a SL tabelet 2 x's a week (for you since your numbers are ok) is no skin off your back. As much as is known about the effects of this sugery, now that it is being done in such huge numbers, over the future years there will be things popping up we didn't know about.

Our absorption is VARIABLE within ourself and between each other. I error on the side of safety always. If your labs are good...keep on keepin on, but realize things can change and keep doing your labwork as one day it can change. I am glad I am thin, but I don't want to be thin with encephalitis and neuropathy!!!

MiladyB · 08-04-2007, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyann

There was an article in one of my journals published this month regarding neurological complications of GBP patients. They ranged from 4 months to 20 years post op (average was 6.6 years). Most were related to B12, thiamine or copper deficiencies. There were a few that didn't have any identifiable lab abnormalities. Those were a small number and either due to an unidentifiable deficiency we just don't know about, or sometimes these things happen even to non gbp and are just the same rate as the general population.

Beth, for me the downside of a B12 deficiency is HUGE!!!!! The taking of a SL tablet 2 x's a week (for you since your numbers are ok) is no skin off your back. As much as is known about the effects of this surgery, now that it is being done in such huge numbers, over the future years there will be things popping up we didn't know about.

Our absorption is VARIABLE within ourself and between each other. I error on the side of safety always. If your labs are good...keep on keepin on, but realize things can change and keep doing your labwork as one day it can change. I am glad I am thin, but I don't want to be thin with encephalitis and neuropathy!!!

Dyann, I appreciate your advice. I am doing some research for myself in order to make a decision. I also sent an email off to the nutritionist at my surgeon's office last night. I'll be curious to hear what she has to say. I am leaning more toward the side of caution and adding it to my pills. I agree with you on erring on the side of safety.

Question? Can I get SL B12 over the counter? I'm assuming I can but I honestly have never looked for it.

Again, thanks for your personal advice, Dyann...I appreciate it.

LyndasRoom · 08-04-2007, 08:59 AM

I bought a 2500 dose at walmart, it was inexpensive, i think it is Rexall brand. I started with at 500, but after reading here for awhile, decided it was not enough.

AlabamaChick · 08-04-2007, 10:09 AM

Here is what I take. I get it from my Mom's store, but you can order online or get at your local nutrition store that carries it. It's fast, "tiny",easy, and does not taste rotten. It's not candy tasting, but I do it first and the my vitamins and I never know it's been there. One bottle lasts forever! Beth, you NEED to be taking your B12! I take 1,000 mcg two to three times a week. You can't overdose. The body just eliminates what you don't need. It also has Folic Acid and B6 in it. So just a bonus!

http://www.evitamins.com/product.asp?pid=3616

electrichoney · 08-04-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyann

Our absorption is VARIABLE within ourself and between each other. I error on the side of safety always. If your labs are good...keep on keepin on, but realize things can change and keep doing your labwork as one day it can change. I am glad I am thin, but I don't want to be thin with encephalitis and neuropathy!!!

Dyann, what about cod liver oil? A lot of people here don't seem to be taking it...do you? My surgeon recommends it daily, but it makes me so sick to my stomach that I've stopped taking it. Is there anything I can do about that?

Dyann · 08-04-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electrichoney

Dyann, what about cod liver oil? A lot of people here don't seem to be taking it...do you? My surgeon recommends it daily, but it makes me so sick to my stomach that I've stopped taking it. Is there anything I can do about that?

I take a pill from GNC called multioil. It is the smallest essential fatty acid replacement out there and it has never made me sick. I used to take it twice a day, but my levels are fine and I am only on it once a day. My MD tests for fatty acid deficiencies in addition to all the others.

Beth.... B12 is OTC and I take one that is 1000mcg B12 with 100 mcg of folic acid. $10 for 90 pills from wlsvitamins.com. I am sure all the others are fine, I just like the taste of theirs and it works for me as well as their bariatric multi vitamin.

MiladyB · 08-06-2007, 11:25 AM

Well I did get a response from my surgeon's nutritionist. It makes sense to me why they don't put their patients on B-12 routinely but I think I will be picking some up anyway and starting it. Just sounds like a good idea.

Her reponse to my email:

"Hi Beth--
In the past, we've had patients taking B-12, iron, as well as a
general over the counter multivitamin. This was very expensive and
patients didn't comply with our recommendations which lead to much more
deficiencies than we currently have. The prenatal prescribed works well
in an alkaline environment (acidic pre surgery) so the absorption rate
is better. It also contains a higher B12 level than a straight
multivitamin. Not everyone will become B-12 deficient so we decided to closely monitor your labs and if a deficiency occurs then supplement at this
point. Let me know if this doesn't make sense. Thanks!"

In regards to dosages this is what she had to say,

"I would think taking an additional 2.4ug/day in oral supplementation, plus that found in foods, and the pre-natal would be enough."

Does that sound like an adequate dosage to those of you who are taking B-12? She also sent me TONS of information on B-12, deficiences, etc that I found quite helpful.

Thanks for bringing up this topic, Lisa...it has been very informative!

Dyann · 08-06-2007, 02:18 PM

To me 2.4 micrograms doesn't sound like enough as I am taking 1000. I know it is about 13000% of the RDA, but that represents how much we really do not absorb as my levels are just in the lower normal range. I know money is an issue, but literally...90 pills for $10. $3/month if you take it every day. I take it 4-5 x's a week so it lasts me 4 months. The labwork is much more expensive then the vitamins so that doesn't make that much sense. My vitamins cost me about $15/month in total.

MiladyB · 08-07-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaChick

Here is what I take. I get it from my Mom's store, but you can order online or get at your local nutrition store that carries it. It's fast, "tiny",easy, and does not taste rotten. It's not candy tasting, but I do it first and the my vitamins and I never know it's been there. One bottle lasts forever! Beth, you NEED to be taking your B12! I take 1,000 mcg two to three times a week. You can't overdose. The body just eliminates what you don't need. It also has Folic Acid and B6 in it. So just a bonus!

http://www.evitamins.com/product.asp?pid=3616

Thanks for the info, Trina. My labs are all normal and I do trust my doctor that he knows what he is doing, so I'm not worried about my B12 right now. I do think it is better to be cautious, though, so don't worry your pretty little head. I plan on adding it in. I'll be looking around to see what I can find in the stores here, just to save on shipping and handling but I'll probably be taking the 1,000 mcg twice a week.

MiladyB · 08-07-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyann

To me 2.4 micrograms doesn't sound like enough as I am taking 1000. I know it is about 13000% of the RDA, but that represents how much we really do not absorb as my levels are just in the lower normal range. I know money is an issue, but literally...90 pills for $10. $3/month if you take it every day. I take it 4-5 x's a week so it lasts me 4 months. The labwork is much more expensive then the vitamins so that doesn't make that much sense. My vitamins cost me about $15/month in total.

Dyann, it didn't sound like enough to me either so what I plan on doing is taking the 1,000 mcg twice a week. I am watching my labs carefully...my pcp actually is checking them every 3-5 months and they are still all normal but I do think it is better to be safe, so no skin off my nose if I take a B12 supplement. Thank you for the info, I appreciate it.

I think the issue that my surgeon's office had about the cost of all of the supplements is a valid one. If you have insurance they will cover labs 100% but they don't kick anything in for OTC drugs. They were finding that people weren't taking their supplemental vitamins because the cost was an issue. I actually appreciate the fact that they take cost to the patient into consideration. They do keep a good eye on people's labs so if this seems to be working for the patients better, then good. To me though, the cost is minimal and I really don't want to take any chances so I do plan on adding the B12 in. What I do wish though is that they gave out more education on what can happen if you don't take your vitamins or if your B-12 does get low. I had some education on that but personally I don't think it was enough. They need to allow their patients to make their own decision about adding in things like B-12 but it is hard for a patient to make that decision if they haven't been educated enough. Just my thoughts on all of this.