why B12 shots are important after a gastric bypass surgery?
When I had my gastric bypass done in "2002" I was told I had to have B12 shots every month. My doctor keeps testing my blood and says I don't need it. So my question I guess is what is in the B12 Shots that I might be needing that he is overlooking?
Public Comments
- Because your stomach makes something called "intrinsic factor" which makes B12. You'll normally develop a deficiency if you don't take monthly shots because some people develop a B12 shortage after a surgical procedure that shrinks the stomach, such as gastric bypass, because a smaller stomach means far fewer of the cells secreting stomach acid and intrinsic factor.
- Not everyone who has Gastric Bypass surgery needs B12 shots. I go to a BIG support group for Gastric Bypass patients (there are over 100 members) and I know of only 5 that need those monthly B12 shots. I personally have not needed the shots. I have bloodwork done every 3 months and my levels are fine. I take a good mulitvitamin and have never had an issue! You, like me, don't need the shots. Listen to your doctor.