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Ok, I read a very interesting website that talked about how we absorb B-12. Essentially, our recommended daily intake is 3.5mcg. Most foods that are good sources of B-12 have this amount in one or two servings. There are two methods the body utilizes to digest/absorb B-12. One is the normal way, where "intrinsic factor" (a chemical created in the stomach) attaches to B-12, and ushers the B-12 out of the small intestine, into the blood stream. The second way is a "passive system", which doesn't require intrinsic factor. B-12 just slips out into the bloodstream by itself. BUT, this passive system is VERY inefficient, and so only 1/100th of the B-12 makes it into the blood. We sleevers, we had the portion of the stomach removed that makes intrinsic factor. So the first method doesn't work anymore. The second method works, but look at the numbers. If a serving of B-12 food has 3.5mcg, but you only absorb 100th of it, then you'd have to eat 100 servings of that food to meet your daily goal. Excess B-12 is stored in the liver, and if your liver is full, it can provide your B-12 needs for 5 or 10 years. Since your blood work is showing dropping levels, it may mean your liver isn't full anymore, so the supplements become more important. There is no proof the patch works, so don't count that in your figuring out how much B-12 your body is getting. Your pill has 1000mcg, so you are absorbing about 10mcg a day. But, that's statistically, and we don't know if the particular supplement you take is as easily absorbed as the ones used in the studies. So it's possible, you aren't even getting 10mcg. The shot, however, is the surefire way that you are getting this supplement, since it bypasses the digestive system completely. If your liver is running low, it could take a while before the shot fills it back up enough to reflect in a much higher number in your blood. Since your blood value did go up, the shot is definitely doing its job. http://www.b12-vitamin.com/intrinsic-factor/ Here's the website:

I’m 9 weeks out and I find I have to keep a substantial variety in my diet. Foods will be ok one day and make me vomit the next. The only thing that’s consistent is fluids.

I would think short term. Take whatever you have to take to get through this period and then you can evaluate. If the pain meds help, do it to get over the hurdle. Hang in there!

hello, I am new here. I am 6 days post op from a gastric sleeve. I get intermittent pain on my right side which is my biggest incision. I am scared of a leak. I see my Dr on Wed for a follow up. I am wondering if it is gas pains because it is intermittent or if it is something I should be worried about. pain meds help. yesterday, I did a lot of walking (more then normal) and wondering if I irritated it. Thoughts?

If you can get it in from other sources or don't mind drinking the shakes it isn't. I just drank the shakes.

I’m so happy for ya... and great job! I just did my shopping for premier and broth. ( yes low sodium) I’m ready to go. Again wish you the best and luck and keep us posted! “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” —Michael Phelps

I found this ground flaxseed at Walmart ($5) it has 3G of protien for two tablespoons. If you add this to each shake and all of your foods (eggs, chicken, broth, etc) you can take in an extra 3G per meal!!!

My surgery (RNY) was end of June so I hadn't had Starbucks since then. Previous to that I'd go get Venti sugary drinks 2-3 times per week Bc I hated my job at the time. I had a tall skinny mocha with almond milk (decaf). Wow. So yummy! I'm not sure if exact nutrition, but skinny mocha has 5 cal per pump and the almond milk ( which does have some sugar) so I estimate it has about 95 cal, 4 g fat, and 5 g sugar. I put in unflavored protein powder for 92 cal and 20 G protein. I don't cheat anywhere in my program and I still feel like this is ok. Once in a while, this is a meal. Thoughts?!?! Be honest!

The first 2 pics are from this summer, weight 310 Third pic 246 Sent from my SM-G925R7 using BariatricPal mobile app

We live in Texas. She had her gall bladder removed years before the bariatric surgery. The bariatric surgeon has done an endoscopy on her about 8 weeks after the surgery and he said there was no issues whatsoever. I am having so much trouble getting her to a new dr for a second opinion because she is on Medicaid and no bariatric drs accept this insurance. The only reason she was able to have it done in the first place is that her PCP deemed it medically necessary. Her surgeon works at Texas Tech University Health Science Services, so I thought they would be a legitimate resource, but her dr doesn’t seem to wanna even treat her anymore. She is actually in the hospital right now admitted. I had her in the ER on this Sunday past, and they did emergency surgery to remove a kidney stone, and they still havent released her yet because they haven’t got her potassium and magnesium levels correct plus they are attempting to correct her nausea issues once again (not her bariatric dr treating her btw even though his office is across the street). The hospital drs said they spoke to bariatric dr and he said it’s all in her head. thanks for all the responses, it is truly appreciated