2 yrs out, at goal, but I have a question!

[Queen of Crop 1,103]

Hi everyone! Used to post here a lot when I was in my first year and doing my Sunday blog....all is well, I have been at goal for one year, very happy.

Here's my question: I get a B12 shot every month...should I still be taking a B12 supplement? What size? I have been taking 1000mcg in addition to my shot; but now I'm thinking that seems like too much. Can't find the answer in my paperwork.

Also, I have always taken Biotin since a couple of months after surgery....is 500 mcg what most people take?

My blood work is good (except the B12 has always been off the charts because I stupidly have gotten my blood work done right after my shot). My weight is a healthy 136, I can eat anything except for rice, and I love my new life! I did have a breast lift done last May and am SO happy to have done that....with the 87 lb loss they were looking pretty droopy and sad.....

I haven't done many posts on my blog, but I did post one a couple months ago about my breast reduction/lift if anyone is interested. I'll do a another post at my two year anniversary. At this point, who ever is reading this is probably all new people on here....I used to post all the time! For all those who have signed up in the last year.....congratulations; you are in for a great ride.....I wrote about my first year every Sunday at the blog below if you want to be inspired.....

[maharet111 544]

I can't answer about the Biotin but in regards to the B12..I believe it is a Water soluble Vitamin so any extra that you take that your body can't/won't process is just flushed out in your urine.

[Tawnie 99]

So SUPER excited for you! I just saw surgeon about boobs! . So cannot wait.

I do not have anything in my paperwork either. Google normal levels and compare . I refer to NIH a lot for post op!

[Queen of Crop 1,103]

So SUPER excited for you! I just saw surgeon about boobs! . So cannot wait.

I do not have anything in my paperwork either. Google normal levels and compare . I refer to NIH a lot for post op!

Thanks Tawnie! Good luck with your boobs....so happy about mine. My last post on my blog was about my surgery. What is NIH?

[Tawnie 99]

National institute of health. . I will check your blog when not on hand held. Never can figure this site out from app!

[Jenn31MA 149]

I only took the Biotin the first 6 months to help with my hair re-growth...but i dont take it anymore since i can get all my nutrition from food. Any Vitamin that you take that your body does not need you will just have it flushed out in your urine etc..

As for B-12 i dont think you need to take the supplement if you're also getting the shot. Could you call your surgeons office to see if you can just have them answer you??

[mokee 588]

Who is giving you a B12 shot? If your PCP, why are they not checking your levels before hand. Why would you take Biotin now? Hair loss for me only happened for about a month at the 3 month postop. BTW you have done fantastic. Perky boobs sounds so good to me LOL.

[FishingNurse 1,210]

I'm a RN, I would guess that if you're getting IM injections you wouldn't need the pill as well, but if you're very low you could need both. Depends on your lab values. I would look into getting it checked, you should be due at 2 years for a bunch of labs anyway!

[ShrinkyDinkMe101 82]

Hi everyone! Used to post here a lot when I was in my first year and doing my Sunday blog....all is well, I have been at goal for one year, very happy.

Here's my question: I get a B12 shot every month...should I still be taking a B12 supplement? What size? I have been taking 1000mcg in addition to my shot; but now I'm thinking that seems like too much. Can't find the answer in my paperwork.

Also, I have always taken Biotin since a couple of months after surgery....is 500 mcg what most people take?

My blood work is good (except the B12 has always been off the charts because I stupidly have gotten my blood work done right after my shot). My weight is a healthy 136, I can eat anything except for rice, and I love my new life! I did have a breast lift done last May and am SO happy to have done that....with the 87 lb loss they were looking pretty droopy and sad.....

I haven't done many posts on my blog, but I did post one a couple months ago about my breast reduction/lift if anyone is interested. I'll do a another post at my two year anniversary. At this point, who ever is reading this is probably all new people on here....I used to post all the time! For all those who have signed up in the last year.....congratulations; you are in for a great ride.....I wrote about my first year every Sunday at the blog below if you want to be inspired.....

Just got finished reading through your blog...thank you for sharing your journey!

[Queen of Crop 1,103]

Thanks everyone! As for the Biotin....I guess I was just thinking it would help my hair stay in! But maybe that's silly to still be taking it. I will email my surgeon's office and ask them, and I will also ask my Dr. to do a new blood test for me (before i get my shot!). And also thanks for all the compliments.....I miss being on here....I forgot just how positive and wonderful a community this was....ROCK ON!!!

[Queen of Crop 1,103]

I just found this on the web which was helpful: ( I found it in a very comprehensive pdf:

http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/bariatric%20booklet%20vsg.pdf )

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common with surgical procedures in which the larger portion of the

stomach (fundus) is removed. The smaller gastric pouch does not produce intrinsic factor or

hydroch

loric acid necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption. Deficits in vitamin B12, if left untreated, can

cause a number of health problems such as, loss of mental alertness, neuropathies, nausea, muscle

weakness, digestive upset, depression, irritability, memory

impairment, poor concentration and

water retention. The normal level for vitamin B

12

is 180 to 914 pg/mL; although, symptoms can start

to occur if levels fall below 400 pg/mL. The physicians at Missouri Bariatric Services recommend

vitamin B

12

levels be g

reater than 400 pg/mL. Sleeve gastrectomy patients need 350 to 500

micrograms of vitamin B

12

daily to prevent deficiency. Only 1% of vitamin B12 taken orally is

absorbed. Vitamin B

12

is best absorbed when taken sublingually (dissolved completely under the

tongue) or as an injection. If taken as an injection, vitamin B

12

should be given in a dose of 1,000

micrograms once a month.