B12 pre-op

[ReneK 107]

My surgeon's office called me last week and told me that my blood work showed that my B12 levels are a little low and that I should start taking a sublingual supplement. The post surgery recommended dosage is 1000 mcg per week. Does anybody have any idea how much I should take pre-surgery. Apparently, 1000 mcg is a lot

[Daisee68 2,493]

​I found this for you if it helps - "For Vitamin B12 deficiency, 125-2,000 micrograms of cyanocobalamin has been taken by mouth daily for up to 2.5 years or longer. Five hundred micrograms of sublingual (under the tongue) Vitamin B12 has been used daily for up to four weeks." From this link - http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b12/dosing/hrb-20060243. Having said that I am quite surprised they didn't tell you how much because it is probably dependent on how low your B12 actually tested. I would probably call the surgeon's office and ask them and/or get a copy of the test and send it to your PCP and ask them. When will you have your surgery? I would think that depends too.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery. The recommended dose after surgery was 500 to 1000 micrograms sublingual B12 daily. It must be methylcobalamin. I found a bottle of 2500 microgram (mcg) B12. I break these in half, so my daily does is around 1250 mcg. Since the bottle contained 200 tablets. One bottle was more than a years supply.

I have no idea what dosage they wish you to take pre-surgery. You doctor or nutritionist should have specified a dosage range.

[ReneK 107]

Thanks for the input. I will call my surgeon's office next week

[ange117 93]

I am also pre-op with borderline low B12 (mine was just over 200) and have been taking 1,000mg daily for the past couple of weeks. The b Vitamins are Water soluble, and therefore most of the excess is excreted in your urine. It's very difficult to build up a toxic level in your body. Check with your surgeon for sure, but I would try not to stress yourself too much in the meantime.