HI Rose, No I didn't stop taking the B-12 before the tests.....should I have?? Roxie

Yes. The fact that you did not stop a few days before the test sample was drawn means that the test result was especially skewed. The test measured B12 that never made it to storage or use, along with that which might have.

Anyway, taking 500 mcg every other day, your result should be much much higher unless you malabsorb severely.

In my opinion, 500 mcg is a nonsensical dose; they shouldn't even make that dose. It is just enough to MAYBE keep someone who malabsorbs severely treading water, not enough to build stores in most of those people, and way more than a person who doesn't malabsorb would need. People who suspect they may malabsorb should take at least 1000 mcg at a time.

You need B12, and I hope you will take at least 1000 mcg per day, at least for a long while, and then if you want to cut back go ahead, but keep the doses at at least 1000 mcg per day.

rose

--that the fact you've had gastric bypass surgery puts you at immediate risk for nutrient malabsorption--particularly B12.

Even if you had no symptoms at all, it would be advisable to take 1000-2000mcg/day of methylcobalamin from that moment on out; it's inexpensive and a good insurance policy.

Hi Roxie, I haven't any pain now, only get a slight burn in my feet every now and again, i was lucky, the cause was found early and its repaired lots.

HI Rose! Thank you for the info and I will definenity increase my dose starting tonight! I had no idea that I was taking a low dose since I was going by the requirements of the surgeon who did my gastric bypass. I am so tired all the time and SO achy I sure hope it helps me! Thank you again.......any other suggestions are welcome! Roxie

It's best to take on an empty stomach. (learned that on these forums). So what I do is first thing in the morning when I get up and after I have brushed my teeth, I pop one (5000 mcgs of the methyl B-12) under my tongue, and go about the business of waking up. By the time, I'm washed and breakfast is made, it's all dissolved and now I can eat my breakfast.

I also don't take the B-complex at the same time. I read that you should take the B-complex at a different time than you take the B-12, so that's what I'm doing. See how much I learned from these forums???

Works for me!!!!

mel

Glenn,
I have worried about malasorbation of nutrients all along but my surgeon kept telling me to stop worrying that I was fine. Well I guess I'm not fine....and now that I have nerve damage proves that. Roxie

HI Mel! Thank you for that headsup! I'm learning things too! Gosh I thought I WAS doing all the right things and here I've been doing all the wrong things! Well guess you live and learn!
I'm feeling like I did when I was learning about Barrett's Esophagus and then with IC......there's SO much to learn about! I truly feel like I'm going to hell in a handbasket these days! lol It's one health issue after another!....and I'm only 51! LOL

Roxie:

Well, you have a whole bunch of new friends here and you'll do just fine.

See what you learned so far?? Methyl B-12, take it on an empty stomach, don't take B-Complex at the same time.

As you read more and more posts, you'll learn lots of good stuff to help you cope.

I just learned about self-hypnosis (from an expert in that subject who posted on these forums), and I do that now. I mean, why not, right??

We do whatever we need to do to get through the day.

So be well

Mel

HI Mel!
Yes that's true, I've met a lot of people this weekend, and found lots of great info!
My husband gives his grandfather B-12 shots twice a month.....his Grandfather is 92. So my husband said he'd start giving me B-12 shots too.......see if that helps with the pain over time. (I'm cringing as I'm writing this because I HATE needles!)
We are also looking into massage therapy. I'm already going to a Chiropractor for neck pain that I've been having, and he's really helping with that pain. I was having severe headaches and I thought they were sinus headaches and come to find out my top 2 vertebre are compressing because of my Dengerative Disk Disorder....like I need another problem! lol
So tell me about tihs self hypnosis and how it's helping you? I've always thought I wouldn't be a good candidate for hypnosis, tho my husband thinks I should try it. We're also checking into whether or not my insurance would cover acupunture or not. I had acupunture 4 yrs ago for an arm injury I received at work and it helped with the pain I was having.
Did I tell you I have a Carnitine deficency? I'm taking supplements for that but am waiting for my order to arrive of those pills and haven't been able to take any for a week (some goof up from the place we bought them from) So I'm wondering if that's contributing to my pain right now. Do you know of anyone who has had a Carnitine deficency? I swear if it's not one thing it's another!! lol Have a great day Mel! Roxie