After gastric sleeve surgery, an average of 1500 grams of vitamin B12 should be taken. Your doctor will determine the vitamin ratio. In these operations, vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption develops after a few months due to the removal of a significant part of the stomach.
Vitamin deficiency becomes more pronounced after depletion of vitamin B12 stores in the liver 1 year after surgery. Due to the fact that the volume of the stomach is generally reduced after surgery, the amount of vitamins we need to take is also reduced along with the reduction of foods that enter our body.
In order to control this, it is necessary to take some vitamins under the control of your doctor during the pre-determined time after obesity surgery. The most visible vitamin and mineral deficiencies in patients after gastric sleeve Surgery are vitamin B1 and B2 and calcium deficiency.
The functions of vitamin B12 are usually related to the stomach. Stomach acid gets vitamins B12 through the blood in the body. But the lack of sufficient intake of vitamin B12 into the body due to drugs used in bariatric surgery or other effects negatively affects the functioning of metabolism.
That’s why vitamin B12 supplementation should definitely be taken every day. Vitamin B12 is supplied to the body in 3 ways. The first is by the method of intra-blood injection, the second is by the decongestant tablet method, also known among the people, and the third is by the nasal spray method.
In order to prevent patients from experiencing vitamin deficiencies, vitamin supplements can be continued throughout their entire life.
Usually, patients may encounter the same problems again by continuing all their old habits 2-3 years after the surgical intervention. In order for this condition to not occur again, it is also necessary to take psychological treatment if necessary.
After surgery, the patient now needs to be fed very regularly all his life. The amount of all vitamins taken, the caloric values of each food eaten should be carefully calculated throughout life and acted upon accordingly. Taking Vitamin B12 after Obesity Surgery It is among the most important vitamins in our body.
Especially the absorption of B12 from the stomach is important. Intrinsic factor produced by the stomach plays an important role in B12 absorption.
Stomach acid in our stomach ensures the release of B12 from our blood. Since this oscillation will decrease due to the shrinkage of the stomach volume, external reinforcement is required.
Table of Contents
The use of B12 after Gastric Sleeve
B12 is the most deficient vitamin after Gastric Sleeve Surgery. The main reason for B12 deficiency after gastric sleeve surgery is due to the role of our stomach in the absorption of vitamin B12.
The release of protein (intrinsic factor), which is involved in the absorption of vitamin B12, is controlled by cells in the stomach. Since there will be a decrease in these cells during gastric tube surgery, along with the removed part of the stomach, the absorption of vitamin B12 decreases after gastric tube surgery.
With a lack of B12 after gastric sleeve surgery, many conditions such as forgetfulness, numbness of the hands and toes, fatigue can be observed. In order for the tube stomach surgery to continue in a comfortable and healthy way, you must definitely include foods with a high B12 value in your diet.
In order to minimize B12 deficiency after gastric Sleeve surgery, it is necessary to continue with a more protein-weighted diet. In this case, because there will usually be consumption of foods with a high B12 value, there are no rapid and serious decreases in vitamin B12 levels.
Multi vitamin supplements such as vitamin B12 and started again after the surgery the levels of many vitamins supplements vitamin B12 levels with blood tests that will be given regularly and, if necessary, are protected. In individuals with a tube stomach who are vegetarian or vegan, regular vitamin B12 supplementation is required.
Do You Have to Take B12 After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you may be wondering: Do you have to take B12 after gastic sleeve surgery? While the answer depends on the individual, you may need some additional support to ensure that you’re getting enough of this important vitamin.
This can help prevent nutrient deficiencies. Taking B12 supplements after the procedure is not always necessary, but you may find it useful.
Vitamin B-12 is available in sublingual tablets and swallowable pills. There are also vitamins sold specifically for bariatric patients such as B-12 nasal sprays and intramuscular injections.
However, the current ASMBS recommendations for VSG mention that B-complex vitamin intake is optional. While it is important to take vitamin B12 after the procedure, you should consider what form is right for you.
In general, vitamin therapy is recommended for about 1 year after gastric sleeve surgery. However, this is under physician supervision and should be done only with the advice of a dietitian.
It is also important to note that tablets and capsules dissolved in the stomach can cause issues with absorption and can be dangerous during this time. During this time, your body cannot completely process the food that you eat.
Postoperative vitamin deficiencies are common in bariatric surgery patients. In some cases, these deficiencies may be systematic and neurological. Despite this, supportive treatment is vital for patients to maintain optimal health after the procedure.
When B12 levels are low, you may require supplementation. To avoid vitamin B12 deficiency, you should consult your surgeon to receive intramuscular injections.
Do Gastric Sleeve Patients Need B12 Shots?
Due to modifications made to the digestive system after gastric sleeve surgery, patients may require B12 shots. A portion of the stomach is removed during the gastric sleeve procedure, which can result in vitamin B12 and other nutrients not being properly absorbed.
The formation of red blood cells, as well as the healthy operation of the brain and nervous system, depend on vitamin B12. It is primarily found in animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, which can be challenging to eat in the smaller portions that gastric sleeve patients usually take.
References: