Why Vitamin B12 is Important After Bariatric Surgery

By Derek

Though there are many benefits patients experience after they’ve had bariatric surgery, the surgery does have side effects, especially if the patient has had a type of surgery that bypasses much of their stomach. One of the side effects is that it’s hard for the body to absorb Vitamin B12, or cobalamin. Read more to learn why Vitamin B12 is important after bariatric surgery.

About Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 requires a mucoprotein enzyme called intrinsic factor to be fully useful to the body. Though some vitamin B12 is absorbed in the mouth, it needs the intrinsic factor that’s made in the stomach to be effective. When vitamin B12 binds with this enzyme, it can be absorbed in the small intestine.

During a gastric bypass weight loss surgery, the part of the stomach that makes intrinsic factor is no longer used to store and help digest the patient’s food. Hydrochloric acid is also necessary for the stomach to produce intrinsic factor, so there is less hydrochloric acid. This results in vitamin B12 being poorly absorbed into the body. The condition is called pernicious anemia.

Why Vitamin B12 is Important After Bariatric Surgery Bari Life

Why Vitamin B12 is Important After Bariatric Surgery

Vitamin B12 is needed in tiny amounts but is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. It helps the body metabolize fat, protein and carbohydrates.

The good news about vitamin B12 is that it is stored in the body, especially in the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, brain, bone marrow and blood. The stores of B12 can last for years before the person begins to experience symptoms of vitamin deficiency. Still, there is a small percentage of people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency even before they undergo weight loss surgery.

Signs and symptoms of a B12 deficiency are arms and legs that feel weak and sore, poor reflexes, unpleasant body odor, menstrual difficulties, diminished sensory perception, clumsiness, stammering and jerking limbs. Severe deficiency can lead to a type of brain damage that presents as a soreness in the mouth, numbness or stiffness, shooting pains, strange hot and cold sensations and a needles-and-pins sensation. The patient can also experience symptoms that resemble schizophrenia.

Forms of Vitamin B12

More good news about vitamin B12 is that it can be taken as a supplement. Some patients take it in tablet form. The tablet is placed beneath the tongue and absorbed by the mucous membranes. This allows the vitamin to directly enter the blood stream without having to bind with intrinsic factor. This method of supplementation is thought to be effective for people who’ve had the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Other patients take vitamin B12 as a nasal spray. It is taken once a week through one nostril.

Medical professionals consider intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 to be the most effective way to get the vitamin into the body. The vitamin can also be injected beneath the skin. The dosage depends on the needs of the patient, though the usual dosage is 1,000 micrograms. At first, the patient may need to have a shot every day, followed by a shot taken every month. The patient can be taught to give themselves the shots and can administer them at home.

Now that you know why vitamin B12 is important after bariatric surgery, learn more about different vitamins in our Bariatric Vitamin Guide.

Share

More Bariatric Articles

BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool to assess a person’s body weight in relation to their height. It provides a simple numeric value that can help indicate whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While BMI is a useful screening tool, it is important to understand its limitations and […]

Macronutrient Calculator

The journey to weight management and overall health begins with understanding your individual macronutrient requirements. Try our Macronutrient Calculator below to get started. Macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, serve as the cornerstone of a balanced diet, providing essential energy and supporting various bodily functions. However, determining the right balance for your unique needs can […]


What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?

Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below – we want to hear from you!

4 comments

  1. I’m nearly 10 years after surgery l had B12 inectons every month now 1 every 3 months l feel terrible bones ache tired under the weather sore red touge feel terrible no one’s listening to me.

    1. I am 18 years out from original gastric surgery. I give myself a 1000 mcg injection of vitamin b-12 weekly. I had to switch doctors in 2020 due to an insurance change. She was a nurse practitioner, very young, who told me my b-12 was off the charts and that I needed to stop. I changed insurance companies and continued with my self administered b-12 from Canada. Good luck.

  2. I am 16 years out from gastric bypass surgery. I had been feeling very tired, depressed and other symptoms of needing B12. I spoke with my primary care provider and she prescribed me 1000 mcg monthly injections. I have taken this for two months and feel a difference already. The bad thing is that my levels are 1800 from my recent blood test and now they discontinued the B12 without any conversation about how I was feeling. I am fighting to get it back. I did take an injections the day prior to blood test. I believe this gave a false high reading. We need this, why doesn’t every medical person know this?

  3. I am 8 years post bypass, for the last 5 I have been so unwell with bile acid malabsorption I had to fight to get a diagnosis it seemed no one was listening, finally in March this year I was put on different medication and thankfully not had an episode since..after gaining access to my medical records and test results, I pointed out to my GP, that I thought I should be having B12 injections..she was shocked to discover I was right, I get my first injection in a few days and looking forward to hopefully feeling so much better and maybe getting some of my life back..I know my 5 year illness, and lack of B12 are connected, which is why I am so angry at the lack of care and attention from the medical professionals for lack of after care..but I am now hopeful for the future.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share

×