Vitamin b12

[ANichol]

Hi all, one year post Ivor Lewis and gall bladder removal D still struggling to gain any weight, losing in fact, and I wonder if anyone in similar position has been tested for b12 deficiency. Iron is low and thinking perhaps a problem with fat absorption ? All advice gratefully received ! Ax

[haward]

Hi A

I now take Vit B12, liquid iron, zinc, gingko and Vit D every day as well as my lanzoprozole and telmisaratan. Surprisingly I can still mange food and gin and I don't rattle

Vitamin deficiency is a known side effect of the op so get your doc to test you. It's odd that this isn't standard practice

Haward

[ANichol in reply to haward]

Thanks, D going to get tested this week.

Ax

[Quicksilver_1]

Hi there. I also had my gall bladder removed at the same time as my Ivor Lewis op. I am now just over two years post op, and I would say it took me at least 12-18 months to start putting on any significant amount of weight. Keep eating your frequent meals. You should also be under a Dietician who can provide lots of advice and prescribe drink supplements to take. Contact them and also your nursing team about getting regular blood tests until things settle down a bit. If you're not doing so already, take a multi vitamin every day after food to help absorption. Your body will be struggling to absorb things. Cream and whole milk on cereals - it's amazing how much you can have without it seemingly having an effect. B12 is available as a very effective oral spray if you are low on that but don't overdo it - my readings went off the scale for a while. At this stage you have to keep pedalling just to stand still in terms of weight - so just keep eating best you can and hopefully it should improve. If you continue to lose weight you should contact your nursing team. Good luck and best wishes.

[tallbear]

Hi There,

Reference the fat absorption, a lot of us take Creon to resolve this issue it may be worth talking to your team about it.

As for putting the weight back on!

I don't think I had my gall bladder removed, but who knows, I did have the Ivor Lewis two part almost three years ago and I still have a massive problem with weight loss. It seems to go in phases, but unfortunately it's always downwards, all I can say is keep on eating as much as your body will allow. My problem is dumping and it never seems to improve and I don't really think the hospital knows how to address it.

Good Luck with it all anyway

Regards

Richard

[ANichol in reply to tallbear]

Thanx for your reply, we identify with hospital/GP not knowing what to advise, relying on google and this forum to make our suggestions to them. The weight loss is so alarming. Many similarities but no-one exactly the same. D getting bloods checked this week.

Look after yourself.

Ax