can I start to take vitamin B12 tablets now to assist in any after care in my recovery.

[hunsdon]

[Hidden]

Yes you can is the simple answer.Its good for the digestive system.Although when i took it in the early days it made me a bit runny! But not now.Another alternative is ask GP for creon as it helps with breakdown of fat and other nutrients and helps with stomach cramps.

[hunsdon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your response, I am new to this site as I had my operation on 11th Jan 2012.I know people talk about stomach removal but mine is the stomach moved up higher as the tumour was in my oesophagus.Does this make sense to you as so many people are very knowledgable regarding there operation and I'm not I am just glad I have my life back.

[sallym]

This would be a question for the medical team,.depending on how much of the stomach has been removed. Intrinsic factor produced in the stomach is necessary for absorption of B12. Usually it is necessary to give this by injection

at intervals with good results. Hopefully you might find that you do not need this, as many of us don't.

Best of luck with this and I hope this helps.

Sally

[hunsdon in reply to sallym]

Hi Thanks for that, I think I need to ask more question to my support team at the hospital.thank you once again.

[cherrybailey]

Hi Hunsdon sounds like you are doing really well so soon. I had all my stomach taken away. I started having the B12 injection every 3 months straight away. Best to talk to the medical team first. Good Luck!

[hunsdon in reply to cherrybailey]

is this because of stomach removed or that the system has changed and the stomach is a lot higher.

[cherrybailey]

Because of the stomach removed. Sallym has described it best. My lower bowel is in place as a stomach it is not high. Because I am so thin get to see where my food is.

Scared the life out of me early days, now I can compare it with being pregnant and a foot kicking! I have just celebrated 5 years all clear, but don't forget the early days all you are going through. You need to talk to the medical team or take advice from people on here experienced what you have. So hard to do when you are going through it.

[sallym]

Like you my stomach was pulled up into my throat, so I still have enough stomach left to absorb B12. It is not easy to adapt to all this at the start but it really does get easier with time. It sounds as if you are doing extremly well but don't be afraid to seek advice from your team.

Whatever hope this might give you I am now into my 18th year something i never thought I would see!

best wishes

Sally

[hunsdon in reply to sallym]

O well done you, you must be looking after yourself, you have given me and I would say lots of other people hope.So I will go and get some vitamin B12 tablets and also let my support nurse know as well. So thank you so much I look forward to talking to you again I hope.

Take Care

Tina,

[DaveChuter]

Hi,

It is back to the medical team first please, ideally ask for a blood test to see if needed.

B12 may not always be absorbed if part of the stomach has been removed, so will be an injection method of supplement..

My surgery was September 2006 and lost 75% of my stomach which is now up in my chest.

Regular blood tests, 6 monthly to start, and now only if I feel it's needed and by my GP, have shown that I have not needed any supplements or top ups of any kind since surgery.

It is more essential to have a balanced diet.

Everyone is different, please talk to your team and I'm sure if B12 supplement is needed, they would have mentioned it or will do so soon, we all a store of vitamins for a good 3 - 6 months so early days yet.

Kindest regards,

Dave C

[hunsdon in reply to DaveChuter]

Hi Dave, Thanks for the extra information I will speak to my support nurse regarding vitamin B12 and also any multivitamins, maybe I'm just getting a head of myself.I'm just glad to start to get my life back again slowly but surely.

Take care

Tina

[DaveChuter in reply to hunsdon]

Hi Tina,

It is early days still and it does take time for all to settle down, and there are no set rules for everyone on recovery pathway.

You will get your life back, it does take time and can't be rushed, Enjoy the rest.

Best wishes,

Dave C

[hunsdon in reply to DaveChuter]

Thats so nice of you dave,its nice to be able to talk to other people and get some good feed back, I must ask you dave regarding your surname which is unusal but when I was working we had a young lad who had the same surname, I think it was spelt the same or it might have had an extra T but i'm unsure,he came from dagenham essex any family member maybe?????

Regards

Tina

[sallym]

Hi Tina,

Vitamin B12 that my stomach is able to absorb comes from my diet and not from extra supplement,so better to make sure you need it first.

Take care

Sally

[hunsdon in reply to sallym]

Thanks sally thats good to know, I'l let you know what they advise me.

Take care

Tina