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Press Release Source: Questcor Pharmaceuticals

Vitamin B12 Taken Nasally Can Help Patients Starve off Anemia After Weight Reduction Surgery

Tuesday September 21, 5:07 am ET


UNION CITY, Calif., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Administering Vitamin B12 over long periods after weight reduction surgery for the morbidly obese helps starve off anemia because the body's ability to absorb nutrients may be compromised, according to Dr. Shawn Garber from the New York Bariatric Group.

Anemia can occur if the body is not absorbing B12 through diet. Nascobal®, a prescription nasal vitamin B12 supplement, can make maintenance easier.

"Bariatric surgery is associated with great weight loss because it reduces
the stomach's size, but it can also compromise the body's ability to absorb
nutrients through the intestines" says Dr. Garber, who adds that long-term
follow up after surgery is essential, as serious vitamin and mineral
deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, may result when the body is not
absorbing this nutrient.

Vitamin B12's functions are formulating new red blood cells and maintaining
the nervous system. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, sore tongue, tingling in the limbs, and difficulty walking. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.

"For post gastric bypass patients, a simple oral vitamin is not enough since
their body is not capable of absorbing the benefits," says Dr. Garber. "To
prevent irreversible damage, patients may need to get Vitamin B12 for life."

Nascobal® from Questcor Pharmaceuticals is a painless option for patients.
It is a prescription nasal vitamin B12, that is taken once a week. Nascobal
is absorbed through the nasal tissues and distributed by the blood to the
rest of the body. Most people using Nascobal experience no side effects.
Reactions that may occur infrequently include headaches, nausea and
rhinitis.

"Not having to endure monthly doctor visits for Vitamin B12 shots is a good
benefit for patients, and since they can administer Nascobal themselves,
patients are more apt to stick with the regime and be proactive with their
health," says Dr. Garber.

With obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions -- currently, more than 14 million Americans are morbidly obese -- demand for surgery is soaring.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of
surgeries topped 120,000 in 2003.

"Any patient undergoing or planning weight reduction surgery should discuss Vitamin B12 deficiency with their doctor," says Dr. Garber. For more
information about Nascobol and Vitamin B12 deficiency, visit
http://www.questcor.com or http://www.stopobesityforlife.com

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email

Thank you so much for that information. i just had the bypass three months ago and even though i have lost over 85 pounds i am feeling listless and tired with no energy. i were to have had two b-12 shots by now however i have had to miss two doctor appointments and with that i did not recieve my medication. this is my first time online in over three months and i get the most helpful information that i immediatly need from reading the first post. again thanks

Have you discussed your symptoms with your Doctor.

Did you lose much blood during the operation? If so did the team take steps to reverse your anemia? Are they monitoring your anemia and working to increase your Red Blood Cells?

Have you confirmed that your listlessness it due to anemia? Perhaps you have an infection. Please contact your Physician immediately to discuss your symptoms.

Jan

Just a note on gastric bypass.

Gastric Bypass surgery carries two levels of risk. First, it is major surgery (although there is a new less invasive procedure available) that carries the following risks as published by the About website - "wound infection, hernia, ulcers, blood clots in lungs, and death". Second, it only works if the patient is very motivated and willing to follow the life plan prescribed by their Doctor...the following is also from 'About' - "To keep the weight off, those lifestyle changes your doctor prescribes will need to be permanent. Al Roker, for example, has given up his favorite McDonald's meals and exercises regularly. Carnie Wilson, who formerly binged as a comfort-eater, dines on healthy fare like grilled salmon and also exercises religiously. Carnie has commented that it's a one-two punch: when she exercises she doesn't want to undo the good she's done by downing a candy bar. Gastric bypass works, but you have to work at it!"

Nutrients such as iron are absorbed by the body via the intestines. By changing this intestinal route nutritions intake is changed. Your Doctor has no doubt put you on a regimine of suppliments.

http://weightloss.about.com/cs/gastr.../blgastby1.htm

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email