Vitamin B12 Injections After Gastrectomy: Why and What to Expect

After a gastrectomy (nearly all of the stomach is removed), Vitamin B12 has to be prescribed and injected because there are no longer enough intrinsic factors produced to effectively absorb B12 from food sources like meat and fish products (dairy and eggs do not have enough concentration to be a good source).

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for proper function of the nervous system. Without enough B12, people can develop anemia and neurological problems.