Do You Still Need B12 Injections After Bariatric Surgery?

If you've had gastric bypass or sleeve surgery, you're probably familiar with the phrase:
"You’ll need B12 injections for life."

But is that still true?

For many post-op patients in the UK, high-dose oral B12 supplements can now replace injections — especially when taken consistently as part of a complete multivitamin routine.

See why thousands trust our complete one-a-day capsule →

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Why B12 Is So Important After Bariatric Surgery

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

• Red blood cell formation

• Nervous system support

• Energy metabolism

• Cognitive function

After gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, your body has a harder time absorbing B12 from food due to changes in digestion and intrinsic factor production.

Left untreated, B12 deficiency can cause:

• Fatigue

• Nerve damage

• Memory issues

• Anaemia

That’s why NHS guidelines recommend lifelong supplementation — either by injection or oral capsule.

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Are B12 Injections Still Necessary?

Not always.

The traditional approach has been:

• Quarterly intramuscular B12 injections from your GP or bariatric team

But more recent evidence — and updated practices across UK hospitals — show that oral B12 works for many patients, if taken in the right dose and form.

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What Dose of Oral B12 Works?

Studies and UK dietitian protocols suggest:

• At least 350–500µg of oral B12 daily

• Ideally in methylcobalamin form (active B12)

This amount bypasses the need for traditional absorption pathways and is effective for most post-op patients who take it consistently.

Bari Enhance contains 500µg of active B12 per capsule — the same strength used by many hospital units that now offer oral B12 as a replacement for injections.

Still getting B12 injections? Find out if you actually need them →

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When Are Injections Still Needed?

Some patients may still require injections if:

• They have had complications post-surgery

• They struggle with compliance (forget to take capsules daily)

• Their bloodwork shows persistent low B12 despite supplementation

If you’re unsure, speak with your bariatric team or GP. But for many, a daily capsule is enough — no needles required.

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Summary: Can You Stop B12 Injections?

Situation:
• Consistently taking 500µg B12 capsule daily — No injections needed
• Forgetting doses regularly — Injections may still be required
• Bloodwork shows low B12 despite supplements — Injections may still be required
• Post-op complications or absorption issues — Injections likely recommended

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Trusted, Patient-Led Support

At Bari Enhance, our formulation was designed based on UK clinical guidelines — not trends.
Each capsule contains:

• 500µg Vitamin B12

• 3000 IU Vitamin D3

• 36mg Iron Bisglycinate

• Plus full B-complex, Zinc, Copper, Selenium

Want to see exactly what’s inside the capsule? Read our UK multivitamin guide →

One capsule. No injections for most