Intravenous MicroNutrient Therapy for Gastric Bypass Patients

When people who read my blog email me, they typically ask what they can do immediately to improve their nutrient deficiency. One of the procedures that I do that helps me maintain healthy nutrient levels is Intravenous MicroNutrient Therapy (IMNT). The most known of these is called the Myer’s Cocktail which was first created by Dr. John Myers, a Maryland physician who developed this process to treat his patients for a variety of conditions.  Dr. Alan Gaby, President of the American Holistic Medical Association, took over Dr. Myers patients after his death and has helped to popularize this treatment.

The contents of the basic Myer’s cocktail is magnesium, calcium, B12, B6, B5, B-complex, and Vitamin C.  My doctor customizes my treatment by adding selenium, zinc and a multi-trace mineral to the cocktail.   The cocktail can be administered via IV drip or IV push. I get the IV push. The procedure costs me $45 per treatment.

I started out with the first IMNT and then did another treatment one week later.  Now I go every 2-4 weeks depending on how I feel. When I received the first treatment she cautioned that I may notice a vitamin taste in my mouth during the procedure, but I felt nothing. However, during the next treatment a week later I could taste the vitamins almost immediately. My doctor explained that this was a sign that I was much more deficient the first time than the second.

The procedure can be a bit uncomfortable at times, but not painful. The injection must be done slowly. If it injected too quickly there is an uncomfortable pressure at the injection site. The needle is placed into the vein. The needle is connected to this very large syringe full of the nutrient solution by a long thin piece of tubing. The contents are then slowly injected. Like I wrote earlier, depending on your level of deficiency, you may or may not get this vitamin taste in your mouth right away. There is also a very warm flushing that comes over you caused by the magnesium sulfate solution (but goes away after the treatment is complete). The entire process takes 15-20 minutes. It is recommended that you arrive for this treatment very well hydrated.  I didn’t feel much improvement right away, but the next morning I was very peppy and in a great mood.

There aren’t very many studies regarding this process and gastric bypass patients. Most of the information I found was regarding patients that have been struggling with cancer related issues or fibromyalgia.

I have found this therapy a welcome adjunct to my daily supplement regimen. I feel this therapy provides me with that “cushion” of nutrients to cover for those days when I haven’t taken my supplements. I would also recommend this therapy as a jumpstart for those gastric bypass patients who have identified that they are experiencing extreme symptoms of nutrient deficiency and don’t want to wait for the daily oral supplements to take effect.