4yrs Out, Regrets, Osteoprosis, Revision, HELP!

Hi all, I had my RNY Feb 04.  Lost 100, gained back 20 since.  I'm ok with that, not great but OK.  My main problem now that is leading to regret and investigation of  a possible reversal or revision is that my DEXA scan that I had done in November of 07 showed a lowered bone density.  Specifically in the spine.  I am not diagnosed as having osteoporosis as a 43 yr old male.  WTF? Anyone else out there that is seeing the same thing?  Can any one recommend a surgeon in the LA area that can handle a RNY Reversal/revision.   I think a non-malabsorbtive way may be how I need to go.  HELP! Thanks, Mike

Hang in there and good luck to you!  I am sure someone will hop on and help you soon!  Also I think there is a revision board. ~Ann~

Hi Mike We are about the same, 4 years out. Both my mother and i have has surgery. She now has osteoperosis 16 years after her surgery...but she was never told to take additional cali****he just told to take a "One a days" for about 10 years. The good news is there are good meds to turn things around. Investigate.  She now takes a regimine of perscriptions but she also religiously takes her calicium (BTW - so many people here take those chocolate calcium chews.Viactive..cause they taste good...don't bother, they don't do anything for us. Revision? Why? Osteperosis is treatable. it's good that you know about it. Couple of questions.... Did you have a DEXA scan prior to your RYN? Could this have been pre-existing? Do you have a history of osteo in your family? I didn't know I had until my mom was diagnosed. The she "suddenly recalled that a few of her aunts and great aunts had it. What type of Calcium subliment s do you take?  I'm religious about my calcium because of mom's condition.  You do know that most calcium suplements aren't digested very well by  RYN patients. You have to take citrate, not carbonate, and you can't take them with Iron or most other vitamins and minerals, but you can take them with vitamin D cause that helps with absorbstion. Best wishes to you, no matter what your decision is. And Thanks for the reminder to others out there that they HAVE to TAKE thier CALCIUM!!!!!!

Hi..thanks for the reply.  I've been taking Bariatric Advantage Calc Citrate and Iron (not together).  Also never had a DEXA scan prior.   There is no history of Osteoporosis in my family.  Everyone I speak with says this is unusual at my age.  Have I taken my calcium as religiously as I should have? Honestly, no, but cant say i've missed THAT much. 

Do you know for a fact that malabsorbtion is the cause of the lower bone density in your dexa scan?    Lower bone density is not only women.   I had Osteoporosis & have been treating it for 3 years prior to wls with calcium, Vitamin D & Fosamax-D.    This did not prevent my rny - in fact all my doctors were in favor of rny even with the osteoporosis.   Six months after rny, I had another Dexa scan & my bone density has improved - YEAH!!!   Please check with your doctors before making any decision.

Wow! I didn't know you could improve bone density!
that is great news.

Jan, Thanks for the reply.  I know that there is no history of Osteoporosis in my family.  All my Dr.'s say this is unusual for a male my age.  Even the arthritis doc I am seeing cant explain my my bone density is so low even with the surgery.   I will be getting Reclast in 2 weeks.  I am nervous as hell, i fell so fragile physically all of a sudden. Thanks, Mike

Mike,  I've heard great things about Reclast from My Mother's Internist and her Rhemetologist (Mom's had Osteoporosis for years).   I hope that it will be beneficial for you.   I do believe it will take a year or more before to see the results.   Do you take calcium / Vitamin D supplements regularly?   these are also very important.

Jan, I know it will take a while, there may even be  drop in density and D levels when taking Reclast.  I am taking 1500mg Calc Citrate per day and Dr. has me loading up on D prior to the Reclast.  Scary!