I also have Osteopenia (62 yrs old male, SADi DS in 2014) which I think is very common in both WLS patients and in many people as they get older. I could eat a horse every day and not gain weight, but I also can't add much muscle and worry about osteoporosis and certain cancers I think WLS patients are more vulnerable to.

If you haven't already had a bone scan, you should do it every 2 years at a min. It shows progression very clearly, which for me is primarily is my wrists.

A couple of points to combat it:

1) I doubled my calcium (600 units x 2 times daily), 2) Dr said it's the vit D that needs upgrading with Osteopenia, so I now take 10k units x 2 each day (20k units total). 3) I get a lot of exercise for an old guy, and resistance training is really important for everyone as they age. You should focus on weight lifting while standing (e.g. curls, presses, pushups). The load-bearing component is how you help keep bones strong.

This is an important topic impacting many wls patients, so pls keep us updated and good luck!

I have osteoporosis. I also hunch over - but I have no spinal fractures. I think it's just a symptom of the disease.

I did Reclast for three years (an IV infusion that you get once a year), then a two-year break, and if all goes well, I'll start Forteo in the fall (also an injectable - but one I'll be doing myself). Evidently it's a stronger bone-builder than Reclast.

K2 is the one that's good for bones.

I see an endocrinologist for my osteoporosis (I was referred to her by my PCP). I don't know about rheumotologists - but I'm sure they'll refer you elsewhere if he/she doesn't deal with osteoporosis (I honestly don't know if they deal with osteo or not - they very well might).

as far as exercise, anything where you're putting pressure on your bones helps to build them - even just walking.

EDITED to add: just checked - yes, rheumotologists also deal with osteoporosis.

OOPS! I found my previous post.

Thank you

Here's my issue and I'm scared! Revised to a DS in 2013 from a rny. Rough recovery but I healed and have maintained my weight loss with in a 10lb range 10 years out. (400 down to 175) I've taking vits and over the years had few labs with lower calcium. In 2016 they had me do thyroid biopsy but they were fine. Had elevated blood calcium but 24hr urine test showed to be normal. In 2020 I had a scan and it showed osteopenia. My PCP didn't really seem concerned and just said we will monitor. I kick myself for not pressing for more info. This last year I noticed some aches and pains and my stomach area was more pronounced. I chalked this up to being older or post menopausal. . Then my family noticed bad posture and my leaning to one side when I first get up in the am. I then started reading and realized it's probably progressing. I can't put my head against the wall when standing against it Rounded shoulders. I made an appointment with a rheumatologist, is this correct? I'm sure they will do testing and go from there. As far as the meds I'm assuming DS patients can't tolerate meds in the stomach, should I insist on a bone building med first? I want to go in as informed as possible. My mom had osteoporosis, I'm guessing my hunching over some is due to fractures. I'm 53 with teenagers at home. I want to try to treat this the best I can. I want to keep the "widows hump" from getting worse. I do walk for exercise but looks like I might need to add strength training too. I take k1 but guess k2 should be added. I take A, d3, e, and a multi. 1200 mg calcium 2x a day. Lasix for edema. Sorry this is long, there's not a lot of info out there.

I don't know if Forteo is like Tymlos, but I took Tymlos for 2 years and it stopped the bone loss and rebuilt a good amount of my bone. As to checking for copper I dont think anyone checks for it routinely. Checking mine came up due to another lab result. (I don't remember which one). I wish you the best!