and the list goes on....

I just visited a rhumotoligist (sp) and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, severe osteoporosis, and osteopenia. I am wondering if anyone else is having a problem with these things and if they feel it may be linked to the malabsorption of the gastric bypass? I am now scheduled for 4 types of physical therapy, a new drug to add to the collection of ones I already take, and will have to have bone density scans on a regular basis now. Just curious on others thoughts on this.

I have fibro and osteopenia. But I've had it for a long time. Fibro can be brought on by stress. Sometimes surgery can trigger it. For me, I'm much better than I've been in years. Most of my tender points are now gone. As for the osteopenia, I have a family history of osteoporosis so I'm not too surprised. I'm hoping the bone density I have done in December will be okay, or at least the same as it has been. An educated guess would be that the osteoporosis has been going on for a while, not caused by the surgery but maybe worsened.

Well, one website says "Risk factors for osteopenia and osteoporosis include genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, petite stature and small bone structure, long-term use of steroids or heparin, cigarette smoking, and declining levels of estrogen after menopause. Some of these factors -- like genes and bone structure -- are things you are stuck with, but many of these risk factors are easy to modify. Doing regular weight-bearing exercise throughout life, ensuring adequate calcium intake and avoiding smoking are ways not only to improve bone health, but health in general" I suppose if you aren't getting in enough calcium it could happen. My surgeon requires that we take calcium as well as numerous other vitamins & minerals. So far my numbers are Ok. Hope all turns out OK for you and they can find some way to help you. Dixie

Soft hugs to you I was dx'd with fibro in the early 90's & have to say since surgery I think it has improved. Still have pain but don't think it's nearly as bad as before surgery. Fibro is generally, not always brought on by stress or trauma. Feel for you hon. Keep us posted. Carolyn

Thanks for the input. I had my blood work done and the only shortage it showed at the time was B12, which I already supplement. I am not of petite structure, rather a "good old farm girl" build! :0) I however did have to have a total hysterectomy at the age of 23 due to a misdiagnosis of my family physician at the time. I had a tubal pregnancy which she missed and by the time I started to hemorrage from it the surgeon in the er had no choice but emergency hysterectomy. I was devastated since I wanted loads of kids, and had only one. But after a few years I realized that God gave me a gift of one, and he was a very good baby. I was not put on hormone therapy at the time or later due to a very strong history of breast cancer in my family and a bout of cancer myself ( though not breast cancer). I guess all I can do at this point in time is follow the instructions of the rhumotoligist, go to the therapy, and pray! I care for my 81 year old mom in my home and she is full time care, so I really need to try to keep my health at this time. Once again, thanks for the replies, and take care. Cheryl

I definately think it has more to do with the hysterectomy than WLS....I just had a hysterectomy on the 7th and I am only 26....that was my GYN biggest fear is the risk of osteo, and even higher since I had the gastric bypass.....but I take my calcium everyday and I take the right kind, plus I eat calcium rich foods, and I will have a bone density scan every year! Other than that there isn't much we can do......To bad they didn't warn you of this when you had the hysterectomy!! Take Care and I hope you feel better soon! Jesi

I am 50 so it was many a year ago that I had the hysterectomy. They did at the time mention to drink and eat a calcium rich diet and I have tried. I suppose it is just one of those lovely things that goes along with getting older also. The hysterectomy was a necessity, as the tubal pregnancy had turned gangreened (sp) hmmm... is there even such a word???? :0) Anyway, on with life, take it as it comes and be happy!!!!

WOW I would have never guessed you to be 50.....You look amazing! I know I am going to age bad....I don't drink or smoke, but my family is just naturally wrinkly......people always think I am older than I am!!! Well again I was shocked when you said you were 50.....You look amazing! Take Care Jesi

LOL Thanks!!!!! My son and his friends have always said that I looked like his sister than his mom. I feel like I look old, so guess I will take your compliment and enjoy it for a while! My husband is always telling me how young I look, but I figure he just wants brownie points...