Bone Density Scan , How often ?

How many years in between do we get one, I'm 3 years out and had one a year ago ?

Hi browneyes65,

Good for you having this done and tracking it!  It's one of the most missed tests and very important to us post op.

I personally have it done once a year.  My first year I lost 17% of my bone density and have upped my vits.  I am osteopenia trying to avoid osteoporosis.  Keep us posted on how you are doing!

I had a Bone Density Scan to see how my bones are doing, I found out I had Osteopenia. I really wanted to have it again but my PCP won't do it, she said to soon . Not sure if Medicaid and Medicare will pay for it yearly. Are you suppose to have surgeon order it? I don't think a PCP understands the importance and it's so hard to explain it to her because she said talk to my surgeon. My PCP still does not understand what labs should be done and I understand that is not her expertise but sometimes it would help to have some labs done in town.

It is awesome you had a scan. I have one done every 2 years,  My next one is Tues.  I too have some osteopenia, a possible parathyroid tumor which affects "D" and calcium, and experienced menopause at a young age.  

Was this done because of blood tests showing issues?, or was it done for general checking?

My blood tests keep coming back with slightly elevated PTH levels, and so instructed to keep up on 1500 mg of calcium daily to avoid bone leaching, and wonder if I should push the testing.

THX

Great question, browneyes!  I will send an email to my WLS medical team but beware, it may take awhile to get a response.  Check back.  PS: those reading this, please consider asking and posting your response from your medical team, as well.  If the answers vary, it will still help us decide how often we might choose a scan.

A summarized email reply said the frequency of a bone density scan was left for the patient and the patient's primary care physician to decide. Sorry, not much help.

Every two years is what my surgeon recommends. It's also what Medicare will pay for. I'm not sure about other insurances.