osteopenia/boniva

I am 2 and a half years post-op, age 55. I had a dexiscan 2 years ago, and just had a second one. My PCP called me yesterday to say I have lost 20% bone density in 2 years, and now I have osteopenia (the stage before osteoperosis). She said I can start on boniva for this in addition to my calcium suppliments. I am bummed that I lost that much bone density, which I assume is from the surgery (not able to eat much food, etc.). I am wondering - does anyone know if boniva is safe for us to take? It must be a time released pill since you only take it once a month, so that concerns me. Has anyone else develped bone loss? What have you done for it? Thanks, Terri

I take Fosamax, the weekly version and haven't had a problem with it. My WLS doc wanted me to do the daily one, but I have a hard time remembering to take it so I switched. You might want to check with your WLS doc to be sure.

at the support group where i had my sirgery, one of the nurses at the clinic said they have several patients on Boniva. I take actonel, and was told by both the ortho and the wls doc that it was fine and should absorb fine.

Hi Terri ... I had my first bone density done about 5 months ago, and I too came up with osteopenia. My one doc suggested Miacalcin (nasal spray), but I'm apprehensive since I'm prone to nosebleeds (had a hard time with Flonase, and other allergy meds). My other doc also said that once I start, I have to keep taking it, because if I stop, the benefits will stop right there and then. She also tends to think that if my eating improves, my bone density will as well ... I need to point her to some materials because I don't think she realizes that this is common for post gastric bypass patients due to malabsorption. So, in the meantime, I am not taking anything. Let me know how the Boniva works for you. Karyn

I have not, but I'm wondering what kind of calcium supplements you are taking. Are they calcium citrate or another form of calcium? How often are you taking it ? Also, how much calcium are you taking? What did your bloodwork indicate? Any sign there that you were losing bone density?? --BT

I take Fosamax. There is a warning with this one that heartburn can be a side-effect. I don't know about Boniva. I had horrible GERD before WLS, and it has been mostly gone since surgery. I started on the Fosamax a year ago. Some months since then I've had more heartburn, other months none, so I don't think it is related to the Fosamax use. Sue O.

Hi, I had a bone scan before rny everything was fine...2 yrs after surgery I have osteroperosis in my left hip and ostropernia (spelling) in my spine. I can't blame all this on the Rny tho...I have had Breast Cancer ( 6 yrs cancer free ) with chemo and radiation...also the arimidex which i take now also adds to the bone loss, as well as thyroid, Ive been told. I do take Actonel 1 time a week...it gives me belly pain and direah. But guess i will keep takeing it. I did stop for awhile but started up again. I take 1600 of the calcium citrate lozenges from beriatric advantage. I really like them. So will let you know when i go for another scan how its going with me....I do have it in my family too so that doesnt help. But hey Im happy : ) Cha