Osteoporosis

Anyone out there old enough to be worried about Osteoporosis? I'm just wondering if anyone has used Fosamax or Boniva and, if so, was it a problem with the bypass surgery? I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to start one of them. My mother had Osteoporosis and my bone density scan is worse when compared to the one from last year. Of course, my Vitamin D level is also very low but we're working on that. Any input would be appreciated.

Wilma,  I am 54 and my primary doctor checks me regularly post WLS. They did a bone scan and realized that I had osteopenia which can be reversed as opposed to osteoporosis.  When they checked my VIT D level, it too was low so we increased my Vit D level.  That alone has improved the osteopenia.  I am sorry I don't  know any more about osteoporosis but I would call your gastric bypass surgeon to make sure taking either of those meds is safe for your pouch and then tell him that osteoporosis runs in your family and you want to be proactive.  I guess this is just another example of why we have to be so good about taking our multivitamins every day since we don't absorb the necessary nutrients through our  food as we did before WLS.   Joann 

I take Fosamax D.  No problem that I know of with taking it.  I too have concerns about osteoporosis.  My bone density scan was not good either.  Osteoporosis does not run in my family and I have big bones, but my scan was not good.  My insurance will only pay a scan every two years.  I am to have another one in October. 262/130  5'1" RNY 3-11-2005

Wilma, I am 55 and have had osteoporosis for several years.  I have broken my femur twice, shattered my hip, and have lost 2" height due to vetebral fractures.  It has certainly affected my qualilty of life. I take Fosamax D (2800IU D) weekly and 2000 mg calcium  citrate daily.  Also, getting sunlight on your skin for 20 minutes a day ~ of course weather permitting ~ helps your body absorb some natural D.  I haven't had any trouble taking the Fosomax.  My rheumatologist says like all meds, you have to weigh benefits vs risks.  I have become disabled from osteoporosis and personally I vote for the benefits!! It is very important as wls patients that we, including men get a yearly dexa scan.  Maybe your dr could send your insurance something stating that you are a wls pt who has osteopenia and needs yearly scans. Good luck to you, and please think very carefully about the Fosomax or one of the other meds. Paula 299/124

My mother age 80 has severe osteoporosis and I'm 54 and have osteopenia. I have recently started taking Boniva monthly and 2 calcium citrate dly.  My mother has recently started taking daily injections of Forteo ( teriparatide). This medication is suposed to rebuild bone density and alleviate the pain that my mother has because of the multiple small fractures in her spine from the bone loss.  She was told that she would need to take these injection for 2 years, and that within  3 months her pain should cease.  After two years her bones would be like a 20 year old and she would need to take Fosamax D the rest of her life to maintain her bone health.  This is a new medication out that many doctors don't know about. Hope this helps you. Carol

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I was primarily concerned about irritation from either the Fosamax or the Boniva. I'm a nurse so I understand risk vs benefit. My PMD ordered the bone scan just one year after my first one because my Vitamin D level was so low - no problem with the insurance company. The report on the second scan reported significant change in bone density; last year they did not recommend medication but this year they did. As long as I'm not going to burn a hole in my little tummy I will defintely opt for the medication. I may be crazy but I'm not stupid! Thanks again. Wilma

I am 12.5 yrs out and was dx with osteoporosis at 6 yrs out, age 50.  It seems to be a problem realted to ANY of the WLS.  Many of us went INTO surgery with some bone loss.  Although the docs say fat = dense bones, they don't take into account that we've lost bone mass with EVERY diet we've been on, and eating in America doesn't include high calcium foods (green leafies, nuts, seeds).   About 50% of those of us who are able to have dexascans pre-op are showing some damage.  I take Actonel with no problem.  My doc chose it because it is the most GI friendly of the bunch and yes, I've had improvements. I also take many thousand mg of calcium ctrate and high dose dry form vit D3.  As of last labs, calcium, vit D and PTH levels were all at ideal, however, I've been unable to reverse all the damage done to my bones by a life time of dieting and 6 yrs of not enough and/or the wrong type of calcium.

Those 2 drugs are not on my list of drugs to avoid, but you can call your surgeon to be sure.

I am 62,  before surgery my bone density was fine....1 year after i have ostrioperosis in the left hip and ostropernia in the spine. I have been on Actonel and had a reaction with numbness of the tounge and tingling of the tounge so I was taken off. It seems to have gone away. I dont know what is next for me. My ins. wont allow another bone density for 2 yrs so I have to wait a year for that..to see where I am. Have no idea what the Dr. will do now for me. Cha