Bone density ?

Oh yeah baby . . . Synthroid doesn't help bone density. Nor does being post-menopausal. Nor does having had an RNY. You've got at least two out of three of those things. Then there's genetics. And prolly other risk factors, I dunno how many more. Good luck with your appointment. Is this your first dexascan? Even with a baseline (pre-op) dexascan, I think it'd be hard to tell what causitive effect any particular known risk factor has had on your bones, including genetics. Remember not to rush to judgment on any of them, and what can ya do, you need a thyroid replacement hormone, you've had the RNY, and it's probably too late now for that sex-change operation (plus, men get their own basket of middle-aged fun ~ can we say, hair in yer ears?). I think there are things they can give you to help increase your bone density (fosamax comes to mind but that may be way wrong). Some of those (is it fosamax? why can't I remember??) are upsetting to the pouch in some people. I know Michelle Curran knows something about this stuff, so you may want to contact her if you get disturbing news at your appointment. And don't forget your Vitamin D. It's also important for bones. I have to take lots of extra Vitamin D along with the D that's in my calcium citrate capsule, just to achieve a low-normal reading on my labs. My doc keeps saying, "get more sun for vitamin D," and I keep saying, "melanoma, twice, remember? not an option." Dang, ain't it always something. Good luck. MRI's? What the ? ? ? ? ? {{{{{Hugs}}}}} Hang in there!! --Suzy

I had a bone density test done a few months ago, and was diagnosed with osteopenia, and I have always taken 1500 mg, in addition to the calcium I get through my foods. I also do weight-bearing exercise. Go figure... I told my doc I wanted to wait another year and re-do the scan before agreeing to go on meds for it. Betsy C

Me too Betsy--that is what is so frustrating. I don't even know how bad they are gonna say it is.

I on the other hand will see my DR next week and will insist on discussing the drugs to restore bone density and intend having an rx in hand when I leave. Osteoporosis scares the hell out of me. I saw too many frail little old ladies in nursing school with broken hips, vertebres, wrists etc. to not do everything in my power to avoid that condition. I take Citracal plus with D and magnesium, Altho I had been titrating it to the calcium intake in my diet as to not get too much calcium for my kidney stones. I usually eat at least 3 servings of dairy a day. and weight lift along with other weight bearing exercises and lost 10% in my scores. I waited 2 years from my last one that was at a healthy level and now I'm really worried. I hope yours improves! Please keep us posted! (hugs)

I am fairly young.....27 to be exact. But I had a dexa before and at my one year check-up.....My doc's office was way impressed that I actaully GAINED bone density I have taken at least 1000mgs of calcium citrate daily. I get it through powder forms like UpCalD or chewable forms as I don't break down pills good unless capsule form and I hate taken fifty capsules to get my daily intake. I get my calcium from various sources (online) whoever has the best sales. The chewable lozenges I only find at vitalady. I hope everything turns out okay for ya. I am super cautious about my calcium intake as I had a hysterectomy young and that makes two big strikes against me for developing osteo down the road!!! Take Care jesi

Thanks for responding Jesi--you are VERY young--wish I was too. I take the twin lab calcium citrate chewable that I get from Vita cost--which chewable do you take? All of my lab work has come out improved from pre-op. I'm just an idiot for not doing this before. Good job keeping up with the calcium and the dexa. BTW--how is your recovery coming from the plastics? Are you happy?

I too like the twin labs....the big shock tart kinda chew??? I also get the chewable/suckable ones from bariatric advantage.....they come in three flavors.....Mint, Chocolate, and cinnamon. I like the cinnamon. I use all of them because I get sick of the same ole' same ole'!!! But I really prefer the UpCal D powder. You can order the powder in a big jug, or in individual serving packs. No, I am not happy with my plastics....I am gonna take some pics tonight and I will post them.....I will let you know when they are up......the whole experience has just been kinda depressing and I have used it as an excuse to be depressed and eat like junk......To my horror, the scale is up 10lbs.....now I am really depressed! But no more excuses.....I have kicked myself in the butt and gonna try to work a little harder, until all ten are gone, and hopefully a few extra What a shock tho I think I could be content if I didn't pay so much cash to have the extra work done. I am a stay at home mom, we are a family of five......so over 2000K isn't something I am happy to throw around!!!!! I feel I would have been happier having NOT paid out-of-pocket and having the basic done.....it is hard, I never spend money on myself.....the one time I do, and a lot of it, I am totally not happy about it Oh well!!! My PS still insists it is swelling and as soon as the skin adheres, it should be alot better.....I am having to wear my binder again for another month and I am over two months out!!! I have been cut and drained 5-6 times now??? Could be worse I am sure! Take Care and I will let you know when I post those pics! How is your healing coming along??? are you happy?? Take Care Jesi

Hi Lynda, Yep, I also had a bone density scan and "yes" I also got a call from my doctor's office... I also will have to go on a perscription. I have been taking 1500 of calcium daily since surgery. My calcium shows low on my labs, and so does my vit D. I don;t know what I could have done differently. This is my first scan at 2.5 years post-op. I have had lots of absorbtion issues. Let me know how this works out for you. Take care!

Thanks Sandi--Kind of frustrating, isn't it?

Hi Lynda I had a Dexa-scan last year and was diagnosed with Osteopenia (the spine measurement was low, but the hip one was normal). I don't know what your doc will tell you when you go in, but my PCP, Gyn and Surgeon ALL said that Fosamax and similar meds are too harsh on our pouches and recommended against taking them. I figured with all three of them agreeing on that, that they must know what they're talking about. Are you being good about taking it easy since your PS??? No golfing allowed!!! Eileen