Where to start?

I just received the results of my 3rd Dexascan and have decreased 9% and 10% in spine and right hip.  I have been taking most of my Bariatric Advantage vitamins.  Since going back to work I haven't been as diligent taking them.  Where do I start??  Doc said weight bearing exercise??  Any suggestions please.  Thanks,

Hi ToniLee,
 To answer your question, we'll need more info from you.
What are you currently taking re: vitamins and supplements including dosages and frequency? With food or without?
Yes, weight bearing exercise is a significant part of the "program". Those bears need to be used, stressed in order to maintain and hopefully gain bone mass. Walking is the least stressful on your cartilage and joint surfaces, yet demanding enough for the muscles and body weight to put some demand on the bone. A good minimum starting point is 30 min a day 5-7 days a week. Of course, anything is better than sitting in a chair. Yoga, dance,pilates are also good, while swimming and cycling do not place enough stress on the bones to be helpful (but are good for overall cardiac conditioning).
I thought that I had this pretty well scoped out,too, just to be blown away with an unexpectedly poor PTH level. I take my vitamins with me in little plastic med containers. I found that I get too busy and forget to take them. So, now, I put my meds in my pockets and have them on me at all times, so when I think abt it, I take them. I am also trying to take them with warm / hot fluids to encourage the breakdown of the gelatin capsules, or, I am opening the capsules up and loading the contents right on my tongue, followed by lots of water.
Post details and I will chime in with what I know. I'm certain that others will share their expertise as well.

Susan

Just from a vitamins perspective--my PCP told me to double my calcium and increase my vitamin D when she put me on Fosamax. Vitalady advised increasing magnesium citrate (capsules), boron and vitamin K2 as well. I also experimented with strontium for about a year and at my age I needed hormone replacements. (apparently, estrogen helps with bone mass retention)  As far a weight bearing exercising--I walk in 15 minute snatches during the workday and do leaning push-ups. I think I'm doing the right things to stop the bone loss but I haven't seen any improvement in bone mass. Dexa scan numbers have not changed the last 2 times. 

--gina


  

I guess if your not losing mass then your making some headway!!  In 2007 they started me on hormones but then I had RNY so I stopped them and never looked back :(   My PCP is not real up on WLS patients but she tries.  Have you had any issues taking the Fosamax? As soon as I get the written results I guess I'll know a little more they just gave some info over the phone.  Thanks for your input.  Toni

I'm working with my GYN and my PCP currently but my GYN suggested I talk to a specialist (rheumatologist) about the osteoporosis and how having a malabsorptive WLS might indicate another treatment, such as an injectable medication vice an oral medication. I haven't had any problems with the Fosamax, I guess I should knock on wood when I say that. 

--gina