Osteoporosis after WLS
Just sayin' hi
Hello,
I don't have osteoporosis (yet) but I lost 19% of my bone mass at my hip since weight loss surgery. (No loss in my spine.) I had it checked for the first time at 3 months out and I was at the average for whatever perfect and much younger woman they compare you against with the T score. Second scan (on same machine at 27 months out) I'm below average on the T score (but not a full standard deviation which would put me at osteopenia) and just a little bit below on the Z score (comparison with my own age group).
Despite the numbers, my doctor tried to give me a script for Fosamax, once again proving he doesn't understand anything about my surgery even though I've explained it repeatedly. (sigh) That particular drug is contraindicated for gastrectomy patients, with actonel (residronate) showing fewer gastric issues. I refuse to take either. Those are major scary drugs with no long term safety studies. I'm not anywhere near a place where their benefit would outweigh their risk. I'm not post menopausal (the group the drug has been tested on) and I'm still technically in the normal range on my dexa.scan. Though that 19% drop doesn't bode well for the future
Realistically what we all fear is the dreaded broken hip, right? Low bone density is but one factor in whether or not I'll fall and break my hip. Things like balance and fitness level are equally important so that's where I'm choosing to focus. Using the WHO's FRAX calculator, based on my dexa score and other lifestyle indicators my risk of breaking my hip in the next ten years is 0.1%. That's hardly worth risking taking bisphosphonates!
I'm going to do another dexa scan in a few months and see if I'm still dropping. In the meantime I've upped my calcium and vitamin k2. I'm also increasing my weight bearing exercise. I'd been walking, but I've increased it. I know walking barely makes a difference compared to higher impact exercise, but it's something, isn't it?. I'm starting yoga as well. I need to find something higher impact that I like.
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and thanks for starting this group on OH. Hopefully it will become more populated as this is an important topic for WLS patients.
I don't have osteoporosis (yet) but I lost 19% of my bone mass at my hip since weight loss surgery. (No loss in my spine.) I had it checked for the first time at 3 months out and I was at the average for whatever perfect and much younger woman they compare you against with the T score. Second scan (on same machine at 27 months out) I'm below average on the T score (but not a full standard deviation which would put me at osteopenia) and just a little bit below on the Z score (comparison with my own age group).
Despite the numbers, my doctor tried to give me a script for Fosamax, once again proving he doesn't understand anything about my surgery even though I've explained it repeatedly. (sigh) That particular drug is contraindicated for gastrectomy patients, with actonel (residronate) showing fewer gastric issues. I refuse to take either. Those are major scary drugs with no long term safety studies. I'm not anywhere near a place where their benefit would outweigh their risk. I'm not post menopausal (the group the drug has been tested on) and I'm still technically in the normal range on my dexa.scan. Though that 19% drop doesn't bode well for the future
Realistically what we all fear is the dreaded broken hip, right? Low bone density is but one factor in whether or not I'll fall and break my hip. Things like balance and fitness level are equally important so that's where I'm choosing to focus. Using the WHO's FRAX calculator, based on my dexa score and other lifestyle indicators my risk of breaking my hip in the next ten years is 0.1%. That's hardly worth risking taking bisphosphonates!
I'm going to do another dexa scan in a few months and see if I'm still dropping. In the meantime I've upped my calcium and vitamin k2. I'm also increasing my weight bearing exercise. I'd been walking, but I've increased it. I know walking barely makes a difference compared to higher impact exercise, but it's something, isn't it?. I'm starting yoga as well. I need to find something higher impact that I like.
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and thanks for starting this group on OH. Hopefully it will become more populated as this is an important topic for WLS patients.
Hi Panda,
I apologize fr not reponding to you earlier. I have had TOO much happening this summer and have just now been able to settle into a more peaceful Fall (5 weddings, 4 at my home, plus my son's in Ft. Lauderdale-I live in Oregon).
I am interested to hear your f/u DEXA rslts. I am curious as to why you don't think walking is all that beneficial, 'cause that's about all I do. I suffered through a foot and lower leg reconstruction in the last 4 years and have just this last year increased my activity beyond sitting on my butt. I doubt that I will ever jog again. Good for you for avoiding the bisphosphonates. Doesn't sound appropriate for you.
Thanks for chiming in, and good luck with the yoga!
Susan
I apologize fr not reponding to you earlier. I have had TOO much happening this summer and have just now been able to settle into a more peaceful Fall (5 weddings, 4 at my home, plus my son's in Ft. Lauderdale-I live in Oregon).
I am interested to hear your f/u DEXA rslts. I am curious as to why you don't think walking is all that beneficial, 'cause that's about all I do. I suffered through a foot and lower leg reconstruction in the last 4 years and have just this last year increased my activity beyond sitting on my butt. I doubt that I will ever jog again. Good for you for avoiding the bisphosphonates. Doesn't sound appropriate for you.
Thanks for chiming in, and good luck with the yoga!
Susan
