Question:
Can the long term calcium supplements like Boniva or Fosamax be used?

I am 2 yrs. post-op, RNY gastric bypass, and after my second bone density test in two years I am continuing to lose bone density and am now in the osteoporosis category. Prior to surgery, I showed no bone loss.    — cvmcl717 (posted on May 16, 2007)

May 16, 2007
Hi Carol, I am 2 week presurgery and asked that question of my surgeon. I am having RNY as well. He stated that Actonl and Fosamx (which is taken weekly) are too caustic and cannot be taken but there are nasal sprays we can look into or look into an injection. I am presently posing this question to my GYN (regarding other avenues besides Fosamax and Actonel) and once I find out, I will post. LN Lawrence
   — lawrenln88

May 16, 2007
We still take a LOT of calcium (citrate) and vit D (has to be dry form D3) and test vit D and PTH often. I have used Actonel (the most GI friendly of the bunch) for more than 3 yrs now. I was afraid to use it and wasted 4 yrs that might hav helped me. It doesn't actually hurt the pouch, but it would bother the esophagus, if at all. My doc said I would know immediately. My fear was that I would feel no pain and have a surprise gastric bleed. So far, so good. No burning at all. I take it on Sundays when I can afford to take a niiiiiiiice looong shower. Nobody but the cats waiting for me. But the main thing is not to lose any MORE bone, so please be sure to take plenty of calcium citrate (over 2000mg) and extradry form vit D3 to maintain levels of around 70 (latest range is 32-100).
   — vitalady

May 16, 2007
I am almost 4 years post op and before WLS I had no bone loss but 2 years ago I had my first bone density scan and it shower osteopenia and I was put on Fosamax once weekly. I hate having to sit aside 30 minutes once a week for it and after a year I had another bone scan done and it showed more bone density loss but not full blown osteoporsis. So now I am still on Fosamax however, I use the nasal spray Miacalcin every day, it is in the same group as Fosamax and I have had no problems with it or remembering to use it every day. It is costly though if you don't have good insurance. I will have another bone scan next Jan. so I will see if it has helped alot or not.
   — KittyKatt

June 7, 2007
I too have osteoporosi AFTER wls! I take Fosamax too.
   — Kittypup