Question:
I had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago.

I now have developed osteiprosis has anyone had this problem and what has your doctor recommened?    — gammiepat (posted on October 6, 2011)

October 6, 2011
I'm working on it....have your blood levels checked on calcium and parathyroid hormone (pth). My surgeon does blood tests at least once a year and it caught a parathyroid problem that was leaching calcium from my bones. I am seeing an endocronologist today for test results. Good luck.
   — Debbi S.

October 6, 2011
I get a bone density test yearly, plus I take 500 mg of calcium three times a day. Also remember you have to wait to take your iron two hours, you can't take calcium and iron together.
   — FSUMom

October 6, 2011
I had RNY 3 years ago and have the same problem. I had the blood work done and also was diagnosed with osteopenia. I ended up with a bad parathyroid gland and had it removed. I am now working on getting my calcium reinstated in my bones and my endocrynologist has me on 50,000 uhits of vitamin D once a week right now. I guess this must be common and I am going to address this to a gastric bypass doctor to see what he knows about this. I am hoping to restore the calcium in my bones. Am right now also taking Fosamex. Good luck with your situation.
   — KathyStarling

October 7, 2011
So important to get in that calcium citrate! I get a large bottle from Costco very very cheaply, but I got tired of the two big pills all the time. Now I alternate between Bariatric Advantage Chews and Chewable Lozenges and the pills to add some variety so I'll take the darn things. Iron was mentioned in a previous post and I want to remind all that Iron needs Vitamin C to process properly. Those two should be taken together 2 hours separately from any other supplements. Vitalady.com has an excellent plan for supplements based on each surgery that has been developed from experience... it is much more complete than any surgeon's suggestions I've seen yet. Good luck to you!!
   — Ruthie D.

October 8, 2011
i am 7 years out and now have the same problem. i already take calcium citrate 4 pills a day as well as 2000units of vit D a day. also went to an endocrinologist. apparently, this is very common in bypass patients, because we don't absorb as well. i was just at the cusp of osteoporosis. i had also taken actonel and fosamax for a short time and stopped because of terrible side effects. my dr said to wait a year and we will retake the bone density test, even tho i am "spitting distance" from taking meds. he did recommend weight bearing exercise which helps.
   — libby17326