Question:
Are WLS patients more at risk for osteoporosis?

Even tho we take calcium supplements [citrate form], is there an increased risk for developing osteoporosis, due to malabsorbtion issues? My doctor would like to do a full body bone density scan- but insurance says it's not medically necessary. I agree with doctor. Is anyone aware of any studies done in response to this question?    — Marsha R. (posted on November 7, 2004)

November 7, 2004
Yes, it certainly does. That's why it is imparitive that you supplement your calcium daily. Calcium CITRATE, with magnesium and vit. D. Depending on your age, the usual recomendation is 1,000 MG a day. But since we malabsorb, I take 2,000 MG a day. You take 500 MG at a time --- no more than 500 MG at a time. Remember, your body needs calcium. And if you do not have enough, your body will leach it right out of your bones. Which in turn causes osteoporosis. This is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo important. ALSO.... ROLAIDS ARE NOT THE CALCIUM TO TAKE. You need calcium citrate.
   — SpyderS

November 7, 2004
PS.. here is the calcium I take. I purchase several big bottles at a time. Taking 4 a day, one bottle of 240 caps last 2 months. Also, I recommend these because they are capsuels. There are other kinds of calcium that come in hard tablets, but they take forever to dissolve. The caps dissolve easily and quickly. http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=VTMNCitrate
   — SpyderS

November 7, 2004
Calcium citrate supplements post WLS are extremely important. Of course this might depend on which procedure you have done. Viactiv and Tums are NOT citrate.
   — Yolanda J.

November 7, 2004
SUBTANTIALLY more risk. The weight loss alone is one factor. Many of us are lactose intolerant (others choose not to use milk in the same way we choose not to use candy). Most women DO a family history of it, regardless of age of onset. There are 3 criteria before you even reach malabsorption, age, menopausal status, physical starure or any of more than a dozen criteria. Another way to look at is that it's not an expensive test, only about $200. But I had enough criteria with lactose intolerance, stature (fair, petite, northern European), family history, massive weight loss, age and being post-hystie to qualify even without malsborption.
   — vitalady

November 7, 2004
My Dr. does a parathyroid hormone (intact) blood test, which is covered by insurance. If this is high...it is good reason to order the bone density because it is probably low.
   — Kathy K.

November 7, 2004
That depends. How much milk you drank before the surgery and family history. When I went for the test the person administrating the test was surprised to see someone my size come in for the test. At the time I was 175 lbs. She stated that the heavier you the it is less likely you will have op. I wanted the test to set a base for myself. I'm a heavy milk drinker. Even now must of my protein intake is dairy products (cheese, eggs, milk, soy,etc.) My rating was very high. As I get thiner, now I have a base to judge how I'm doing. Exercise is also very important for your bones.
   — Linda R.

November 8, 2004
Have you had a hip bone scan? I don't know about the full body when usually a dexascan does the hip bones. It is important to have a baseline bone scan before surgery or soon afterwards and to definitely have one once a year to compare to the baseline. That is the only way to know for sure if the calcium citrate you are taking is being absorbed. Blood tests do not tell you this. I know of post-ops that did not take citrate and ended up with early stages of osteoporosis within a year of surgery, others who had annual scans to find out they needed to up their calcium intake to slow down bone loss. Some bone loss is normal as we age...As for studies, wish I could help you. Other than the advice to have the bone scans annually and the reason why, I have not seen any organized medical studies, then again, there aren't many involving our community yet.
   — Cindy R.