Question:
Would it be wise to have bone density test done?

Has anyone had a bone density test done Post Op? My Dr will advise me to have one done after my 6 month post op visit. Just wondering! Lap RNY........ 2/11/03.... -70 pounds....52 inches Feel like a new person! God Bless You All    — Hazel S. (posted on June 15, 2003)

June 15, 2003
Yes, it would be a VERY good idea to have a bone density test done. Your body will do everything it can to keep the levels of calcium in your blood where they should be, including leeching calcium out of your bones. This means that blood levels don't really give you the information you need. Only a bone density test will do. I just had one in May. It was really not a big deal. I spent about 20 minutes answering questions, including a list of every med (RX or OTC) that I take. Then I had to strip down to my underwear and put on a gown. Then I laid on a table while they did one test. Then they turned my foot sideways against some kind of plate and did one more test. That part took just a couple of minutes. Totally painless and the best part is that I just got the results last week and my bone density is normal. I plan to do this every year from here on in, partly because of the surgery and partly because I am also post-menopausal.
   — garw

June 15, 2003
Adding to what Gar said, I finally have typed up a page for each of us. It includes, name, address, ins info, all the surgeries we've had, current issues, surgeries, meds taken by dose & frequency, and on the back, the supplements taken, as well. It took a little while to put it together, but I cannot tell you how much handwriting it saves! Now that I am caregiver for my 85 y/o dad, I am taking him to the hospital/doc office constantly & can just had it to 'em and they make a copy. OK, well, and then your actual question! YES, not ankle or wrist, though, dexascan! I wish we'd all get them pre-op, as SOOOOO many of us have damage even before we start!
   — vitalady

June 16, 2003
99% of the calcium in your body is in your bones. The other 1% is free. When you have your blood tested, you are checking the levels of the free calcium. Blood tests cannot give an accurate picture of bone density. You can have normal calcium levels in the blood and still have osteoporosis. I think all surgeons should require a bone density test before and (periodically) after wls.
   — Kristen S.

June 16, 2003
I highly suggest that everyone get one pre-op and then annually after that. I had my first at about 5 months post-op and am scheduled for my annual next month and plan to continue annually.
   — Cindy R.