Question:
Any one else have problems with bones breaking and LOW Hemaglobin counts????

Hi All: I am 2.5 yrs post op and am having problems with bones breaking. I just had surgery 3 weeks ago for 9 broken bones in 1 foot..they had to go in and put pins in to hold it back together. Didn't even feel most of the bones break!! When I was going into surgery, the anestheologist told me that my Hemaglobin count was about 6 and it should be somewhere about 14 or 15...What is this about? She asked me if I was being treated for anemia, then I went out like a light.Is this something that I should be following up with my PCP with?? The bones breaking is because I have extremely low calcium levels, I also have broken several teeth, fingers, and even my tailbone. I didn't know I was going to have these problems after my surgery....This isn't part of what was explained to me. Anyone else have these problems?????Thanks for your input.    — Joi G. (posted on April 11, 2004)

April 11, 2004
DEFINITELY follow up with a doctor who understands WLS aftercare.........have you been taking your supplements? Did your surgeon explain the very real possibilities for nutritional deficiencies to you? There is a product available to help strengthen bones, even for those with osteoporosis. It was prescribed for my mother-in-law because the vertebrae in her spine were collapsing. I believe it was called Fosamax or something like that.
   —  SCbabe B.

April 11, 2004
Joi, Have you been getting post-op bloodwork done every 6 months or so? If so, your doctor should have caught a problem long ago. A dexscan is also recommended to evaluate the bone density as serum calcium levels are misleading. Have you been taking Calcium Citrate since your surgery? An iron supplement? Your profile doesn't supply that information. Have you had any follow-up with your bariatic surgeon?
   — LLinderman

April 11, 2004
Do you get post-op labs done regularly and do you take calcium citrate on a regular basis. My surgeon told me before my surgery that I would have to take vitamins and calcium for the rest of my life. And, some people have to take extra iron. Eating properly and taking supplements (vitamins and calcium)
   — Patty_Butler

April 11, 2004
WOW! Who was your surgeon? These are the top two complications of WLS if you don't take your supplements. You should have been educated about taking citrate and having blood work for life. Get thee to a doctor quickly. You must get help. This is also the reason to get regular dexascans. Calcium deficiency will not show up on labs at first.
   — mom2jtx3

April 12, 2004
Are you taking any supplements?! All of these possibilities were explained to me prior to surgery, and all of the information is on this site regarding malabsorption of calcium and iron, resulting in the possibility of low bone density and anemia. That is why it is recommended that blood levels are taken at least two times a year and that all patients take calcium and iron supplements. If you did not receive this information from your surgeon then he or she is at fault--but it is also information that is readily available here.
   — Tricia B.