Question:
Is it true, that within 5 years after WLS, one will develope Osteoporosis?

I read where one of the draw backs or negatives to this surgery is that EVERYONE having WLS wikk develope Osteoporosis.    — Sandra B. (posted on April 17, 2001)

April 17, 2001
I woudl recommend some major research on this. Check many websites and finally talk w/ your surgeon. I think just as with a hysterectomy there are risks of osteporosis.. its a huge matter of keeping your calcium up and probably getting regular bone density studies. I would like to think there is a way to prevent this or lessen the affects.
   — Dawn R.

April 17, 2001
Not a guarantee, but seems to be an expected side effect, according to the ASBS site. You can minimze your risk with light weight bearing exercise (my doc suggested just lifting a can of veggies, about 1#), and walking. But you'll need to take calcium citrate, 1500-2000mg a day, with vit D, with magnesium, correctly proprotioned and perhaps extra dry D. The D levels will need to be checked along with your quarterly labs to be sure they don't sag. Tums & Viactiv will not deliver enough useful calcium for your bones to survive the massive wt loss, yes. Knowing that I would get osteoporosis, would I do this again? Yes. I wouldn't have lived long enough to even have had the choice with my comorbs. Would I have done more research? OH YEAH. Lots more, instead of what was just handed to me.
   — vitalady

April 17, 2001
Sandra, My dietician teaches classes on nutrition. One of the classes is all about vitamins. She told us that our Dr. prefers that we take a prenatal vitamin once a day and a calcium citrate supplement twice a day. This will help to prevent osteoporosis.
   — [Anonymous]