Osteoporosis - ThinnerTimes

Shannon · 02-02-2008, 09:37 AM

Hello, I already have a Vitamin D deficiency and take a daily vitamin for that (My doctor is one of the rare physicians who generically tests for that) and so I am feeling a little bit more vulnerable about the mineral deficiencies that come with surgery. Is everyone's experience that if they are compliant that it will all work out?

Debri85 · 02-03-2008, 12:01 AM

Hi Shannon,

I think it's something we have to stay on top of. You certainly can't go wrong by doing what the doc says. As I'm sure you can see, everyone is different and their bodies have reacted accordingly.

I became very concerned when I found out that the blood test will show your calcium levels as fine because it "can" be sucking it from your bones. I'm 8 weeks out and have asked my doctor for a bone density test to have as a basis for future testing.

Make sure you don't take calcium and iron together, leave a couple of hours between and don't take more than 500mg of calcium at a time since the body can only absorb about that much under normal circumstances...who knows what it absorbs with us.

Happy Pill Taking!
Deb

marine · 02-03-2008, 12:10 AM

Debri Shanon,
Yes osteoporosis is a real issue, that unfortunately many docs will not say it before WSL.

Beyond the disease issue, what is really critical is how much "muscle" is around the bone as well. A good physical condition, regular sport will definitely help enormously.

Take care

coptergirl · 02-03-2008, 07:55 AM

Your doc will follow you post operatively and schedule blood tests to tests for areas that need improvement, and will adjust you accordingly. In general, you will always be on a multi, but he will taylor your vitamins according to your blood tests. Many folks on here are taking B's. I have tested fine in the B area, so I have never been asked to take a B...see?

Shannon · 02-03-2008, 08:07 AM

Did anyone have a bone density test done as a baseline before the surgery?

Debri85 · 02-03-2008, 09:11 PM

I think it's a good idea, wish I'd thought of it..

Deirdrea · 02-04-2008, 10:28 AM

We've been talking a LOT about this in my post op support group. The dietitian has gone over our needs quite extensively because she's trying to make sure we're all as healthy as possible.

I take Vista Wellness vitamins which do have some calcium as well as the D that is needed for the calcium absorbtion. I take my 4 Vistas as well as 1 Citracal calcium citrate which is 315 mg of Calcium and 200 IU of D. Around lunch time I take 2 more calciums and then in the evening it's 4 more vistas and a 4th calcium.

Your body can't absorb more then 500mg of calcium at a time now because of the rerouting of your stomach and intestines. You should be taking 1500mg of calcium citrate post op. This is also the amount that post menopausal women who are not on any kind of hormone treatments should be taking as well. Always take a calcium that has vitamin D in it to help your body process/absorb the vitamins.

Corrine · 02-04-2008, 11:02 AM

I've been reading that along with calcium citrate and vitamin D, vitamin K is also important for bone health. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritio...e/calcium.html

kit60 · 02-06-2008, 10:51 PM

I had a bone density test done pre-op as a baseline. It is actually close to the time I should have one anyway so it worked out well. PCP ordered it and it was done before I even saw the sergeon.