Does your program have a nutritionist to help you make choices? I was asked this question by my WLS buddy - he's at goal and still losing. So I gave him the advice I've learned from my program and also echo'd here many times by other Vets - add small amounts of fats and good fruit (not banana's please) and even some good whole grains. My nut wants one portion of solid whole grains now - so I eat about 2/3 to a cup of oatmeal a day.... I also eat 2 pcs of good fruit - berries, apples, oranges a day. My minor cheat is mango with it's high sugar. But it is very nutritious. But the first step is to add good fat in 100 calorie increments. Add some good nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds) and/or a splash of olive oil in my salads... Do it slowly and in step by step increments a week or so at a time. You'll stop. I did. I went dead flat after adding these steps slowly.

Hey Julie,

Thank you very much for your reply.

Would you mind explaining why so many DSers see an endocrinologist? Is this a must? Are they familiar with the DS?

I've made an appointment to see a specialist Rheumatologist, who also deals with osteoporosis. Is this ok, or does it have to be an endocrinologist?

Thanks for the link - it'll be very handy. And i'll mention the Fotero with my Rheumatologist.

Just another question please? Should DS patients be treated for osteoporosis differently? Should we have a higher dosage because we malabsorp nutrition?

Thanks.

Please get a second opinion and do your research before you select a treatment. Once you go down a particular path or class of medicine a lot of the effects cannot be reversed.

I got my duodenal switch at 47. I went from a normal dexy scan to full blown osteoporosis in one year with all normal labs. I found out I had osteo process from a double fracture in my wrist from a very I found out I had osteo process from a double fracture in my wrist from a very slight fall.

I am so fortunate that I found an excellent endocrinologist who knew that many of the classes of osteoporosis meds would not grow new bone just harden the bones that I had which could then further cause higher risks of breaks.

At diagnosis I had severe osteo in my spine and my femur in fact I had lost a 1/2 an inch due to micro fractures in my spine.

I started on Fortero in May of 2018. I have provided a link that compares the different meds. With a year and a 1/2 on the meds I have gone back to a normal dexi in my spine and all expectation is that by will have a normal dexi on my femur next year. In fact I actually gained that half inch back meaning that the micro fractures healed and I grew new bone and gained back half inch.

Fotero is the only med that actually increases the number of bone-forming osteoblasts.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/osteoporosis-drugs-which-one-is-right-for-you

After 2 years on fortero the plan is for me to go on a med that your doctors recommanding like re clast that will harden and solidify the new bone growth I achieved. You need to try to have new bone growth and then solidify that improvement just my opinion make sure you're seeing an endrocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis.

Blessing

Julie

K2 is the version of K that helps with bones.

I also have osteoporosis. I don't know if it was the RNY or the fact it runs rampant in my family - could be either. I didn't have a baseline before I had RNY, so I'll never know.

there are several drugs that will keep you from losing more bone and some that will even rebuild bone. I'm on zoledronic acid (Reclast) as well, but in my case, it hasn't helped. I'm scheduled to see an endocrinologist at the end of the October who specializes in osteoporosis. I'm assuming she'll want to try a different drug.

as far as exercise, they recommend weight-bearing exercise - so weight lifting is good - but so is anything where there's weight coming down on your bones, like walking or dancing. Yoga is great for flexibility and balance, but not sure about osteoporosis. Maybe some of the "power" varieties (??). I never really thought of it as particularly good for osteoporosis, though..

are you talking about intimating or bowel movements?

if bowel movements, if you are eating carbs , your bowels will move often.