Bone loss

OK, so what about the bone loss issues? Who had a bone density scan prior to surgery? Post-surgery? Is the liquid calcuim cutting it? What about osteoporosis? Thanks for putting up with the questions. I am an information gatherer by nature, and this procedure, while being the best thing I've found to help get my health back on track, has a LOT of information to be gathered. Jenie

Taking the necessary supplements is essential to the success of a healthy life post-op. We have to accept that and follow the program or we will be subject to problems down the road. My surgeon has made that clear to me! Most of us have bloodwork that comes back looking great or just needs a little tweaking. I think most of us researched before we made our final decision to move forward with WLS. Shame on those who dont then have regrets or don't have a clue what they have gotten themselves into. Unfortuantely, we see that on here at times. I commend you for being so diligent in your research. As you are researching, remember their is A LOT of conflicting, misleading and opinionated info out there on WLS, post-op diet and care. On the board, we certainly aren't the experts and often times may recommend you speak to your surgeon specifically on your issues/concerns. One last suggestion: Go to some info sessions held by bariatric surgeons so you can get the answers to your questions and offer you the chance to get more info prior to selecting a surgeon. I actually went to three prior to my surgery. Good luck to you Amy

Dear Amy, thanks. I've found to info sessions to go to this week. One through US Bariatrics and the other at the Cleavland Clinic. I've read good reviews about both, so I'll go ask my LIST of questions and see where I get the best responses. --Jenie

IN EVERY MAJOR MEDICAL DECISION THERE ARE RISK. BUT WE KNOW THAT WE MUST TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE TOOL THAT WE HAVE CHOSEN TO UTILIZE TO BETTER OUR LIVES. WE HAVE A GREATER CHANCE AT NIT PICKING ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH FAILING HEALTH IF WE DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T HAD THE WLS WHO HAVE THESE DIAGNOSIS. WHY, POOR EDUCATION OF DIET. RESEACH IS THE BEST SOURCE TO USE FOR PREVENTION. MY PERSONAL REASON FOR HAVING WLS IS BECAUSE I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT 4YEARS AGO. I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD RECOVER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. STEROIDS INTRODUCED THRU PAIN MANAGEMENT PREVENTED ME FROM LOOSING THE WT. DIET, EXERCISE, ETC. DIDN'T HELP. I BEGAN NOTICING CHANGES IN MY BODY THAT I BELIEVE THAT I AM TOO YOUNG TO BE HAVING. AS A PUBLIC SERVANT, SQUATING OF THE KNEES IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR ME DUE TO PAIN. THIS IS BECAUSE OF INCREASED WT. ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAIN MANAGEMENT. NO ONE TOLD ME THAT THESE STEROIDS WOULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE THESE ISSUES. SO, I PUT GOOD RESULTS AND THE ADVERSE AFFECTS OF WLS ON THE SCALE. AND I FOUND THAT I WORKS BEST FOR ME. NOW, FOR THOSE WHO ARE NON-COMPLIANT, WELL, THEY MAY HAVE ANOTHER STORY. BUT WE MUST KEEP IN MIND THAT WHEN OUR BODIES GO THRU AND INVASIVE PROCEDURE THERE IS GOING TO BE A REACTION. JUST LIKE IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ENVIORNMENT. I HOPE THAT YOU CONTINUE YOUR SEARCH FOR INFORMATION. SOMETIMES THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND PEACE ABOUT A MATTER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU. AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU. RUTH B.

I totally agree with every word that Amy posted. Do your research, that's good, but check with experts and not just us here on this board, who can really only give you our opinion, our own experiences or what we've been told by others. As for the bone question, lots of women face loss of bone density and not just those who have had WLS. We do have to take supplements for the rest of our life and you should know that going into this. Jan