Bone Density Scan

Hi. I noticed in some paperwork somewhere that a Bone Density Scan is required pre-op. Is this true? Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you in advance.

Depends on the centre I suppose.  It wouldn't hurt to get it done regardless so you can track it. I ended up osteopenic and you don't want that ;-)

I am at HRRH and we are required to have a baseline bone density pre op and then our family docs are required to follow up with yearly bone density scans.  The procedure puts us into a state of malabsorption which can jeopardize our bone health.  

I was  asking this question in Ottawa JUST yesterday. 

I was told that the 2013 revised guidelines from the ASBMS call for a baseline Bone Density Scan, with a follow up 2 years later and every 5 years thereafter.  In Ottawa, though, the PCP should be requesting this test.

Last week I asked my PCP about a Bone Density Scan she brushed me off...saying nothing in my history suggested one before age 65...now with this new information...she'll be getting a repeat request. 

I am 2.5 years out so I don't have a baseline...poor poor maternity replacement PCP, she didn't have a CLUE who she was blowing off. ;)

I always ask people if they have had one because some people seem to get it done while others aren't told to. 

Soooooo important especially if you are a little older. 

Time to teach your doctor that calcium deficiencies are rarely detected in bloodwork. 

I know! I became osteopenic at a year out.   Bloodwork was fine.  

Dawn

I wasn't ask to have one done and I am 51, maybe I should be getting one? I am thru HRRH as well and honestly don't know anyone who had one done 

If your Centre doesn't do it, get your primary to do it.  It's important. 

Dawn

I did one, well it was part of a DEXA scan when I started Optifast, 6 and 12 months post op. while I'm still in the "normal" range for my age I have had a significant decrease and it was recommended I have routine scans to monitor it. 

I was sent for on as a baseline preop .... BUT I didn't get it done because I showed up at the appointment and the machines were only able to hold 300lbs max. I was 318lbs at the time (they weighed me there) Talk about embarrassing!
So, fyi ... call the place before and ask about weight restrictions before going. lol

I went through TWH and nobody ever mentioned getting a bone density scan although I have been in chemically induced menopause for years.

My gynecologist, who has been studying women taking Lupron injections for up to 17 years, is looking after me and gives me a scan every year as well as partial hormonal add-back therapy.  But, no one involved with the bariatric clinic seemed to understand the impact Lupron has on your bone density at all, even with the partial add-back.  It's significant enough that OHIP covers a scan every year for a 38 year old, so I would think the bariatric 'team' would be concerned about my bone loss...  I guess I will let my gynecologist monitor that issue, since he seems to be the only one who worries about it.

I don't mean to sound as bitter as I think I sound, but the bariatric team at TWH should definitely have asked me if I had a scan recently and what the results were, considering the drug I take.

Jenn.  :)