calcium supplements

Question
i have a band that was placed 02/09. i have lost 75 pounds and feel great. a recent bone density showed osteoporosis of the hips and osteopenia of the spine. beside calcium chewables, what else can i take. what do you think of forsamax or actonal. i am also having my gallbladder out next week. thank you

Answer
Hi Anna:

Congratulations on your weight loss.  You might want to get your Vitamin D levels as well as your PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) levels checked--as supplementing with Vitamin D may also be warranted. (High levels of PTH and low levels of D can cause bone loss.  Supplementing with D-3 will usually correct both problems.) For Calcium, just be sure that you're taking calcium citrate as it is better absorbed.

As for the biphosphonate drugs for Osteoporosis, I don't know of any contraindications with taking them with a Band patient.  Just check with your Internist, Endocrinologist, or whomever ordered your DEXA, and talk to them about which medication makes sense for you based on your unique condition.  Fosamax is usually taken weekly.  If your D levels are low, there is a version that contains Vitamin D--just ask your primary care physician about it.  Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast are all similar--just with different dosing.  One thing to note is that there has been a study that shows long-term use (more than 5 years) of these drugs may lead to hip fractures.  There's also a relatively new drug called Forteo, which you inject yourself daily with a pen... similar to an insulin pen.  It's only approved for use for less than two years though.  

I hope you are able to find a treatment that works well for you.  You can also work with a physical therapist to design an exercise plan to help combat osteoporosis as well.

Good luck with your Gallbladder surgery. :)

Karla

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