Osteoporosis Management After Gastric Bypass: A Comprehensive Guide

After gastric bypass surgery, patients malabsorb a number of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D. This makes them more susceptible to osteoporosis than the general population.

Bone Density Scans

• Gastric bypass patients are advised to have regular bone density scans to check for signs of osteoporosis. Treatment recommendations are based on the results of the scans.

Calcium Supplementation

• Because they malabsorb calcium, gastric bypass patients need to take calcium supplements. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends 1,500 to 2,000 mg of calcium citrate daily.

Vitamin D Supplementation

• Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. The ASMBS recommends that gastric bypass patients take 200 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, but many patients need to take more than that in order to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Patients need regular blood tests to monitor their vitamin D levels.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

• Weight-bearing exercise improved\\s bone density. Doctors advise gastric bypass patients to exercise regularly to aid in weight loss, but weight-bearing exercise will also help prevent or improve osteoporosis.

Biphosphonate Medications

• Biphosphonate medications are the most effective drugs for treating osteoporosis. Due to issues of malabsorption, gastric bypass patients sometimes benefit more from medications that are administered intravenously than from oral medications.