Why Gastric Bypass Post-ops Need Calcium

Ron Merk
Author

One of the reasons Gastric bypass surgery is so effective is the Mal-absorbency that results from the removal of a large portion of the stomach and/or small intestine. Although this is a major benefit in losing weight, it also can result in potential major complications. Calcium and iron iron deficiencies are common with gastric bypass post-ops who are not vigilant in maintaining and using the right vitamin and mineral supplements.

Calcium deficiency in gastric post-op will result in osteoporosis.

For those who end up with either osteoporosis or even osteopenia you are at the highest risk for fractures related to the loss of bone density and strength.

These fractures can result from even the most minor injury. Osteoporotic fractures are known to occur when it seems that you are doing nothing at all.

Sometimes fractures occur with even routine daily activities.

This is the risk of osteoporosis.

Those most at risk for future osteoporotic fractures are those who have already suffered them in the past. Some research indicates that for postmenopausal women who have already endured a vertebral fracture in the previous 12 months will also experience a subsequent fracture in the coming 12 months.

That is a rather sobering statistic. It is for this reason that preventative measure for gastric post-ops is so crucial. Once you have it, reversal is incredibly difficult. Aggressive treatment will be necessary in order to hopefully obtain the best outcome.

With aggressive treatment and long-term management the hope is that you can significantly reduce your risk for more fractures related to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis complications include both morbidity and mortality. Some who suffer from osteoporosis also suffer from a significant amount of pain, as well as days absent from work related to osteoporosis complications, decrease in quality of life, and for some, even permanent disability.

Often times for those who suffer from any osteoporotic fracture they never fully recover.

Hip fractures are a common complication of osteoporosis and not only put patients at risk for orthopedic complications and required surgery associated with this condition but also make patients more susceptible to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and other immobility issues such as a loss of muscle tone and strength.

Many who suffer a hip fracture related to osteoporosis find themselves requiring long-term nursing home care after the initial recovery period due to the morbidity associated with the fracture. The current mortality rate in the first 12 months after a hip fracture is thought to be approximately 20%.

In addition, spinal fractures can occur without any fall or injury simply because the bones in your back (vertebrae) become so weakened that they begin to compress. Compression fractures can cause severe pain and require a long recovery.

Kyphosis is a serious osteoporosis complication in which vertebral fractures ultimately lead to spinal deformity which can cause the hunchback known as kyphosis. With kyphosis, the internal organs become compressed due to the deformity which can lead to breathing difficulties.

Moral of this story? TAKE YOUR Calcium with oil based Vitamin D.

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