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Bariatric Surgery/calcium supplements

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Expert: - 6/19/2010


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
Anna,
I'm glad that you are doing well with your Band, and I'm glad that someone is helping keep track of your bone health.  In most areas, endocrine doctors are the ones that work the most with bone metabolism and calcium levels.  I strongly encourage you to work with your bariatric surgeon or your primary doctor to visit with a specialist in bone metabolism.  In my own practice, we find that meds such as fosamax or actonel are OK, but here also I believe you should coordinate with your bariatric surgeon.

Best wishes,
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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