Low Vitamin D, High PTH, & Bone Loss after BPD/DS

[B Mack 2]

I had BPD/DS surgery in 2016, leaving 1.5 meters of common channel. Following this surgery, my Vitamin D levels plummeted to deficient levels. This had a cascade effect, where my hyperparathyroid (PTH) levels rose to dangerous levels, and although my Calcium levels were ok, my body could not metabolize it due to low Vitamin D. So my body began to pull calcium from my bones. I now have full osteoporosis as a 55 year-old male, and break ribs and toes regularly in addition to pain.

Through the years, my physician continued to increase my oral Vitamin D dosage, eventually reaching 50,000 IU per day, but it made little difference in any lab tests. I am just not absorbing it.

I found and read clinical studies on the effectiveness of Vitamin D3 intramuscular injections, and decided to try it. Unfortunately this is not available in the US. It is done in Scandinavian countries, Australia, Canada, India, South Korea, Brazil and many other countries.

I had to jump through some hoops, but was able to get 30 doses of 600,000 IU Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). I only need 1 injection per 6 months. My numbers have all returned to normal. My doctor thinks he is responsible for fixing me, but I know different. I can't reverse the bone loss that has already occurred, but I can keep it from getting worse.

Take your health into your own hands when you aren't getting the right answers from your doctor.

If you are having similar lab results, do some about it before the bone damage gets bad. If you have questions or are interested in any information, message me. I encourage you to research this yourself to your own satisfaction, but I can point you to some resources. It is working for me where no amount of oral supplementation would.

[SleeveToBypass2023 1,814]

Something that helps the body absorb D3 is Vitamin K2. I have to take 10,000 iu of D3 and 125mcg of K2 every day because of my MS, and I learned that my body doesn't absorb the D3 without the K2 with it. My body also doesn't absorb Iron without Vitamin C with it. I have to have 45mg of iron and 1000mg of vit c daily, and if I skip the vit c, my body doesn't process the iron at all.

[B Mack 2]

4 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

Something that helps the body absorb D3 is Vitamin K2. I have to take 10,000 iu of D3 and 125mcg of K2 every day because of my MS, and I learned that my body doesn't absorb the D3 without the K2 with it. My body also doesn't absorb Iron without Vitamin C with it. I have to have 45mg of Iron and 1000mg of vit c daily, and if I skip the vit c, my body doesn't process the iron at all.

You're right, but I can't take Vitamin K because I take a blood thinner for an unrelated condition.

[Arabesque 6,479]

I’m sorry you’ve developed theses complications. It’s so unpredictable how our bodies work & react to the changes to our digestive system post surgery. I was fine after my sleeve but jump to 25 months later & my gall was removed & suddenly I had a Protein absorption issue. I also stopped absorbing my HRT meds. Malabsorption after gall surgery can occur but I was told it’s quite rare for it to be with protein.

I wonder if some of the treatments women use for osteoporosis would help? Not HRT of course but prolia & evenity. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Worth asking your doctor. There must be research & treatment plans about because osteoporosis in men is increasing.

PS - I use a mouth spray for my D3 K2 (I take it winter when my levels drop) though it is only a low dose (1000UI) but someone might produce a higher dose to boost your intake. The spray means your digestive system is bypassed & it is absorbed directly.

Sorry just read you can’t take Vitamin K.

Edited July 29, 2023 by Arabesque

[catwoman7 10,866]

I have osteoporosis. There are bone-building drugs available that do build bones. I was on Reclast for three years - will be starting Forteo in the fall. (I don't know if mine was caused by malabsorption or not - but since I'm in my 60s and osteoporosis runs rampant in my family (all the older female relatives I know of have it), it likely could be that, too.