It came as no surprise to me today that my most recent bone density test showed that I had osteoporosis because two years ago I had osteopenia. Mostly this is due to my breast cancer meds which are anti-estrogen and hard on the bones. My weight loss hasn't helped either.

Has anyone gone on Boniva, Fosomax or Actenol? And if so, are the pills hard to tolerate with the band? I don't have very tight restriction and haven't had any problems with pills.

I just joined a gym and started weight bearing exercises to add to my aerobic exercising. Hope that will help.

Thanks.

Hi,

I guess no one has responded here yet. I had surgery 5/29/08 and have lost 68 lbs. so far. I had osteoporosis diagnosed before my lapband and took fosomax which resulted in jaw pain so I quit taking it. After my lap band surgery my GP Dr. scolded me for going off it and changed me to Boniva. I've been taking it for a year now. But just recently since I had my last fill (I feel good restriction) but when I have taken my Boniva in the last 2 month I have developed esophagitis and today I had some blood in my mucus PBing. I took my Boniva this am. So now I'm not sure if I'm too tight or it's the Boniva iritating me. Last month it lasted for almost a week after I took it, then got better.

Sorry this is so long but I logged on here to see if anyone else has had this problem. My search didn't pull up much.

Osteoporosis is really quite rare in obese women (one of the few "bonuses" of obesity) However I'm sure as we lose it becomes a greater risk.

Another good reason to do weight bearing exercise, take those supplements, and get annual check ups!

Because of the problems the pills for osteoporosis can cause with the stomach and esophagus I will be getting IV reclast as soon as my blood work comes back. I didn't want to jeopardize my band with the pills. My oncologist felt the IV reclast was the best choice for me. I have a friend who has taken it with no problems and she has problems with everything.

Well gals, I found out the Boniva I was taking caused the most severe kind of Esophagitis in me. My Lap Band Dr. said my GP should never had me take this. I'm currently taking a liquid ulcer medication to help me heal, this could take 4-8 weeks. I had lost my voice for the first week. Eating only liquid, cold Protein drinks. It was so painful, and still continues to be very unpleasant. So if anyone out there is considering taking the oral versions of Fosomax, Boniva or the like do yourself a BIG favor and don't.

Once I am healed, I'll pursue the venous method for the once yearly medication, after my next bone scan. I'm so lucky that my band had not slipped when I threw up blood. Or at least we don't think it slipped, I'll be having a floro later to check it out, but no slippage symptoms.

Gloria