Weight Loss Surgery May Be Associated With Bone Loss

Get the surgery, lose the bones.

"Weight loss surgery may be linked to deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D and bone loss, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).

With the growing epidemic of obesity, many people are opting for surgical procedures to help promote weight loss. While these procedures result in significant and sustained weight loss and reverse many of the complications of obesity, this new study shows there may be harmful effects on calcium and bone metabolism.

'Our research shows that deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D absorption occur following gastric bypass surgery,' said Dr. Shonni J. Silverberg, professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York, N.Y., and coauthor of the study. 'When analyzing hip bone density, we found that those who lost the most weight also lost the most bone.'"

Oops.