Bone Profile

The long-term impact that gastric bypass surgery (a method of weight-loss surgery) has on patients has been very rarely studied. More specifically, bone profile (bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone area) has not been considered by researchers among patients who have undergone gastric bypass 5 -15 years ago.  Because the surgery restricts food intake and alters gastrointestinal anatomy, patients commonly experience deficiencies in micronutrients such as calcium and vitamin D following surgery.  Calcium and vitamin D play an integral role in our bone health and without adequate levels, individuals can develop an increased risk for fracture, osteoporosis and debilitation.  Preliminary research has demonstrated that gastric bypass patients experience diminished bone health (decreased bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone area) up to three years following surgery.  However, we currently do not know what is happening to the bone health of gastric bypass patients more than three years after surgery. Cuurent research in the lab focuses primarily on the long-term (10 year) impact gastric bypass surgery has on bone health of patients who have undergone this type of surgery.  Results of the investigation will help researchers and health care professionals modify their medical, nutritional and physical activity prescriptions in hopes of preventing a decline in bone health among gastric bypass patients following surgery.  

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