With numerous friends and acquaintances who have had the RNY WLS procedure, I've noticed most of them are still shrinking - vertically. I just wonder if anyone knows when they might stop losing height.
Unfortunately the shrinkage seems to be accelerating, not decreasing. All are about ten to twelve years post-op with BMIs from about 28 to 60. The effect is most noticeable with the ones that were taller to begin with. Most have lost at least two inches in height so far, with one women formerly 6'1" who is now at least four inches shorter. All say their doctor assures them their blood calcium levels are normal. I suspect the loss in height is a significant indicator of at least osteopenia if not full blown osteoporosis caused by their body leeching calcium from their bones to regulate the calcium level in the bloodstream that can't be obtained by oral nutrition methods.
Unfortunately the studies I've seen so far acknowledge the significant loss of bone density in RNY post ops, just not the loss of height.
Unfortunately the shrinkage seems to be accelerating, not decreasing. All are about ten to twelve years post-op with BMIs from about 28 to 60. The effect is most noticeable with the ones that were taller to begin with. Most have lost at least two inches in height so far, with one women formerly 6'1" who is now at least four inches shorter. All say their doctor assures them their blood calcium levels are normal. I suspect the loss in height is a significant indicator of at least osteopenia if not full blown osteoporosis caused by their body leeching calcium from their bones to regulate the calcium level in the bloodstream that can't be obtained by oral nutrition methods.
Unfortunately the studies I've seen so far acknowledge the significant loss of bone density in RNY post ops, just not the loss of height.
