Osteopenia & Endocrinologist

Two things happened today and I'm going to combine them into a single post. I had a follow up appointment with my PCP today and these are the two things we discussed. The two are not related... but they are both on my mind.

• I was diagnosed with osteopenia after the doctor reviewed the results from my DEXA bone density scan. 
• I have been referred to an endocrinologist by my PCP in an attempt to determine the reason for my lack of weight loss over the past year. 

Osteopenia -- this is the beginning stages of osteoporosis (thinning bones).  My case is very mild, but at my age I should not be seeing these types of results.  However, I've also been on Depo Provera for the past 5 years and one of the main side effects of this birth control method is loss of bone density.  Some studies show that after discontinued use of Depo Provera that the body is able to rebuild the lost bone density over time.  For now my doctor wants to just "wait and see" how things progress and we'll do another bone scan next year.  Although osteoporosis is a risk after gastric bypass surgery (due to the malabsorption of Vitamin D and Calcium) - I do not believe my diagnosis is related to my WLS.  Remember that all weight loss surgery patients who have bypassed intestines (RNY and DS) must have an annual DEXA bone density scan since we are at risk for brittle bones.

Endocrinologist -- I have a referral appoinment next month to see an endocrinologist.  This is related to the investigation by my medical team to figure out why I'm not losing weight.  My PCP told me today that he's run all the usual tests and everything looks fine... he can't figure out what's going on, so he's having me see a specialist to run a different set of tests and look elsewhere for the answer.  Because of my history with PCOS and insulin resistance, this appointment might give me a clue about what's going on with my hormones and stuff.  Not sure what to expect entirely, but I'm glad my PCP is being proactive.

I'll keep ya'll posted on how things develop, of course.

~Pam