[Calcium and bone metabolism after jejunal bypass operation for alimentary obesity: model for a...

Jejuno-ileostomy was performed in eight women because of severe alimentary obesity. Their calcium phosphate and bone metabolism was studied an average of 31 months post-operatively. This revealed secondary intestinal hyperparathyroidism due to an artificial malabsorption syndrome. While most of the significant metabolic factors were within normal limits, examination of calcium balance and kinetics indicated a marked disorder of calcium and bone metabolism. Calcium balance averaged-138 mg daily, corresponding to a yearly loss of skeletal mass of 4-5%.