Question:
Is there anyone who has not taken any calcium supplements? Any problems?
I dont like the taste of the chewable calcium citrate. Could I take the regular pills? — taraq (posted on August 26, 2008)
August 26, 2008
my surgeon said after 6 months post-op I can take regular pills (as opposed
to chewables or crushing them up) if I wanted to.... So, if you're far
enough post surgery, you could take regular calcium pills. I take chewable
calcium that are chocolate flavored. They are exactly like eating Tootsie
Rolls... They are sugar free, sold at WalMart and other stores. Called
Spring Valley Natural Calcium Chews. 500 mg Calcium + Vitamins D & K.
They are not calcium citrate however, they are calcium carbonate. There has
been controversy as to whether Calcium citrate is absorbed better than
Calcium carbonate; some Doctors say yes, some say no. GNC has a chewable
calcium wafer, it's kind of dry and chalky, but tastes pleasant - cherry
flavored. It has both calcium citrate and calcium carbonate plus a few
other forms of calcium all in one tablet. One tablet has 600 mg calcium +
Vitamin D. It's called GNC Chewable Calcium Plus 600 with Vitamin D.
Best wishes!
Gina
— Gina S.
August 26, 2008
P.s. extremely important to get in your calcium, otherwise in the future
you could very well develop Osteoporosis or other bone disease....
— Gina S.
August 26, 2008
There are many brands of calcium citrate pills. If you don't take any
calcium citrate, you're opening up yourself to poor teeth health and bone
issues in the near future. Daily intake of vitamins and calcium citrate and
needed for the rest of your life. There are also liquid calcium citrates,
as well as powdered forms, although the powdered form I had used contained
no D. D is an important compent to your overall health, so pay attention to
your lab results on D. Normal levels should be 30-100, but optimum levels
for the best health are suggested levels above 70. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
August 26, 2008
Yes, it is just until you don't have a problem swallowing. Try
www.bbvitamins.com for a good source of vitamin suppliments for bariatric
patients.
— William (Bill) wmil
August 26, 2008
My question is, once you are able to take pills, how do you know that you
are absorbing all that you need????? Ugh! :) Taking calcium citrate is
very important. I have found a liquid calcium that isn't bad tasting. 2
tbsp gives me my full daily requirement. Its great.
— Mary G.
August 26, 2008
Do not stop taking calcium citrate with Vit D3...Find an alternative...but
don't stop taking them! Calcium carbonate is famous for growing
gallstones...And RNYers do not have the proper plumbing to absorb calcium
carbonate as well as calcium citrate...You don't want to start breaking
bones and have your teeth begin to crumble to learn this the hard way...Why
take chances when studies prove that calcium citrate is far more aborbable
for RNYers due to our rearranged anatomy? You need to monitor you calcim
levels and Vit D level with yearly or bi-annual labs. A PTH test
(ParaThyroid Hormone)is also a good way to monitor your calcium levels.
Yoour body sends out this hormone when it needs to compensate for low
calcium, vit D or magnesium. A high PH result means your bones are being
robbed of an important nutrient, usually D and calcium. Also a yearly DEXA
scan or bone density test is also important. Request one if your PCP or
doctor doesn't...Many people start taking citracal petites...I can't
swallow pills nor do i want to take anything that is not a powder so i know
it has a beter chance of being absorbed....I might be over cautious because
of my problems...but I'm not taking more chances than I need to! I have
severe malabsorption issues and chew/liquid/powder capsules all my vitamins
and have done extensive research on which types are best absorbed. I have
no choice...I was quite sick for a while and have gotten my vit levels
almost where they should be...slowly....It's scary once you become
deficient...Different vitamins have different symptoms and reactions in
your body...Mine were life threatening.
— .Anita R.
August 26, 2008
A good source of Vit D3 is "liquid" vitamin / mineral supplement
VEMMA. It has 1000 IU of vit D3, not plain D. You need at least 800 IU of
vit D3 daily. Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com
— [Deactivated Member]
August 26, 2008
I am 5 years out of surgery and I ahvent taken a calcium pill in 4 years. i
should take them and so should you. its jsut a matter of remembering
— Joanc
August 26, 2008
I also take the choc. calcium chewables, but i suck on them, and they are
far better then chewing them.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 26, 2008
How about using TUMS. They come in different strengths. You need 600mg
twice a day, and don't take them with you multivitamin b/c it's
incompatible with the iron. Works for me.
Laura
— waterlover
August 26, 2008
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2188156&cp=&kw=liquid+calcium&origkw=liquid+calcium&sr=1
I use this liquid from GNC and I really like it.
— phyllismmay
August 26, 2008
been taking regular pills since the day i got home from the hospital -- by
the handful -- never once had a problem -- when i say 'by the handful' i
mean i take all my pills in one swallow
good luck :)
— RCassety
August 27, 2008
I have not had my surgery yet and gave up on taking calcium in the pill
form. For some unknown reason, my body doesn't not like taking it. I have
tried different times a day. I have tried with and without food. The
result is always the same--I throw up or I get so nauseated that I can
hardly stand it. I don't know why my body will not keep them down. I have
been tossing the idea of taking the chewables, but am worried about wasting
my money again.
— Teresa J.
August 27, 2008
I take Calcium Citrate Petites. They are smaller pills and go down easily.
— AprilJM
August 31, 2008
citracal petites are smaller pills, easier to swallow. i take 4 or 5 of
them twice a day. i take multivitamin w/ iron w/ breakfast & dinner.
calcium & iron don't both absorb at same time (forget which one wins),
so take calcium between meals on empty stomach. your doctor/nurse will
tell you when you can take the pills
— Susan C.
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