3 Days post-op; Ques. re: Caltrate

Hello, everyone. I am 3 days post-op, got home from the hospital yesterday, not feeling too bad, started my vitamins and creamy liquids today. I am afraid to take the Caltrate pill - it looks so big!! I spoke to the dietician at the hospital (who is great) and she said that I should be OK to take it, but referred me to a place where they will send me some samples of chewable calcium citrate. In the meantime, I am crushing my tablets. What is the experience some of you have had with taking this pill? Congratulations to all of the February people ~~ WE DID IT!!

Sorry I don't have experience with that as I am taking a chewable calcium supplement. Yes, I think all Feb's should be commended for successfully completing our surgeries. YEAH!!!! We are SUCH LOSERS!!! Pat

I was advised to start out with tums for a few weeks and then move to the citrate tablets. Do whatever works for you, though. Cara W.

I got the Bariatric ones from the dr. and they disolve in my mouth. You may want to ask the dr. I have had a hard time swallowing my other pills, even the small ones as I want to gulp water instead of sip. The office said yesterday to just do the best I could and it would get better as the time went on, so hang in there. Since you have the large ones, you may want to try to cut it in half, or cru**** into some baby food. Libby

Hi there! My surgeons absolutely forbid us to swallow ANY pills at all--for most of us, the opening to our new stomachs is too small to always accomodate them and the chances of a pill getting stuck and blocking the stoma are pretty high. For this same reason we're supposed to stay away from chewing gum also; if we swallow it, it's bad news. My directions include opening all capsules (yuck) and crushing all pills (double yuck), but, I'll follow orders! I take 3 Tums, 3 times a day, making sure there's 2-4 hours between a Tums and a Vitamin with Iron...since calcium blocks the absorbtion of iron. Good luck! -S

Hi Sara I am taking the bariatric multi vitamin called opti source Dr. Rawlins dietician told me its all inclusive so no other supplements are needed. a verrrrrrrrry sweet pill to chew up. Can be found online at walgreens.com ((((HUGS)))) Lynn

Hey There! I had my surgery on 02/28/05. I have not had to take the caltrate-My Doc did not recommend it. I am having trouble getting all the protein down.