Calcium Help

During my last visit to the surgeon, he told me I'm not getting enough calcium, even though I take 3 Viactiv a day. I love my chocolate chews. My boyfriend got me calcium gluconate from the vitamin shoppe, but you have to swallow 6 of them a day, and they don't sit right with me. I'm looking for a good chewable calcium that's going to boost my levels. Any and all ideas would be a blessing. Take care and enjoy your holidays, everyone!--and THANKS! Joan

Joan, We cannot absorb calcium carbonate well and Viactive is calcium carbonate. Look for calcium citrate. That is what is most easily absorbed because it doesn't require stomach acid. Bariatric Advantage makes a chewable. I haven't had their calcium, but I like their multiple vitamin better than any other chewable. They are a little pricier than most. You can order online at bariatricadvantage.com. Congratulations on the boyfriend! How exciting is that! Connie

Connie...thanks so much for the information. I just ordered the chocolate ones and can't wait to see how well they work. The surgeon really stressed the importance of getting more calcium, as my blood levels were low. Yes, the boyfriend is wonderful. I always dreamed my prince would come some day...and it seems he came when I least expected it! Hope all is well with you and thanks again for the info! Joan

Joan, All the Bariactric Advantage Vitamins taste very good. You will love the calcium, I took them for awhile, but, haven't refilled my order. I need too!! Hope you like them, they are great. /vitalady has them also Marilyn, the Bearlady

Joan, I did the bariatric advantage calcium at first too, but could not keep up with the 3 tablets 3 times a day that the nutritionist said that I needed. Besides the taste never went over very well with me, to chalky. I have been taking the liquid calcium citrate from Vitamin world for the last 6-months and love it . It come in lots of flavors my favorite is the berry. I just add some to my propel and drink it down. That way I also start the day off with 12oz of fluids while taking my calcuim. Good luck in finding the one that works for you. Leslie

Thanks, Leslie! I tried the liquid calcium early in the game and it didn't agree with me...the chewables seem to taste the best, I loved the Viactiv, but it's not absorbing enough. I mailed away for the Bariatric Advantage ones and I'm hoping they do the trick. Thanks for your response and I hope all is well with you! Joan

I take 2-3 Citrical per day. You must take them at varying times during the day. Calcium can only be absorbed 500mg at a time. I take one at breakfast, one at lunchtime and one before bed. Citrical is Calcium Citrate. If you do not like swallowing large pills, Twin Lab makes a chewable that you can pick up at Vitamin Shoppe. VAL

Hi Joan! Just wanted to chime in to agree with Connie and Val -- the calcium citrate you can take at any time; however, with calcium carbonate (such as Viactiv), you have to take when you have food or a full liquid in your tummy. I'm glad you found something to try! Let us know how/if it works! Take care, -Marcie celebrating my 1st re-birthday today