Calcium & antiacid questions

I'm 8 weeks out. I've been taking the Twinlab Chewable calcium citrate "wafers" (they are so big you could almost surf on them LOL). The bottle's almost empty and I'm wondering if there is an alternative, I'm getting tired of them. I saw that The Vitamin Shoppe has a calcium citrate capsule. Or I thought about crushing the calcium citrate tabs. What do you all take my fellow October babies? Also, what antiacid does your surgeon have you on? It seems the protonix is pretty popular, but my prescription plan bites so it was $80 even with the plan, so I asked him for something else, and he prescribed Prevacid which was $50 for the month! So just this week I called him asking what else I can take, possibly something over the counter, and he said Prilosec OTC or anything that is a "protein inhibitor". I'm just curious what you all take, if anything. From what I understand it's a precautionary measure, to guard against ulcers. Thank you all so much, I appreciate your opinions! Carol V

I'm on 20 mg of Pepcid (famotidine) twice a day and fortunately for me it's generic so it only costs me $5 a bottle at the pharmacy! I'm also on those surfer sized Calcium citrates and I hate taking them 4 times a day, I need to find something better! Vi

I crush up Citrical. I was crushing it to a powder and mixing it into applesauce, but recently I started breaking it into about 4-6 small pieces. My doc doesn't have me taking any antacids. Marcia

I take bariatric advantage calcium. They have mint, chocolate and cinnimon flavors They are 16.95 for 60. You can get it at bariatricadvantage.com.

My doc has me on Prevacid chewable for 3 months. They taste so gross that I can feel my face contort before it even goes in my mouth. While we are still on shakes (2-3 weeks), he has us just use chewable Tums. After that he wants us to do 1000 mg of calcium citrate. I have a liqiud one that I got from bariatriceating.com. I think it's called Tropical Oasis or Tropical something. It tastes fine. Brenda

I don't take any antacids, but I take 4 HUGE calcium citrate plus D pills/day. I tried to cut them into smaller pieces, but then they had really sharp edges and it hurt to swallow. Right now I'm gagging every time I take them. I wasn't given any alternatives but plan to ask the nut when I see her on Thursday. I can't take these things for the rest of my life. They are just too big to swallow. I was going to ask about sf viactiv chews, but I am willing to try anything she tells me. Sheryl 292/246/1??

Hi Carol, My surgeon's office sells a powdered calcium that you can mix with anything 3x a day for 1500 mg of calcium citrate. No taste but slightly gritty. You can order it at globalhp.com. I mixed mine with 2 oz of Stalone protein pudding each dose for a total 20 extra grms of protein and my sweet fix. I just bought Tropical Oasis liquid calcium to try it. Only 1-1/4 tsp. 3x a day for a total 1500 mg of calcium citrate and it tastes like orange. This is actually cheaper and convenient for when I'm home but if I ever get a job, the powdered will actually be more convenient to take to work as the liquid needs to be refrigerated. I found it the cheapest at webvitamins.com. Don't know if you know this but our bodies can only absorb 500 mg calcium at a time so that's why Dr. says to split into 3 doses. Also, don't take within 2 hours of your vitamins as it messes with the absorbtion. I also take Prevacid as I had to start taking Indocin for my back and needed to take a proton pump inhibitor to avoid ulcers. My doctor gives me samples to help save money. You might check with your doctor to see it he'll do the same. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck on deciding what's best!!! Later, Nancy

Thank you all so much for the responses, they have been very helpful!!! Have a great Sunday everyone! Much love, Carol V