Pam will love this..........

I went for my PAT on Wednesday with Dr Minasain.  My husband just loves the guy.  We were at the last support group he talked at.

I mentioned to him that the Calcium Ci trite that they list in the stores is no longer made.  I was trying to find out if the new minis were OK.  He told me not to bother with it, to just make sure I get vitamin D.  I reminded his that the book says we need the Calcium and the nut said Calcium Ci trite.  His response was, 'Ya, I need to see about changing that.

Well, I'm going to take the Calcium Ci trite.  Has any body found any other that on line?  If so what and were.  If not what and were are you getting it on line?

Thanks for your help!

Dang it!  What is his problem!??? 

If he's got some earth shattering, ground breaking research that shows we dont' need calcium I'd like to see it.  But everything I've read and researched says exactly the opposite.  And I have my mother as living proof of what happens when you don't take calcium after RNY ... or take the wrong kind.  You end up with osteoporosis and face a life of struggle with broken bones and limited quality of life.  

Yes, Vitamin D is important... but it's not the end all, be all of the vitamin world.  I seriously think he's fallen off the deep end of reality and I'm starting to get pissed! 

I knew you would be interested in this.
I to have reasearched and that is why I'm trying to find the RIGHT calcium.

Oh sorry.  I didn't actually answer your question.  LOL!

Here's what I use for calcium:

UpCalD -- www.colonialmedical.com -- it's a powdered calcium citrate that mixes easily into water or protein shakes or yogurt or whatever.  I have 2 extra cans of it, if you want to buy one from me, I'd be happy to pass it along.  I think it was around $14 for 227 servings. 

Bariatric Advantage Wild Cherry Lozenges -- www.bariatricadvantage.com -- I buy directly from their site on the auto-ship program to save on shipping costs.  I've tried all the flavors and like the Wild Cherry best.  The cinnamon is also alright, but not for everyday.  The chocolate and mint... yuck.  I'd be happy to give you some samples of the wild cherry for you to try. 

Citracal -- I use the Walmart brand of the regular pills (not petities).  You should be able to swallow pills after about 6 weeks, but in the meantime you can just throw them into a glass of water and it'll dissolve in about 5-10 minutes.  It doesn't change the taste of your water (or crystal light) but it is a tiny bit gritty. 

Since you are talking vitamins.  Do you take additional iron?  If so, what do you take.  I am sure you blog has it all, but can't access it from work.  My current iron is giving me issues.  Generally they all do after a week or so. 

Pam

I only started taking iron after I got my 1 year labs.  Technically my results were still well within the normal range, but that normal range had dropped 30 points from the last round of labs.  My PCP and Hurley both told me not to worry about the iron dropping so dramatically and so quickly... but I really didn't trust them since it's my blood and I'm more worried about it then they are.  So I started a small dose of  iron in December.    My zinc was also in the process of tanking and since iron and zinc are connected in the body, I started on zinc too. 

I got my iron and zinc at Vitamin Shoppe (near work).  I  think it's their store brand, can't remember.  I checked Walmart and GNC, but couldn't find a small enough dose in their supply -- I only wanted a small boost to my iron since my levels were still within normal range.  You can check Vitalady, she's got a Gentle Iron that is suppose to not cause tummy issue like most iron does. 

The reason my iron has been fine all along without taking extra supplements is because I'm on Depo Provera - no menstration.  So any woman who is menstrating will most likely need extra iron from the time of surgery.  My situation is unique when it comes to iron.   I actually think my iron dropping has something to do with starting to drink coffee again (I started at 9 months post-op) which can interfer with iron absorption (it's the tannins, not the caffeine that does it).  But at the moment, I'm not willing to give up the coffee, so I'm going to watch my labs closely.

Thanks for all the help Pam.  I'll get the walgreen Citracal and cru**** up for now.  If you wouldn't mind, I would love to try a sample of the Wild Cherry if you will be at the next support meeting.

Hey, no need to cru****  It literally dissolves in water. 

No problem... I've always got the BA lozenges with me, so if I forget, just remind me.

Thanks I wouldn't have thought to dissolve them in water.

I just cut mine in half. For a while I had to even cut them into 1/4's. Easier than making sure you drink the sludge.