I am currently taking Citracal + D petites pre-op. Told by my NUT these are easier to take than the normal size post-op.  Well even pre-op I'm having one heck of a time getting these babies to slide down my throat.. and I can't even imagine that these will dissolve in my new pouch enough to go through my stoma that easily after surgery??? I take them and I feel them go all the way down my throat..and then wham land in my tummy.

Someone mentioned once upon a time Upcal D.  Can i get feed back if this is an okay supplement to take. Here's the info I googled on it:

Upcal D

• Powdered calcium for stronger bones.
• Concentrated source of Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3
• Provides the daily requirements to effectively maintain and improve bone tissue, helping in the battle against osteoporosis.
• Flavorless powder allows it to be mixed with a variety of beverages and foods without altering their original flavor.
• Eliminates crushing large pills.
• Takes calcium off of your medication list.
• Will not plug enteral feeding tubes.
• Transparent to the patient.
• Economical for budgets.

Nutritional Information

Ingredients: Elemental Calcium, Vitamin D3, and Dextrose. Made to U.S Pharmacopoeia (USP) quality, purity and potency standards.
Elemental Calcium, 500mg
Vitamin D3, 60% Daily Value*
Dextrose value equals 2450mg per serving
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Hey Stacy - I've found if you go up to the top right corner in the search box and type in Calcium or whatever you are interested in you will find tons of posts on the topics and everyone's view from all different forums.

I did this when I had the foamies once - I typed in foamies and got a ton of info on the what's/where's and why's of them from all different sources.

Sometimes I feel a little dumb asking newbie questions because everyone asks the same questions usually so I start there with the search and if I don't find what I am looking for then I post.

Not saying you shouldn't post by all means girl post and post as much as you can -but I just found it helpful!

I just went to the RNY board and saw a post called calcium on page 2 and the info was awesome because I too am not comfortable with the calcium petites or the fact that you have to take 3 of them 3 times per day.  I'm trying now to consolidate my supplements a little so it doesn't feel like I'm just waiting and wasting my day thinking about when the two hours are up to take my next batch.

Luvies,
Sal

Thanks for the "Angelic" wisdom Sal! And I didn't realize that search field was for that purpose! Super helpful!

Stacy

I too have wondered why they call them 'petites'...  Good golly they are honk'n..!! 

I would much prefer to swallow my calcium but have not found anything that I am comfy with swallowing.  I have resorted to the Caltrate + D PLUS *chewables*.  Taste is better than anything else that I have tried and I needed to make sure to get my calcium..

UpcalD sounds like it would be good but I would run it by the dietitian within your surgery group..

Good Luck ~

I got lots of feedback on the RNY board... no go on the Upcal..

I may just end up splitting them. Someone on the RNY board said they dissolve in liquid.. so I may try that. I just can't imagine these suckers going through my stoma! They say it's the size of a dime after surgery.. so... how does that work?

I'll talk to my NUT at my pre-op class and find out the scoop on alternatives...

I wound up just biting them in half and I have never had an issue getting them down.

Not fun, but we do what we must.

Good luck.
Katie