Calcium, Constipation & Food Desire - Vets Help Needed

So, I have not wanted food since Christmas day.  I eat just because I know I need to.  One day, I even had 7 protein shakes because food was just "ick".  Bacon is my saving grace at the moment because it doesn't seem to have an affect on me.  Nuts as much as I love them and eat them all day long, are not as appealing to me.

I have tweaked my vitamins but not taken Calcium consistently because everytime I take it, I get constipated (which is not good with this surgery).  I know that I need the Calcium (I realize that I have to have it).  I have tried different brands including UpCal.

On January 1st,  I put all my vitamins in the XL Med Center (which I just got).  I added full calcium at 2000 mg per day taking with the K's and at night with Magnesium (taking 3 different times throughout the day).

Yesterday I forgot my Vits in my MedCenter (the plane was late the night before so I didn't get to prepare before going to work).  I did not have my Vits at all yesterday.  

My bathroom break is back to what it was, I am no longer clogged up.  I actually wanted a bit of food this morning.  I am leaving to go on my road trip on Tues.  So, I am figuring out what to do.

Here are my questions:

1.  Is there a brand of calcium that does not clog a person up?  If so, what is it?

2.  I still don't tolerate fat well.  I can handle about 40-50 grams in a day at most, anything over that I am sick.  I am now adding olive oil to my nuts to help get more fat.

3.  If a person is constipated, then does that take away the desire for food?

4. Any suggestions for getting my calcium in?  Is there any kind of injection or anything that helps?

Thanks!

Sorry you are having trouble with calcium.  Many DSers have had this problem, so you are not alone. There are a variety of options for you to try that experienced DSers can tell you about. Some DSers were using large doses of Magnesium OXIDE tablets for this problem.

At one time, taking several over the counter stool softeners (not laxatives) worked well, but then tried taking a combination of flax seed and chia seeds daily which was so effective was able to drop the stool softeners.  Have now tweaked the seeds to drop flax and substitute in hemp instead.  Have been VERY pleased with the effectiveness of hemp seed.

 Your body isn't absorbing the calcium so you are pooping it out - all that calcium in your poop is making it firmer and slower to move through your system.   Also, 2000mg calcium may not be enough for you in the long run, so keep an eye on that as time goes on.

I do the hemp seeds on occasion.  I haven't had this problem before, that is good to know. 

Yes, I'm a bit worried that I've waited too long to get "calcium" serious.

Thanks everyone!  I am going to look into these.

 

I was taking Citracal and when I had to double my calcium due to bone issues it was a no-go. When I switched to Vitalady's calcium citrate only capsules all was well again in my world.. I don't know if it was the fillers in CItracal or what, but there you go.

--gina

 

Your approach is great, X isn't working what's Y and Z.  You are pretty new and what works will still change down the road.  In the meantime, have you tried Calcium Apatite yet?  If you can find some, it may or may not be your answer.  Apatite is another type of calcium that works well for us.  Most of the DSers in Europe take it.  Some docs believe it is even better than Citrate.

Brands of calcium hyrdroxyapatite include Jarrow Bone Up and Bone Booster Complex which I get from Vitacost. You have to double the Bone Booster Complex dose as a minimum and ensure you include the word COMPLEX on the end as regular Bone Booster isn't so good... can't remember why and I'm not a PC so can't easily check.

I'm with you on the constipation and calcium. I despise both! But, I've finally found a combo that works for me and that includes magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, a bone up type product, and a calcium supplement. The combo works to keep me in the proper ranges and not constipated. It does take time to figure out what you need though.

 

1. I agree with Gina about vitalady's calcium citrate capsules.  Huge difference for me!

2. Try different kinds of fats, some are tolerated better than others.  Milkfat/dairy-based fats like butter and cream upset my stomach in large amounts more than oils.

3.  Yes.

4. See #1.  

I had a doctor tell me that it is perfectly safe to take a daily maintenance dose of Miralax.  I started with a !/2 dose but now I'm down to just 1/4 t. a day.  Other than that, don't underestimate the amount of oil/fat/butter you need per day.  And fluids, too.  Do you take mag oxide?

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I appreciate it!

One more question:  Is there not an injection we can take for calcium?  I take Vit D & B12.

I wish I didn't have the fat problem.  I thought it wouldn't be an issue after the surgery.  It's worse!  I am LI as well.  Gluten Sensitive.  The one thing I think about this surgery, it intensifies anything that was going on before surgery with the exception of Diabetes.

I am going to try the other Calciums... ~Sigh~  I am taking a lot of Magnesium at night.  I don't think I need to up that.