Question:
Do we absorb any of the calcium from milk?

Hi! I was wondering if post-op RNY patients absorb any of the calcium from milk? Thanks!    — Binxalways (posted on January 10, 2003)

January 10, 2003
I couldn't find anything specific on this doing a web search. I did find this little tidbit: <p> Milk products and your digestion<br> After gastric bypass surgery, many people have trouble tolerating liquid milk. This is because milk needs to be curdled in the stomach to be completely digested. The gastric bypass procedure prevents milk from reaching the main part of the stomach where curdling would take place. Some people find that non-fat Lactaid milk is easier to digest. Curdled milk products such as cheese and yogurt are usually tolerated and contain a high calcium and protein content.
   — John Rushton

January 10, 2003
My nutrionist says that we do absorb some of the calcium from milk and that it is good for us. On the other hand she also says that for some reason( I can't recall her explaination) we absorb the calcium in skim milk better than in 1%, 2%, whole milk ect. I was wondering for a while if she told me this just to get me to drink skim instead of 1%, but a couple weeks ago I heard the same information on TV. I would suggest calling your nutrionist and asking. Good Luck!!
   — DRutherford

January 10, 2003
Unlike iron and the B-vitamins, calcium is absorbed all along the small intestine. Sure, you can absorb the calcium from milk (my dietician says to stick with skim, though), you just won't absorb as much as someone who hasn't been bypassed. In fact, natural sources of any nutrient are better than articifial ones (they are more bio-available). The problem is, some gastric bypass patients can't tolerate milk (although I haven't had any problems so far)... in which case you could try the lactaid, and/or calcium citrate supplements.
   — Patricia E.