Question:
Would Liquid calcium with Magnesium citrate & vit. D. be OK?

   — Donna C. (posted on May 6, 2009)

May 6, 2009
Each surgeon has their own recommendations. My surgeon says NO to any liquid supplements (other than our protein drink), because he says we don't absorb much of them because a lot of the absorption of nutrients takes place in the stomachs - with our stomach being so small, they aren't in the stomach long at all, so we only absorb a small amount of what we take in. It is even more true if you have the bypass surgery, less true if you have the lapband. I had the vertical gastric sleeve, so I guess we are kind of inbetween here. The protein drink he has us drink is by Metagenics and is loaded with vitamins and minerals as well, and is made especially for bariatric patients, so you absorb a good portion of the nutrients in it. I hope this helps. But like I said, check with your surgeon - he may have other recommendations. Good Luck!
   — Wendy M.

May 7, 2009
I am 9 weeks post-op RNY and I am using the liquid calcium and magnesium citrate with Vit D3. I was having such a hard time with taking my calcium citrate pills because the chewables that I bought were so large and awful tasting. Several people on here suggested I try the liquid, and I did. I really love it! I bought the 'LifeTime' brand, blueberry and lemon flavors. The blueberry tastes very good. My doctor has no problems with me taking it. Every doctor is different though, so it's always best to check with your doctor to be sure. Best of health to you!
   — thegoodlife

May 8, 2009
If you had RNY, as long as the calcium is calcium as citrate and the Vit D is D3. You can only absorb up to 500 mg of calcium about every two hours...and for RNY we need between 1000-2000 mg a day depending on your labs results. I take 1500 a day (3 separate times a day). The wafers that many don't like much were very difficult for me to take the first few years every day....after slacking off on the calcium citrate wafers and taking only once a day if I remembered...I became low Vit D and deficient in magnesium and blood tests showed I was leaching calcium from my bones because of the lack of D and mag....You cannot absorb calcium without Vit D...That's why the gov't fortifies milk with Vit D...One vit def can set off a chain reaction...Whatever you do...find the right kind of calcium as citrate /Vit D3 and preferably with Magnesium to keep your calcium levels in balance. I looked up the ingredients in the liquid that another poster says she uses..."lifetime"..If that's the one you are using, it's okay...not the best dosage ratios for RNY...but if you took 1/2 tablespoon 3 times a day it would be better than 1 T as a dose...1T is a 750mg serving...and if most of us can only aborb 400-500 mg...there is waste...Cut the dose in half and take 3-4 times a day, the dose is a better fit! Also...if you "chew" the liquid meaning leave it in your mouth a few moments before swallowing, your saliva juices start to digest the calcium before it even hits your pouch and that's a HUGE help as well! I always "chew" my protein drinks, juices and any liquids that have nutrients...Saliva is very similar to stomach acid that RNYers are lacking...Just a suggestion
   — .Anita R.

May 10, 2009
I'm 5 month out and I use the natural calcium chews with D&K . I've use them since my surgery 1 week out ,never bother my stomache .I also use the chewable gummy childrens vitamins 4 daily & b-complex liquids all from walmart. Just had blood work and everything great.
   — ehvern