Question:
Looking for a new calcium

I am currently taking some calcium chews from GNC but found out that my doctor wants me to be taking calcium citrate and these ones are carbonate. I took a look at Walmart for the chews and they were all carbonate. So I was hoping for some suggestions on chewables. Thanks in advance. This site is a great support system.    — mother2mykids (posted on December 28, 2008)

December 28, 2008
I couldn't find them in the stores either. I orderd them on line. Here is the site: http://www.bariatricchoice.com I received them in about a week. I got the chocolet flavored ones. They're not bad but not as good as the Viactive chews...hmm hmm those were good but didn't have the citrate either. Best of luck
   — niecie54

December 28, 2008
You can order them from Bariatric Advantage.
   — Billie R.

December 28, 2008
I just take regular calcium tablets and haven't had a problem. I was banded 8/4/08. Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

December 28, 2008
Hi Amanda, Check your local health food store other then GNC, It may cost a little more then GNC, But alot of times they have Better suppliments. Or can purchse chewable calcuim and vitamins on line can look up Baricatic vitamins. I purchase mine at a Health food store other then a GNC, I find them to be a better quality. I hope this is some help. Karen
   — kmdladyluck

December 28, 2008
Try UpCal-D. I order it off of Amazon.com for the best price. It's a powder you mix with food or drink that gives you both calcium citrate and vitamin D needed to process calcium. Citrical petites are a good option as well if you can swallow a pill. Building Blocks makes a capsule but it's expensive in my opinion.
   — Launa N.

December 28, 2008
bariatricadvantage.com has different flavors of the Calcium Citrate you can chew or the dissolve. I do not like the Wild Cherry flavor... try sample packets first if you want. Monica- Houston TX
   — MonHay

December 28, 2008
Yep...A lot of Lapbanders do not understand that RNYers have to take totally different vitamins because our surgeries are VERY different. Our lack of stomach acid forces us to take a calcium that can be aborbed...calcium carbonate cannot be absorbed with not stomach acid and is fine for people with their entire stomachs like Lapbanders...NOT for RNYers or people who take acid blockers constantly for GERD or Acid Reflux...Or older people with low stomach acid. There are several calcium citrate tablets, but I have not found a nice chewy one since Citracal Chews were discontinued. :::I cried when they stopped making them::::LOL However, over the last several years I have to switch back and forth between different calcium citrates because I get awful sick of the flavors...When you take them 3-4 times a day....everyday...It gets a little old! I mainly go between UPCal D (and I take an extra magnesium citrate since it does not have any in it and magnesium helps with constipation and absorption) I like it because you can get it in packets that are quite nice for travel and you can just pour right on the tongue and let it dissolve...It has a light almost creamy sweetness with no particular flavor....Then there is TwinLabs Calcium citrate wafers...They are huge and orangy flavor...Right after surgery I found them to be quite obnoxius in size and flavor...Now they are like a treat! Plus they have all you need to absorb calcium including mag....Next is Bariatric Advantage...EXPENSIVE! BUT they have several flavors...I have tried them all and only LOVE the Wild cherry...the other flavors do nothing for me...but there is chocolate, mint, cinnamon and maybe one other flavor too...You can get all the samples from Vitalady if you just want to try them...Remember too that when taking Calcium Citrate, you can only absorb 400-500 mg every two hours...and the typical RNYer needs 1000 daily...1500-2000 if your labs begin to drop...That mean you need to take it 2-4 times a day at separate times...Take calcium citrate away from other vitamins especially iron....Calcium tends to bind other vitamins/minerals causing you to not be able to absorb that vitamin....So take alone without other vits! (about 2 hours apart) magnesium, Vit D3, boron and calcium are all compatible and have relative functions...so those can be taken together and should be...You cannot absorb ANY calcium citrate without Vit D3...So...if you become low on Vit D...you will become calcium deficient soon after....SO...make certain that whatever Caclium citrate you do take that is contains Vit D3...It must say D3....Not just D or D2...It must say D3! OKAY! You're all set! Go find a calcium citrate! LOL BTW...GNC does not cater kindly to WLS people, in my experiences...You will find more suitable vits and minerals and trained employees who are actually helpful and knowledgeable of WLS and Vits and proteins etc... at Vitamin Shoppes...
   — .Anita R.

December 29, 2008
Hi Amanda! I get mine from celebratevitamins.com. They'll send you samples of all of their products..even protien shakes! They're not too bad! All of their products are for wls patients, so they have some helpful information and their customer service reps are very nice! Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 29, 2008
Hi Amanda, i get mine from celebratevitamins as well. Tastes great and so far so good. (RNY on 12/10/08) Surgeon is also RNY, recommended them. Good luck! carolcooper
   — carolcooper

December 29, 2008
I found mine at CVS and they were the cvs brand with added vitamin d they are chewables just ask the pharmacists and they will be sure to help you find it I hope this helps you
   — luvinmyfour

January 21, 2009
Just a quick comment about Lap Band patients, we have to take calcium citrate also. At least that's what my bariatric nutritional counseling documentation explains. The calcium citrate is absorbed more by the body than calcium carbonate. I tried to explain that one to a family member who had GBS and it went over like a lead balloon. Just shows you can lead a horse to water....
   — Bigwyfan1964

Click Here to Return