Question:
Am I the only one who gets costipated by calcium??

I began taking 1000mg of calcium daily, but I can only manage about 400-500 mg of calcium a day without getting plugged up. When the problem began my surgeon told me to take colace 2xday--when I saw him for my regular post op check a week later--he said stop the calcium for one week, then slowly build back up until I reach my "limit"--the point at which I getting plugged up--which seems to be 400-500mgs. I'm still taking the colace once or twice a day to keep things moving--although slowly. Can anyone help or offer advice? I know I need to be getting more calcium. By the way, cheese also stops me up, and I believe I am some what lactose intolerant. Is there any help for me?    — greeneyes1961 (posted on August 27, 2004)

August 27, 2004
Nope, you're not the only one. I have a significant problem with constipation and calcium. A chiropractor had me on 1,000+ mgs. when coral calcium was big. Within 2 weeks I was a complete mess. It took nearly as long to get unplugged, and back to normal. If you are lactose intolerant there are all the lactaid items. If your program will allow, the dark green vegies provide the best calcium and iron.
   — czangel

August 27, 2004
I don't have a problem with calcium, but watch the colace. I found, and my nurse friend validated, that if you take colace and don't drink enough water, it can further aggravate constipatio. I used milk of magnesia with much greater success. I was a mess after wls and PS in this matter after using too much narcotic pain medication. The thing that helped me the most was taking 2 tbsp of MOM in the early evening, then another 2 tbsp right before bed. I was so bad that I had to use glycerin suppositories to move things along. I consider myself and "expert" now so if you want to e-mail me, feel free to do so.
   — Fixnmyself

August 27, 2004
No your not the only one. I had the same problem when I was taking Calcium tablets, especially those ultradense caplets. I found a formulation that is in capsules (capsules with the loose powder inside. I swallow the capsule but I would guess it would be easy to empty the contents into something and take it that way)this particular one is made by Solaray but there are others. I take 1000 mg of this a day and add some extra magnesium tablets on the side. I have not had to take colace or any other stuff like that since I started this regimen over 3 months ago. Additionally, I also eat certain things every day that contain calcium, so that I am getting some in my pills and my diet (1 serving yogurt, 1 serving carb countdown, 1 glass v-8 juice daily, supplements my pills).
   — Debbie B.

August 27, 2004
NORMALLY, calcium citrate does not affect the bowel, but carbonate can cause constipation. Some names would be coral calcium, Tums, Viactiv, OSCal, Caltrate -- those are all carbonate and not what we want. Citrical is a good citrate if you can tolerate the tablets. There are also calcium citrates in powdered form (add to anything) or capsules. I am the queen of constipation and they have no effect on me. And I take a LOT of calcium citrate. The constipation started long before I did it, though.
   — vitalady

August 27, 2004
Thanks your all your answers and info. What I am taking is Calcium Citrate. I knew before I ever had surgery that is the type of calcium to take. The brand I use is called Building Blocks (previously named Bariblend). Developed by the group of doctors that my sister used when she had her surgery 9/3/03. They are U.S. Bariatric based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I also take their multi-vitamin. Their products are made specifically for the needs of bariatric patients. The calcium & multi are in the clear gel caps w/powder inside. So, if you can't swallow the pill--you can empty it into something to drink. Thanks again.
   — greeneyes1961

August 28, 2004
Are you taking any magnesium? I am taking a calcium citrate with magnesium 2:1 ratio, plus since I do have a magensium deficiency I take an additional 800 mg of magnesium citrate separate from my calcium/mag. I also do Benefiber twice a day and have no problem with constipation. Sometimes constipation can be an indication of a mag deficiency. If you add extra mag citrate do it in 200 mg increments until you reach your tolerance level as it will cause diarrhea if you over do. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun

August 28, 2004
Try 3-4 oz of prune juice daily. I do 3 oz in the AM and 3 oz. in the PM. Keeps things going fine. Spyder 357/316.5
   — SpyderS