Question:
I need to know what the deal is with Calcuim. I need to start taking something. Will

   — MissAuntieK (posted on August 15, 2002)

August 15, 2002
Kristin, I'm sorry all your question didn't post, but I'll share what I know about calcium. As a post-op you must supplement calcium DAILY. Due to the malabsorption factor, we'll need 1500 mg daily. Calcium CITRATE is the best as it absorbs the easiest. However, we can only absorb 500 mg at a time, so 500 mg 3x a day will work.<p>When you have your labs done at the doctors, it will NOT determine how your calcium levels are doing, so do not rely on that. But if you go without for too long, your body will begin taking it from your bones and your teeth to keep its own levels up....NOT good. If you wait until a bad symptom occurs, it is waaaaay too late.<p>There are chewable forms of calcium citrate and what I'll be using is a liquid form made by Tropical Oasis. See the Product Reviews section for more info on these. I hope this helps! Hugs,
   — Robin W.

August 16, 2002
Hi Kristin, I know, the deal with Calcium is confusing. I have heard that any form of calcium carbonate is not good for us WLS people, because we do not absorb it. Tums is calcium carbonate. I've also heard that one needs Vitamin D with calcium, in order for it to work. I was taking Viactiv, which comes in a few flavors, and it has very little sugar. I like the caramel flavor. You chew it, and it tastes great. I used to have leg cramps frequently, until I started taking a calcium supplement (long before weight loss surgery). I stopped taking the Viactiv because of the calcium carbonate issue, and started on Citri-Cal, which is calcium citrate. The leg cramps RETURNED! Now, I take 2 Viactiv (at least 4 hours apart) and 2 Citri-Cal tablets (which are HUGE) per day. No more leg cramps. I figure now I am getting more than enough calcium per day, and the Viactiv's are like a "sweet treat" for me! I also asked my doctor about the calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate issue, and he said go with whatever works! He had never heard about the absorption (or lack of it) issue. Anyway, Good luck! I am post-op 6 months, down 71 lbs. Elayna
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