Question:
After reading, I'm confused. I take OsCal 500mg with Vit D.

Is this not OK? Is there another "brand" to use to get the calcium we need?    — Joanne M. (posted on December 30, 2002)

December 30, 2002
OsCal is composed of calcium carbonate. Because WLS patients don't have enough stomach acid to process the calcium in calcium carbonate, you should be taking calcium citrate instead.
   — Patricia E.

December 30, 2002
My doc tells us that pre-memepausal women need 1000 mg opf calcuim citrate daily and post menepausol need 1500 mg daily. As the other poster said. You are taking calcuim carbonate which only about 8% is getting into your system because there isnt enough acid to break it down for you. You can take this faithfully for years and still have osteoporsis. Just ask Vitalady. Michelle, this happened to her as a wls patient. You really do need to get you some calcuim citrate.
   — Delores S.

December 30, 2002
The previous post is right. You should be taking calcium CITRATE, not carbonate. I take Citracal + vitamin D. You should be taking at least 1500 mg a day. I take 5 of the Citracal each day and space them out throughout the day, as we only absorb 500 mg at one time. I hope that helps.
   — Laurel C.