Calcium supplements - ThinnerTimes

bamagirl · 01-25-2006, 03:18 PM

Can we take calcium supplements in pill form, or are we supposed to always have chewable? I've been on Tums, but I would love to just pop an Os Cal.

bridgetgirl · 01-25-2006, 04:55 PM

Sure you will be able to start calcium in pill form. Just ask your surgeon when its oaky... if he says its never again, ask one of us! I cant remember how long it was when we could transition, I think 4 weeks but dont quote me on that!

Mavisavis · 01-26-2006, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamagirl

Can we take calcium supplements in pill form, or are we supposed to always have chewable? I've been on Tums, but I would love to just pop an Os Cal.

I think our timeframe was 6 weeks, but I started at 5 because with my nausea I just could NOT chew and crush stuff one more day!

I did have trouble at first with things hitting my pouch like lead.......no trouble swallowing, but felt like I would hurl everything back up. I solved it by using warm liquids. I am almost 5 months and usually still do that. I guess the warm just coats the pouch better for me. Good luck.

Brooke220 · 01-26-2006, 05:11 AM

I was originally told to take two Tums Ultras a day, but then my surgeon said (in a follow up last month) that they were changing that for all the hospital's WLS patients. Apparently, based on long term impact (they've got a record that goes back over 20 years) they are now telling everyone to take 4 Calcium Caltrate's a day. I looked at my surgeon in shock when he told me that. "I don't think I can do that. I mean, I'm so sensitive to pills now." So, I haven't managed to get myself to do that yet. In fact (slapping myself) I'm managing to get all of my pills in every day except for calcium. I know I need to add that ASAP.

janh · 01-26-2006, 02:04 PM

I went for a follow-up today and my Dr. specifially said to make sure you use chewables for calcium-it's probably like everything else though-depends upon you and your Dr. You know-Spring Valley makes a sugar free choc. calcium chew that is YUM. I get them at Walmart.

twodogsmom · 01-26-2006, 02:48 PM

I take about 5 pills and capsules morning and night for various things. The calcium-Mag-Zinc I take is big and very hard, so I cut it in half with my pill cutter. And the Trader Joe Gummy Vites taste just like gummy bear candies so I am continuing to take those rather than grown up vita as a little treat.

queenzed · 01-26-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamagirl

Can we take calcium supplements in pill form, or are we supposed to always have chewable? I've been on Tums, but I would love to just pop an Os Cal.

My surgeon's rule was no pills of any kind for 6 months, after that I started pills for everything lol

It's so weird how all of them say something different, and the time frames are so far, like 4 weeks for some, 6 months for others!

Gina · 01-26-2006, 03:48 PM

I have been taking pills since two days after surgery. The Calcuim I didn't start until 2 weeks post op. However, when I came home from the hospital I was given pills for pain meds, and I also resumed my normal meds, which were pills 2 days out.

Mavisavis · 01-27-2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by queenzed

My surgeon's rule was no pills of any kind for 6 months, after that I started pills for everything lol

It's so weird how all of them say something different, and the time frames are so far, like 4 weeks for some, 6 months for others!

Our advice varied right there at the center!

My doc said no beef for 5 months, one nurse said that mostly that's textured beef and ground is fine, another nurse said that only a rare person has any problem and that it should be changed. Then, they said no eggs for 6 weeks because of reactions and tolerations.......our booklet gave us an egg recipe for the puree stage, and they fed us custard directly post-op! Cripees.......they wonder why we just use our bodies and common sense and do it our own way!?

nancy · 01-27-2006, 12:33 AM

the spring valley chewables at walmart also come in SUGAR FREE! i take 4 a day per my doc. also did you know NOT to take them with your iron vitamins cause the iron and the calcium bond and can't be digested as calcium cause the vit d can't beat up the iron, or something scientific like that anyway, i take the one a day weight smart with iron and the chewable calcium supl.'s
you'll know you're doing it right when you get your blood tested. good luck kiddo - nancy