I stumbled across this on OH.

This is an article explaining the importance of good quality multi-Vitamins and supplements post-op. I know some people HATE vitamins. Some of us may think since we do not have intestinal re-routing, no malabsorption, that vitamins/supplements are not "as" important for us. This mindset could not be further from the truth. Especially, when it comes to Calcium citrate, Iron, b12, vit d and all the other big one.

I'm so glad I have found a multi that I absolutely love. For me, that was half the battle of taking vitamins daily. The other half of the battle is just taking them. I am pretty stringent on my Vitamin regimen, and think this article really hits home.

It is a long read, but it is full of valuable information. It also discusses RNY. It's a simple unbiased articled excluding any information on weightloss numbers between the 2 surgeries. It also discusses the use of papaya enzymes to aid in digestion and absorption.

http://www.practicalgastro.com/pdf/June04/RadiganArticle.pdf

Long story short (kind of), take your vitamins even if you have to set a timer/reminder. JUST DO IT ! ! !

Anyone have recommendations for calcium?

I bought some chewables (NSI Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 & Magnesium -- 1000 mg - 120 Chewable Tablets), but they are NASTY!!!!!!!

I use the Bariatric Advantage Vitamins. The calcium chewables are ok, but the berry flavored Multivitamins remind me of sweet tarts...I could easily eat too many of them...they're a treat...

Does anyone know if you're supposed to space out the vitamins at all?

I am ordering the Lemon Calcet chewables. I got my free sample and loved them. I've tried the Caltrate petites, wasn't impressed with the burping up pill taste. I tried a couple of the liquid calciums by NSI (i think), and I choked them down, but just don't have it in me to do it anymore.

Here's the link for a free sample of the lemon chews:

Calcet Creamy Bites

I received my sample about 10 days after ordering, and they sent me 2 samples. They reminded me (tastewise) like Yellow starbursts.

Also remember with calcium, you have to time it around your other meds for maximum absorption.

Edited February 2, 201016 yr by Tiffykins

I am ordering the Lemon Calcet chewables. I got my free sample and loved them. I've tried the Caltrate petites, wasn't impressed with the burping up pill taste. I tried a couple of the liquid calciums by NSI (i think), and I choked them down, but just don't have it in me to do it anymore.

Here's the link for a free sample of the lemon chews:

Calcet Creamy Bites

I received my sample about 10 days after ordering, and they sent me 2 samples. They reminded me (tastewise) like Yellow starbursts.

Also remember with calcium, you have to time it around your other meds for maximum absorption.

I loved those samples ... unfortunately, they are out of my budget. :cool0:

Tiff - what do you mean you have to time your calcium around other meds?

It's my understanding that some Vitamins can interfere with the absorption of calcium. In addition to other meds/vitamins, Calcium needs an acidic stomach to fully breakdown for absorption in the intestines. Since most of us are taking a PPI, our stomach acid is decreased. I found contradicting articles on Prilosec interfering with calcium citrate absoprtion, one article said yes it can/does, the other said no it doesn't. So, I take my calcium mid-afternoon and right before bed. I take my Prilosec first thing in the morning.

Iron and zinc are listed in this article:

supplements.html" rel="external nofollow">How to Best Absorb Calcium Supplements | eHow.com

Step 1

Take Vitamin C at the same time you take a calcium supplement. Or eat a food rich in Vitamin C, such as an orange. This helps with the absorption of calcium.

<LI id=jsArticleStep2 itxtvisited="1">Step 2

Eat foods high in the amino acid lysine, which is needed for calcium absorption. These include eggs, fish, lima Beans and soy products.

<LI id=jsArticleStep3 itxtvisited="1">Step 3

Take a sunbath without sunscreen for 15 minutes, three times a week. Sunshine is the easiest way to get Vitamin D, which is essential for proper absorption of calcium. Stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

<LI id=jsArticleStep4 itxtvisited="1">Step 4

Divide up your doses of calcium. It appears to work more effectively if taken in smaller doses spread out over the day, rather than a large dose all at once.

<LI id=jsArticleStep5 itxtvisited="1">Step 5

Combine calcium with magnesium in a 2-1 ratio - two parts calcium to one part magnesium.

<LI id=jsArticleStep6 itxtvisited="1">Step 6

Avoid taking iron and calcium together. It reduces the efficacy of both minerals.

<LI id=jsArticleStep7 itxtvisited="1">Step 7

Avoid taking large doses of zinc with calcium. At high doses, zinc can interfere with calcium absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep8 itxtvisited="1">Step 8

Decrease or eliminate soft drinks from your diet. They are high in phosphorus, which can cause you to lose calcium. High phosphorus intake can lead to calcium excretion in your urine.

<LI id=jsArticleStep9 itxtvisited="1">Step 9

Decrease or eliminate animal-based products in your diet. High intake of animal-based Proteins causes increased amounts of calcium to be excreted in your urine. A high intake of sodium is another culprit.

<LI id=jsArticleStep10 itxtvisited="1">Step 10

Cut down on junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and white flour. All of these lead to an excessive loss of calcium from your body and a decreased rate of absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep11 itxtvisited="1">Step 11

Eat foods containing oxalic acid in moderation. Oxalic acid interferes with calcium absorption. Foods containing oxalic acid include almonds, beet greens, cashews, chard, kale, rhubarb and spinach.

<LI id=jsArticleStep12 itxtvisited="1">Step 12

Use wheat bran in moderation. Excessive amounts can interfere with calcium absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep13 itxtvisited="1">Step 13

Check your prescription medications. Some, such as glucocorticoids, can interfere with calcium absorption. Discuss supplementation with your doctor.

Anyone have recommendations for calcium?

I bought some chewables (NSI calcium citrate with Vitamin D3 & Magnesium -- 1000 mg - 120 Chewable Tablets), but they are NASTY!!!!!!!

I take (swallow) Citracal petites they are smaller than the usual and rounded nicely but still not as small as I would have preferred. They are coated tablets. w/500IU's of D and 400mgs of Calcium. The recommended dosage is 2 a day. I also take D3 at 5000 IUs nearly every day, but at least 3x a week. You can get the Citracal Calcium Citrate + D "Petites" nearly anywhere, any pharmacy.

It's my understanding that some Vitamins can interfere with the absorption of calcium. In addition to other meds/vitamins, Calcium needs an acidic stomach to fully breakdown for absorption in the intestines. Since most of us are taking a PPI, our stomach acid is decreased. I found contradicting articles on Prilosec interfering with calcium citrate absoprtion, one article said yes it can/does, the other said no it doesn't. So, I take my calcium mid-afternoon and right before bed. I take my Prilosec first thing in the morning.

Iron and zinc are listed in this article:

supplements.html" rel="external nofollow">How to Best Absorb Calcium Supplements | eHow.com

Step 1

Take Vitamin C at the same time you take a calcium supplement. Or eat a food rich in Vitamin C, such as an orange. This helps with the absorption of calcium.

<LI id=jsArticleStep2 itxtvisited="1">Step 2

Eat foods high in the amino acid lysine, which is needed for calcium absorption. These include eggs, fish, lima Beans and soy products.

<LI id=jsArticleStep3 itxtvisited="1">Step 3

Take a sunbath without sunscreen for 15 minutes, three times a week. Sunshine is the easiest way to get vitamin D, which is essential for proper absorption of calcium. Stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

<LI id=jsArticleStep4 itxtvisited="1">Step 4

Divide up your doses of calcium. It appears to work more effectively if taken in smaller doses spread out over the day, rather than a large dose all at once.

<LI id=jsArticleStep5 itxtvisited="1">Step 5

Combine calcium with magnesium in a 2-1 ratio - two parts calcium to one part magnesium.

<LI id=jsArticleStep6 itxtvisited="1">Step 6

Avoid taking iron and calcium together. It reduces the efficacy of both minerals.

<LI id=jsArticleStep7 itxtvisited="1">Step 7

Avoid taking large doses of zinc with calcium. At high doses, zinc can interfere with calcium absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep8 itxtvisited="1">Step 8

Decrease or eliminate soft drinks from your diet. They are high in phosphorus, which can cause you to lose calcium. High phosphorus intake can lead to calcium excretion in your urine.

<LI id=jsArticleStep9 itxtvisited="1">Step 9

Decrease or eliminate animal-based products in your diet. High intake of animal-based Proteins causes increased amounts of calcium to be excreted in your urine. A high intake of sodium is another culprit.

<LI id=jsArticleStep10 itxtvisited="1">Step 10

Cut down on junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and white flour. All of these lead to an excessive loss of calcium from your body and a decreased rate of absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep11 itxtvisited="1">Step 11

Eat foods containing oxalic acid in moderation. Oxalic acid interferes with calcium absorption. Foods containing oxalic acid include almonds, beet greens, cashews, chard, kale, rhubarb and spinach.

<LI id=jsArticleStep12 itxtvisited="1">Step 12

Use wheat bran in moderation. Excessive amounts can interfere with calcium absorption.

<LI id=jsArticleStep13 itxtvisited="1">Step 13

Check your prescription medications. Some, such as glucocorticoids, can interfere with calcium absorption. Discuss supplementation with your doctor.

Super post Tiffy, I am glad to find out about the PPI and Calcium. Since I'm taking my PPI in the morning I'll take my calcium before bed as well.

it's so tricky timing all of this. It drives me nuts. I found out I am anemic and my calcium was low even though I have been taking calcium right from the start.

The pharmacist told me to take the Iron with orange juice, which gives me heart burn, but I can't take my PPI anywhere close to taking the iron.

Sometimes it's a toss up between taking my iron or taking my calcium. Like I said, it drives me nuts. I have been trying to eat more foods that are high in iron. It's good to know avocados are on that list. I love them!

Thanks Tiffy for posting that article. It was interesting!

it's so tricky timing all of this. It drives me nuts. I found out I am anemic and my calcium was low even though I have been taking calcium right from the start.

The pharmacist told me to take the iron with orange juice, which gives me heart burn, but I can't take my PPI anywhere close to taking the iron.

Sometimes it's a toss up between taking my iron or taking my calcium. Like I said, it drives me nuts. I have been trying to eat more foods that are high in iron. It's good to know avocados are on that list. I love them!

Thanks Tiffy for posting that article. It was interesting!

Prunes are also very high in iron, and unless you are insulin resistant/diabetic, a great choice to keep things moving along in the colon department.

Great article on how to take calcium. Thanks Tiff!

Yeah, I did read that. I like prunes too! I need to eat more of them.

I take (swallow) Citracal petites they are smaller than the usual and rounded nicely but still not as small as I would have preferred. They are coated tablets. w/500IU's of D and 400mgs of Calcium. The recommended dosage is 2 a day. I also take D3 at 5000 IUs nearly every day, but at least 3x a week. You can get the Citracal Calcium Citrate + D "Petites" nearly anywhere, any pharmacy.

THANKS! I will look for them the next time I am at the store.

I used this chart to help me space them correctly. Down the page a bit is a place to click for the PDF you can print. Now all I need is a timer so I can remember. I use Bariatric Advantage.

BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition - The Bariatric Eating Plan