As much as I hate to admit it, I really suck with the Calcium citrate supplement. I have tried so many different types, and had settled on the Citracal petites for awhile, but let's be honest (those of you on my FB), I lead an extremely active little life, and I forget to take them. I have to take 6 tablets to get in the recommended DV, and they can't be taken all at the same time. I honestly do not have time to take pills 3 times a day. I take my multi at night, my b12 and Prilosec first thing in the morning, so I'd have to take the Calcium in the morning, afternoon and at least 2 hours before my multi so nothing interferes with the absorption of the calcium. I know it sounds horrible, but I hate it! I'm ready to throw my hands up in the air and just say screw it, but since I'm stubbornly taking my Prilosec still, and know that I NEED the calcium, I have to find something that will work for my life.

So, I need a swift kick in the ass because next month is my 18 month follow up with labs, and I know my calcium is going to tank. I'm good for my b12, and my Multivitamin, but I can NOT for the life of me get on the calcium kick.

This is what the calcium citrate must have that qualifies as a good option:

1) Must be able to take it in 2-3 pills NOT 6-8

2) Can be chewable or pill form ( I can swallow horse pills with zero issue)

3) Must not cost an arm and a leg

These are the ones I'm investigating/researching:

UpCal D (powder which you dissolve in your liquids, flavorless, no texture) ANY REVIEWS on this product would be appreciated.

Bariatric Advantage lozenges ( a little pricey, but willing to spend the money if they truly work, and I don't have to eat 10 of them a day to hit 1000mg of calcium citrate per day)

I know this isn't my normal, upbeat, YAY sleeve thread, but this calcium thing is really weighing on my mind. I fought hard to be healthy, and to live a great life, I don't need my bones snapping because I'm slacking in the calcium department.

Thanks in advance for any information, and good swift kicks are greatly appreciated ! ! !

Tiffykins, you are an inspiration even when you're not being a cheerleader! I don't have my sleeve yet, but have been having the same trouble. I know we're supposed to take calcium citrate, and not the calcium that is in Tums, but what is really the difference? I keep Tums in my car, and would be able to take those with no problem. But if there is really a significant difference, I guess that's not a good idea. What do you think?

Well this is what I have been taking. My daily multi already has about 150 mg calcium in it as well so before leaving for work, I only take one (calls for 2), then at dinner time I take 2 more. This gets me very close to the 1000mg per day. The body can't take in more than 500 mg per dosage, so I'm assuming I'm getting about 950 mg per day.

The magnesium and on top of that the 5,000 BU of Vitamin D I'm taking with it, helps with maximum absorption -- so that's how I'm doing it.

Hope this helps!

I could never remember to do the chews throughout the day and needed to be more scheduled with it, so that's how I coped.

PS yes the capsules are rather large, but I've only been sleeved 9 weeks ago and can take 2 of these without issue. You mentioned you can too, so it shouldn't be a problem at all.

Link: http://www.vitaminsh....jsp?id=VS-1123

Tiffykins, you are an inspiration even when you're not being a cheerleader! I don't have my sleeve yet, but have been having the same trouble. I know we're supposed to take calcium citrate, and not the calcium that is in Tums, but what is really the difference? I keep Tums in my car, and would be able to take those with no problem. But if there is really a significant difference, I guess that's not a good idea. What do you think?

Calcium carbonate (the type found in Tums, the chocolate chewables Viactiv) is not fully absorbed without an acidic environment, and since I take Prilosec (keeps my stomach from producing acid), the calcium would not be absorbed, and is not going to protect my bones. Plus, calcium carbonate can cause some rebound reflux so I avoid it.

Calcicum citrate does not have to be taken with food, and has high absorption rates without needing an acidic environment so it's the recommended calcium for bariatric patients.

Well this is what I have been taking. My daily multi already has about 150 mg calcium in it as well so before leaving for work, I only take one (calls for 2), then at dinner time I take 2 more. This gets me very close to the 1000mg per day. The body can't take in more than 500 mg per dosage, so I'm assuming I'm getting about 950 mg per day.

The magnesium and on top of that the 5,000 BU of Vitamin D I'm taking with it, helps with maximum absorption -- so that's how I'm doing it.

Hope this helps!

I could never remember to do the chews throughout the day and needed to be more scheduled with it, so that's how I coped.

PS yes the capsules are rather large, but I've only been sleeved 9 weeks ago and can take 2 of these without issue. You mentioned you can too, so it shouldn't be a problem at all.

Link: http://www.vitaminsh....jsp?id=VS-1123

So, I would have to take 6 of them to get close to the 1000mg that I need, right? Since 2 of them only have 333mg of calcium citrate per 2 capsules, am I reading that right, and doing the math correctly?

Yes if that is all you're taking to get your calcium in, so 2 capsules @ 3x per day. That is STILL alot I know.

I actually have to place set things around it so I'll remember (before leaving work, after dinner). Especially visual reminders, like placing it on top of the Fridge so they are in plain view. Stuff like that...

Have you thought about using a multi with no iron it is so that you can take your calcium with it? I know that would mean taking an iron at a seprate time but I think it would be better to take one pill seprate then two at seprate times. I do use the BA Lozenge and I think they are great.

Thanks, Tiffykins! I didn't know that about the calcium needing an acidic environment. Will find some calcium citrate to take! My surgery is in nine days! Very excited!

At Vitamin Cottage (Natural Grocers), I've found a chocolate chewable. Its 'Rainbow Light calcium citrate Chocolate Chewable' - 3 wafers = 1000mg

The wafers are the powdery kind (not the chewy chocolate kind). But they don't taste bad, they remind me of old fashioned candy. I keep some in my purse, so when I'm out running around, I can still get them in. I usually eat 1 wafer, 3x day.

Let us know what you decide!

Hi Tiffykins,

I know you asked about pills and chewables, however I thought I would point you to a liquid I use called Liquid Reviva High Absorption calcium citrate. You can get it from costco or Sam's. I went to the liquid after trying UpCal D (which I thought did a marvelous job of making my beverages taste like I was licking chalk board erasers... I'm just saying...)

It provides 1000 mg Calcium Citrate, 1000 IU Vitamin D, and 400 mg of Magnesium. It is blueberry flavor, which isn't too bad (I also have heard of folks adding it to smoothies). The same company also provides a liqid multivitamin too.

The website with the product info is at http://www.revivanutrition.com/product_more.html#pd3.

I hope this helps!

---Geek

I take bariatric advantage chocolate chews. My surgeon sells them. They are 250 mg per chew so that would be 4 for you. I have to take 6. But they taste pretty good.

Have you thought about using a multi with no Iron it is so that you can take your Calcium with it? I know that would mean taking an iron at a seprate time but I think it would be better to take one pill seprate then two at seprate times. I do use the BA Lozenge and I think they are great.

I technically don't need iron at all, but I'm not willing to switch my Multivitamin after using them for over 2 years. Plus, iron supplements just suck LOL. I had thought about changing my multi, but I'm a little paranoid about switching off of it, and one of my other values dropping.

I'm leaning heavily toward the BA lozenges, and I think I should be able to take 1 in the morning, one in the evening with my dinner, and then my multis at night before bed. I would only need 2 BA lozenges per day since I get a good amount of calcium from food sources. Thanks for the review on the BA lozenge.

Hi Tiffykins,

I know you asked about pills and chewables, however I thought I would point you to a liquid I use called Liquid Reviva High Absorption calcium citrate. You can get it from costco or Sam's. I went to the liquid after trying UpCal D (which I thought did a marvelous job of making my beverages taste like I was licking chalk board erasers... I'm just saying...)

It provides 1000 mg Calcium Citrate, 1000 IU Vitamin D, and 400 mg of Magnesium. It is blueberry flavor, which isn't too bad (I also have heard of folks adding it to smoothies). The same company also provides a liqid multivitamin too.

The website with the product info is at http://www.revivanut..._more.html#pd3.

I hope this helps!

---Geek

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh thank you bunches. I'm not opposed to liquids, but I could add it to my yogurt. I kind of need a pop and go routine. I'll research it and let everyone know which route I choose.

I take the BA lozenges in black cherry. They're kind of like big, slightly chalky Sweet Tarts. They're very tart, but that's fine with me, and they dissolve quickly. I carry some in my purse so I can pop 'em in my mouth whenever I know I'm two hours out from my iron or Prilosec -- mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and around 10pm.

There is also a brand from costco that is called Wellesse calcium citrate with Vit D and it is awesome! Two tablespoons will give you 1000mg so you could split it into morning and afternoon for absorption. I have tried this and I say the taste is pretty darn good. Bonus is that it is not that expensive.

Hope this helps.

Lily

HI Tiff, I take the UpCal D powder and I love it. It comes in individual packs that I can just put in a bottle of water and it has NO flavor. I usually put a Propel flavor pack in at the same time. (Just because I'm starting to get sick of plain water). It does feel a little grainy especially when you get towards the end of the bottle. So far I've also put it in greek yogurt and potato soup and again no flavor just grainy.