Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

why chewable vitamins?



Recommended Posts

I already take a lot of medication that is swallowed due to unrelated health problems and have not had any intolerance's. So can I get Vitamins to swallow now too?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told to keep taking chewable to get the maximum absorption.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

chewable Vitamin C can be bad for your teeth...so that's a no no. I don't know about the "better absorption" thing. I'd have to do some research on that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

chewable Vitamin C can be bad for your teeth...so that's a no no. I don't know about the "better absorption" thing. I'd have to do some research on that.

I was wondering about it too. It's just what I was told. Let me know if you find anything. I would rather take pills.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The majority of nutrient/vitamin absorption occurs in the intestines so it doesn't matter be it chewable or pill form. I'm a big 34 year old kiddo trapped in an adult altered body so I stick to chewables. They've worked for me thus far on my labs, I take Celebrate Vitamins so it's not like I'm chowing down on kid's Vitamins. I've always taken high quality vitamins formulated for adults, and have never been led astray. As long as you taking the recommended value of vitamins, and ensuring that your other medications will not effect the absorption, then pill form of vitamins are just fine. My husband thinks it's absurd that I still use chewables, but it's what works for me. I figure if I'm going to take vitamins, I might as well enjoy it. I have zero issue swallowing pills, I don't gag, nothing gets caught, I'm just lazy and like my chewables. Plus, I have found the perfect combination of a multi with Iron and a Calcium citrate that I can work with and give me everything I need in just 4 chewables per day. Not to shabby considering my other regimen had me taking 8 per day.

Here is a great little reference diagram that shows where all the various "stuff" is actually absorbed. It's for RNY patients since they have malabsorption, BUT, it's a great reference for all of us. We don't have to worry about malabsorption with the exception of B12 so make sure you are supplementing B12 either sublingually or injectable.

RNY-Nutrient-Absorption-897x1024.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tiff- Where can you get the type of Vitamins that you take? My NUT told me to get the kids chewable ones and I have been taking Flinstones and I HATE them. I stopped taking them for a while because I just couldn't stand the taste. I tried the One-a-Day pills, but I threw up after, probably because it was on an empty stomach.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I take Multivitamin pill, it's called Complete Ultra Women's from Walmart's own brand. I feel nauseous if I take it in the morning on an empty stomach so I usually take it at night with no problems.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can find decent Vitamins at any health food store, or places which carry a decent selection of "natural" and/or organic products. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Fred Meyer, etc. A friend of mine has a store in Belfair, WA called Dragoun's Leir which is part gift shop part supplement and natural lifestyle store. Nancy would probably be more than happy to ship things to you. She's been a nurse for a bazillion years and has a ton of knowledge about these things. You could probably contact her and she could give you an idea of what you need.

NOW is a good brand. Try to stay away from Wal Mart, Safeway, Kroger, etc brands. They typically do not have the same quality of ingredients. Also, remember, that just because a pill says you get 100% of (example) Vitamin B, you will not actually absorb that much. You don't need to really, but just be aware that you will not. How much you absorb has to do with the quality of the product, as well as your digestive system and other stuff.

As far as taking childrens vitamins...think about it. Why are Seniors supposed to take a "senior" formula and why are pregnant women supposed to take a "pregnancy" formula? It is because they have different needs. Just try to get an idea of what you need, then look at the ingredients, how much are there and where they come from (as a vegetarian, finding vegetarian formulas can be tricky for me). Some sources are not as good as others.

Okay...about to nod off...night night all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tiff- Where can you get the type of Vitamins that you take? My NUT told me to get the kids chewable ones and I have been taking Flinstones and I HATE them. I stopped taking them for a while because I just couldn't stand the taste. I tried the One-a-Day pills, but I threw up after, probably because it was on an empty stomach.

Celebratevitamins.com

this is the Multivitamin I am on currently:

https://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/multivitamin/multi-complete.html

Here's the calcium citrate plus 500

https://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/calcium/calcium-plus-500.html

Since the multi has Iron, I can't take it within 2 hours of the Calcium since Iron impedes the absorption of calcium. So, I either take 1 calcium or 1 multi in the morning, repeat around lunch, then before dinner I take the opposite of one that I took in the morning, and then before bed I take another one. I only need 1000mg of calcium citrate per day.

You can email Celebrate, and tell them you had VSG, they will send you samples of the Vitamins. I like the Berries and Cream and the Cherry Tart in the Calcium Citrate Plus 500, and the Forest berry is the only flavor in the Multi, and it's yummy.

I will say these chewables are different than other chewables I've used. When I chew them up, they start dissolving so there isn't a lot of crud stuck in your teeth, or any lingering after taste. They are chewable so there is some texture, but not like Tums or too chalky. I do like the little chewy Calcet Creamy Bites, but at 35-40 calories and 5-7grams of carbs per chewy creamy bite, that's 80 calories, and up to 14grams of carbs because we need at least 2 of them per day. So, they were not worth it to me in the losing stage.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×