I'm newly sleeved. Have slowly compiled my treasure chest of Multivitamins, Proteins, and other supplements.

Now stuck on which Calcium citrate to purchase. I'm really trying to stay away from bad tasting supplements, since this is a permanent lifestyle now. Any suggestions on anything tolerable or even tasty?

The Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites are very tasty in my opinion.

The absolute BEST calcium citrate I have tried is at Costco. It is sugar free and tastes like brownie batter! So freaking good!! Also- you get 180 chews for 11 bucks!! I was buying Bariatric Advantage for $33 for 90. In comparison the BA chews are very chalky. The Costco taste like freaking candy!! My calcium suppliment has become my daily 'treat' !! The brand is Kirkland Signature.

This one?

Kirkland Signature calcium chews 500 mg with Vitamin D and Vitamin K sugar free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UIHUIC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_VDomwbNP1PNT1

That one contains calcium carbonate. I thought that was on the no list?

That one contains calcium carbonate. I thought that was on the no list?

I know I can't have calcium carbonate. Maybe the commenter didn't realize the difference, or didn't notice.

I loved the BA Lemon flavored chews the best, but they're only 250's, so my nutritionist wanted me to be having 4 a day. Instead, I went to the BA caramel 500's. Yes, they're slightly chalky, but mostly I really appreciate the taste.

I like the BA chewy bites 500 in caramel. They remind me of those chunks of caramel used to make candy apples. I haven't tried the lemon. Anything to compare it to?

Ditto on the Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites 500. 2 a day. Yummy!

Actually my NUT said that the main difference is in the way it is absorbed. Citrate is absorbed better on an empty stomach. She said to just take my carbonate when I am having a meal. She said the rate of absorbtion is very similar. She did say however to take 500 MG more. I take 1500mg a day.

That being said, always follow what your NUT suggests for you:)

Thanks for all the suggestions! I ordered one of everything! Can't wait!

Actually my NUT said that the main difference is in the way it is absorbed. Citrate is absorbed better on an empty stomach. She said to just take my carbonate when I am having a meal. She said the rate of absorbtion is very similar. She did say however to take 500 MG more. I take 1500mg a day.

That being said, always follow what your NUT suggests for you:)

Nope, this is not correct. It's not just "how it's absorbed." It's that Calcium carbonate needs acid in order to be absorbed, while calcium citrate can be absorbed in a low acid environment. The majority of sleeved patients have less stomach acid; those who take proton pump inhibitors like Prevacid, Prilosec, omaprazole have even *less* acid. As a result, it doesn't matter when you take the calcium -- with food or without -- if your stomach isn't acidic enough an environment, it's not going to be absorbed well.

So, if you are *absolutely* sure you have plenty of stomach acid, you can take calcium carbonate, but if you're not, you should take calcium citrate. It is much better absorbed by those who have had VSG and those who take proton pump inhibitors.

Edited October 29, 201510 yr by Trinn

This is also important for us:

"Acid rebound. Calcium carbonate may cause acid rebound: the stomach overcompensates for the high dose of calcium carbonate, which is alkaline, by churning out more acid. For that reason, people with a history of stomach ulcers are advised that they may not tolerate it and may have to switch to calcium citrate."

From http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what_you_need_to_know_about_calcium

The bottom line is that there's a reason calcium citrate is the preferred form recommended by doctors and nutritionists for folks with VSG -- because it's safer and better absorbed.

On what day do you start on these vitamins? I'm day 2 or 3 and thought that might be a bit much. My nut hasn't called me back yet about it.

On what day do you start on these vitamins? I'm day 2 or 3 and thought that might be a bit much. My nut hasn't called me back yet about it.

Wait for the call back there is no need to rush.

This is also important for us:

"Acid rebound. Calcium carbonate may cause [/size]acid rebound: the stomach overcompensates for the high dose of calcium carbonate, which is alkaline, by churning out more acid. For that reason, people with a history of stomach ulcers are advised that they may not tolerate it and may have to switch to calcium citrate." [/size]

From [/size]http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what_you_need_to_know_about_calcium

The bottom line is that there's a reason calcium citrate is the preferred form recommended by doctors and nutritionists for folks with VSG -- because it's safer and better absorbed.

Thank you- this is very interesting and beneficial to know. I will probably switch back to the BA chews. I do like them- it's just the other brand went down so much easier for me.

I will also bring this up with my NUT on my next visit. In my paperwork it actually says I can use either citrate or carbonate. With this new info I definitely prefer the citrate. I do produce a ton of acid (I always have- it definitely did not start when I started the carbonate ) so that may be why they have been working for me, however- I absolutely do not want to take something that could in fact cause even MORE acid. No thank you!!