How do you take the calcium supplement?

[ashleyrowles 15]

I'm one week sleeve post-op and I started my supplements today. I have the chewable fusion Vitamins and then Citracal Petite for Calcium that are NOT chewable. The Calcium is kind of a large pill. Am I supposed to crush it or just swallow it whole?

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[Monet08 63]

I would crush it

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[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

If the Calcium is a scored tablet (regardless of shape), you can cut along the score with a pill cutter (it's worth buying instead of fighting with a knife). If not scored and the package says nothing about crushing, I'd contact the mfr with the question.

[Dub 9,971]

I was told to continue crushing pills until my 4th week appointment.

One thing about calcium.....we are told to take it 2-3 hours away from taking our Iron. Evidently they interfere with each other's absorption.

[ashleyrowles 15]

I was told to continue crushing pills until my 4th week appointment.

One thing about calcium.....we are told to take it 2-3 hours away from taking our Iron. Evidently they interfere with each other's absorption.

Will definitely crush it. Thanks!

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[Dub 9,971]

Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites are really tasty calcium citrate chews.

I highly recommend them. The fruit flavors especially.

[HorsecollarMinnie 45]

@@Dub, I'm still on liquids for another 8 days (but who is counting). I'd like to start these once I'm released to food. They are a little spendy, where do you get them? Amazon?

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[Dub 9,971]

@@Dub, I'm still on liquids for another 8 days (but who is counting). I'd like to start these once I'm released to food. They are a little spendy, where do you get them? Amazon?

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I've bought them through my bariatric center and from Bariatric Advantage mail order. I'm sure you can also get them from this site here as well.

[tony031469 81]

I was told to continue crushing pills until my 4th week appointment.

One thing about calcium.....we are told to take it 2-3 hours away from taking our Iron. Evidently they interfere with each other's absorption.

I didn't know that about the Iron and Calcium time frame. I take it within 15-20 minutes of each other.

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[ashleyrowles 15]

@@Dub, I'm still on liquids for another 8 days (but who is counting). I'd like to start these once I'm released to food. They are a little spendy, where do you get them? Amazon?

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I just found them on Amazon. About $25 for a 2 month supply.

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[Dub 9,971]

I was told to continue crushing pills until my 4th week appointment.

One thing about Calcium.....we are told to take it 2-3 hours away from taking our Iron. Evidently they interfere with each other's absorption.

I didn't know that about the Iron and Calcium time frame. I take it within 15-20 minutes of each other.

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I remember it being a question that someone asked in our group nutrition class. The rationale for the supplement dosing schedule was questioned. I'm sure our nutritionist gave an in-depth answer.....my takeaway was that the two may interfere with the absorption of each other so we should separate the two by 2+ hours.

I take my Vitamins and iron with Breakfast and eat 3 of the calcium citrate chews as Snacks during the day later on (not at same time).

Sure would be more convenient to take it all in the morning, but I've found a way to spread it out that works fine for me.