Calcium Carbonate v Calcium Citrate

[HeatherO 7]

I know even if I tell myself to "quit whining and just take the darn thing" down the road I'll revert to the wild and not take it.

LOL, revert to the wild . . . your leaving me in stitches. :biggrin:

I think I might just stick to my "oh so tasty" Calcium carbonate for the time being. Slowly dissolving vile chalky substances do not sound appealing to me. :tt1:

[aubrie 6]

My calcium citrate comes in "petites". They are much smaller and easier to swallow. They don't get stuck in my band. I can't stand chewing ANYTHING chalky. My gag reflex jumps into overdrive!! So the petites work great for me.

[jack&kota 0]

I agree with Abree, I found petites at Walmart and they go down just fine. I have had issues with my Calcium after having my parathyroid removed. After switching from carbonate to citrate, my calcium has gone up despite taking less of it.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I found the "petites" at my local grocer and will try to remember to take them...They should work, and they are "citrate". Thanks for all the tips; I bet, like other things I'm finding out about my surgeon nutritionists recommendations, that the citrate is more important for by pass patients than we bandsters. I hate being lumped in with bypass patients....we each have our own set of issues etc. I'm sure they don't want to follow "band rules" anymore than I want to be treated like a bypass recipient! But the petites look like a great solution for now and I'll follow up with my doc when I get my first fill 10/9 (YAY)

Thanks to every one of you for your answers, insights, and humor!

[banditalovely 25]

I was told by my nurse that the reason for calcium citrate over carbonate is that with our lower acidic stomachs (particularly if we are taking antacids) that the carbonate will not dissolve properly and can cause kidney stones! I bought the viactiv Calcium carbonate ones, and am debating sending them back. I have been reading up on it and if you take it with food (so your stomach acid is higher) or with some acidic juice (i'm thinking Tomato juice or orange juice) that it might dissolve just fine. Since we do have our whole stomachs, unlike bypassers or sleevers, we probably are at less of a risk for kidney stones, but definitely be aware!!

Also remember to have Vitamin D with your calcium to improve absorption, and avoid taking it within 2 hours of your multi Vitamin or it will be ineffective. Yogurt and milk will probably only get you 200mg a day, so take a supplement! Women over 18 should be taking at least 700mg of calcium a day, preferably 1000mg. We can only absorb ~500mg at a time, so twice a day is helpful. I am excited to take the caramel chews and use them as a "snack" with 2 oz orange juice.

Anyone taking the carbonate have kidney stone issues?

[honk 780]

I take Caltrate Plus D chewables (Calcium Citrate). Most of my Vitamins are chewable which makes it more like a treat. Flintstone chewables with choline (Costco brand), Caltrate plus (2), vitafusion Fiber gummies, vitafusion Vitamin D gummies. If you are taking an Iron supliment make sure to wait an hour before taking the Calcium they interfere with each other.