So you think that you are getting enough calcium?
We are amazed when we talk to patients and realize that they are not taking the recommended calcium supplements. Amazed and very concerned. “But I eat yogurt and mix my protein shake with skim milk…” is what we often hear.
That is great, but it does not substitute the need for calcium supplementation. Bariatric patients who had a Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy or Revisional Surgery have impaired calcium absorption due to the anatomical changes of the respective bariatric procedures. Lap-Band patients also need to take calcium supplements because they are unable to consume the recommended amounts of calcium rich foods.
Calcium is an essential nutrient
We think of calcium to be very important for teeth and bones, which is true. Almost all the calcium is stored in the teeth and bones. However, calcium is most essential on a cellular level. Calcium is needed in the heart, brain, muscles and nerves. Without the proper daily intake of calcium, the body uses its natural stores in the bones and teeth, resulting in brittle bones and loss of teeth. Long term, calcium deficiency can severely affect cardiovascular function, nerve impulses, cell signaling and more.
Because calcium deficiency cannot be felt, many people are unaware that they are not getting enough calcium. Beck McAndrews, PA-C and Dr. Tim Ehrlich weight loss surgeon in Connecticut ask specific questions to assess calcium intake in forms of food and supplements during follow-up appointments. Some patients may need some lab tests to further investigate proper calcium absorption. Sometimes, bone density test are recommended.
Bariatric patients need a specialized calcium formulation
Patients who had weight loss surgery cannot just go to the local drug store and buy any calcium pill. The right formulation of calcium is the key to optimal calcium absorption.
Benefits of bariatric-formulated calcium supplements:
- No pills!
- They taste great! Popular flavors include wild cherry chewables, chocolate chewy bites, raspberry chewy bites and the new caramel chewy bites. The unflavored calcium crystals dissolve easily into a protein shake or water.
- More bang for your buck – for less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can get the daily requirements of the most absorbable types of calcium.
- Contain added nutrients, including vitamin D, to support bone health.
- Bariatric calcium supplements can be taken without food.
The general requirement is for all bariatric patients, including patients who had Revisional Bariatric Surgery, to take 1500 mg to 2000 mg of bariatric-formulated calcium citrate or calcium lactate-gluconate daily. Specifically, either one serving of calcium crystals, one calcium chewable or two calcium chewy bites three to four times every day. You can conveniently order supplements through Bariatric Advantage or pick them up at the new CT location of Ehrlich Bariatrics. Take control of your health and order your calcium supplements now! After all, was it not to improve your health and to be more active that you chose to have weight loss surgery in the first place?
References:
The Skinny