Calcium citrate vs. carbonate

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about this. My sister had WLS about 3 1/2 years ago. Did very well, but about three months ago she had a hip replaced. The doctor that did it said that she has the bones of a 70-75 year old, (she will be 50 in Oct.) They sent in a bone dr. (ironically named Dr. Bone) and he has her taking Oscal with vitamin D. now, which is calcium carbonate because she had a vitamin D. deficiancy, hence the old bones. She was very compliant with what her WL doctor said, took all the supplements and the vitamins, and her labs have been good for the past three years. Just wondering why he didn't make her take calcium citrate. She does't have an appt. with him for another month(took 4 months to get an appt, busy guy). He also told her there was to much vitamin A in the bariatric vitamins she was taking. Just curious to see if anyone else has or had this proble

When I first bought all my vitamins & supplements I bought regular Calcium. I started taking all mine 1 month prior to surgery. Continued taking all until nutritionalist called me to find out how i was doing. When she asked what kinda calcium I was taking, thats when I found out about calcium citrate. She said WLS patients need that kind not the other. I know it was cause of the extra Vitamin D & better for your bones. I am still trying to finish up my 90 day supply of everything I bought earlier so I don't waste them. Just had my husband use up my old calcium ones. I will start my bariatric vitamins within a week or so. As much as I hate crushing all my meds & stuff, I guess I am just old fashion & can't bear to waste anything !! Sure will be happy not to have to do that daily when I start with the bariatric ones...   Good luck to your sister...    Pam-busdriver

I am seeing an Endocrinologist for the same problem. My labs were always good too, but she told me WLS patients should take calcium carbonate, because we will absorb it better. I'm taking over the counter 630mg calcium with 400IU Vitamin D twice a day along with a perscription of 50,000 units vitamin D once a week.  I found the Calcium Citrate with vitamin D at Sams club much cheaper than the brand names and the calcium is 630 rather than 600mg.  I also have B-12 deficiency which causes intermittent muscular aches (primarily in my thighs) and cramping (almost anywhere, hands, calves, feet is what I've experienced). I give myself shots once a month and started taking 1,000 mg daily. My surgery was almost 3 years ago, and I am 59. I have a friend who has the same deficiencies, her WLS was about 5 years ago.  I don't mean to scare anyone, but Vitamin D deficiency is linked to certain types of cancer, therefore I recommend your sister get a colonoscopy scheduled if she doesn't  already get them.  I must go every two years and they remove precancerous polleps each time. My annual mamogram just came back suspicious and I have to go for a biopsey next week.  Please see the links below.   Kate http://www.newstarget.com/020436.html http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

She actually has a colonoscopy scheduled for this month.  Her doctor told her we obsorb the calcium carbonate better too. I'm going to ask at my next dr. appt.  I want to make sure I don't have problems too.  Her bone doc. said  it's to bad he see's these patients after the damage has been done.   jo

I'm under the impression the calcium can be built back up but it takes time.  I've been on the carbonate and Vitamin since mid May and my joints do feel better. I see the doctor for this next month.  Also, I suggest that you get a bone scan now. I didn't get one until the damage was done so I don't know what shape my bones were in before the deficiency.  I read that Vitamin D deficiency is tied to colon, breast and ovarian cancer. With my history of precancerous colon polleps and the upcoming biopsy resulting from the mammogram, I will ask the doctor if there is a test for ovarian cancer.