Are you taking enough calcium?

The recommended daily amount of calcium intake after a gastric sleeve or bypass is 1200-1500 mg/day. This daily amount of calcium can come from supplements, your diet, or a combination of both. We also recommend splitting calcium supplements into at least two doses a day, to give your body a better chance of absorbing it all. For example, many people take 600 mg in the morning and 600 mg in the evening, for a daily total of 1200 mg.

Many bariatric multivitamins do not contain calcium. Be sure to check your multivitamin, and if it does not contain calcium, consider adding a calcium supplement to your daily routine. Calcium citrate is considered the best form of calcium supplement for a person who has had bariatric surgery.

A long-term calcium deficiency can reduce your bone strength and lead to osteoporosis. If you feel that your calcium intake may be low, consider adding some of the following:

-Citrical calcium supplement or another brand of calcium citrate supplement (typically 400-600 mg per serving)

-skim or low-fat cow’s milk (300 mg in 8 oz)

-Almond Breeze almond milk (450 mg in 8 oz)

-Fairlife Nutrition Plan protein shake (730 mg in 11.5 oz bottle)

-Premier Protein shake (650 mg in 11 oz bottle)

-Low-fat yogurt (260 mg in 6 oz)

-Low-fat mozzarella string cheese (185 mg in 1 stick)