Birth Control?

I am still trying to decide about birth control method. I had taken the pill for so long. I have narrowed the choices to the Nuvaring or Mirena Intrauterine Contraceptive. I would like to be able to take the pill but I'm worried about the malabsorbtion thing and how effective it would be. Hubby and I have been using condoms (sorry if TMI), but need to find a better alternative. He is even considering getting snipped! I have a call into the nurse now to see what she will suggest. Are any others still having menstral problems? I had one period at about 5 weeks post-op then nothing till this week. Anyway just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this subject. Karen

Hi Karen, I started back on the pill last month, but we continued to use condoms up until a few days ago, just to be safe. When I asked both my surgeon and OBGYN about the absortion I was told if you are irregular, get back on the pill and become regular it means your body is absorbing it. My periods have always been regular, but I noticed a decrease in the amount of bleeding, which was an effect I had on the pill pre-surgery, so that tells me I am absorbing the pill. Good luck, Lisa

OH! Good 2 know! I, too, took b/c pills for years and am at a loss on what to use now!! I was going to start using the patch but would rather look into other alternatives too! Maybe I should try the pill too!! I only had regular periods taking b/c in the past. Since surgery I have had 2 periods a month!! I am sooooo sick of it!!! But I guess that will all change if I select the right type of b/c!!! Good luck !! ~alisha 275/203/170 ish

Hey Lisa, thanks for the reply. I guess that would let you know if it was working. I think I am going to start the pills tomorrow and then see how it goes. Karen

Hello, I started on Nuvaring, loved it but it was not covered under my health plan - was on it for two months - talk about easy! In for three weeks, out for one, then a new one for three weeks. So after I found out my ins co for drugs would not cover it ($80 out of pocket) I switched to Alese - it is low dosage and I still am losing weight. This one is covered under my plan (they only cover oral meds!) No problem with absorbtion at all, regular cycle - better than it has been in years for either product. Good luck on the decision. Silly

Just an FYI, I use the IUD merena. I LOVE IT! I don't have to think about it everyday and I have not had a real period since it was put in, (before my wls). This is a very normal side effect, and I don't mind it one bit! Jaymie