birth control

Hi all. I am not currently using birth control. My husband is on a medicine that makes him infertile so I haven't bothered with it for a while. I was thinking of getting on either Depo Provera (Shot) or Seasonale (pill) just so I will be able to not have a period. I have been reading about Depo Provera and noticed that it said that it can cause a drop in bone density and if you are on it for 2 years you need to get a bone density test. Well that right there scares me a bit because I know we need extra calcium after surgery because our bodies aren't absorbing enough. But I have also heard that after surgery people don't absorb the pills enough. So I guess what I am wanting to know is if anyone has been using Depo Provera or Seasonale how do you like it? Crissy Clinton

Crissy, I used Depo Provera after my daughter was born (12 years ago)... I loved it for the convenience, HOWEVER, it made my hair thin & lord knows you don't want that side effect right now. I know it also makes it hard for you to lose weight. I actually gained like 30 lbs in a year while on it. Everyone's side effects can vary so what happened to me, may not happen to everyone. Plus, I'm not sure if the wls would influence any of the side effects as well. I would discuss with both your surgeon and your ob-gyn to see what they say. Good Luck Tammy

I know for sure that one of the side effects of depo provera (progesterone) is weight gaining...Iwouldn't go for it.... but as always , everyone is different. best of luck to you with it. Rita

Hi Crissy, I have been on Yasmin BC pill since 6 weeks out, and I love it! My periods are normal and come right on time, so I know it is absorbing well. I have not gained any weight, and don't have any PMS. Maybe ask your OB/GYN about Yasmin. Good Luck in your decision ShannaG 8/15/05 344/245/Healthy!

I had been on the Depo Provera for almost 10 years and gained almost 70 lbs on it. I would not recommend it. I contribute most of my weight gain to the shot. I liked not having a period but then every once in awhile, I would get a period. It would be very dark and light. I don't have a problem with bone density and have been off of the shot for about 3 years. I tried the Ortho Evra patch for about 2 years and am now using the NuvaRing, which I like best of all. Hope this helps!

I used Depo Provera for years and LOVED it - no periods! When I got my new PCP this summer, she wouldn't prescribe the Depo for me. Her big worry was the recently published studies on bone loss. She also cited weight gain as another good reason to stop the Depo. She had me on birth control pills, and I did a seasonale kind of thing (any BCP works- you don't have to buy Seasonale specifically to follow that schedule). Right after I had the surgery, I read a lot about inconsistent absorption of meds post WLS - I got really paranoid that it wouldn't be effective. I can't tell you how much I DO NOT want to get pregnant, and so asked to switch to Nuvaring - avoids the absorption issue. I've been using Nuvaring for 3-4 months now and am fairly pleased. Good Luck!