Birth Control Pill?

Does anyone know if the birth control pill is still as effective as before since our bodies don't absorb things the same? My primary doctor is not sure if I will need a higher dose and said we just have to wait and see how I react to it. I just don't want to get pregnant this soon out of surgery. Any thoughts? Sara-

Sara- I have heard from several people that the pill isn't absorbed all the way by a WLS body. Rather than go with a higher dosage, I am using the Ortho Evra patch which is just as effective, but it is absorbed through the skin so you do get the full dosage. Also, you only have to change it once a week (yes, it does stay on through showering). Like we need another pill to take everyday! LOL

I thought that they had recalled the patch. You may want to check with your dr. Also the literature does state that it is less effective on women over 198 pounds. That doesn't leave a lot of options. You don't want to be on depo provera shots if you ever want a family. Also they cause weight gain. I guess that leaves and implant, IUD, nuva ring or condoms. There is always natural family planning as well, where you take your temperature every mornng and track cervical mucus, cervex positions and temperature fluctuations. Tho natural family plan is really to GET pregnant rather than prevent, but it dies work. Jenn

I thought that it was pretty much standard that following bariatric surgery one would have to stop the birth control pill because it looses its effect due to malabsorption. Re: Ortho Evra, I do believe that is also less effective if one weighs more than 180 pounds. In fact, I thought that was in the medication information packet now (or it is suppose to be added to it soon). I use Nuva Ring, and had been using it for 2 years prior to surgery and it works great for me.

My mistake, when I did some research I guess ortho evra is less effective for anyone weighing more than 198 pounds (not 180). From what I gather, clinical studies prove that it is less effective because of weight, but I didn't really find anything that said how much the chance is increased. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/orthoevra_pi.htm http://www.drugs.com/cons/Ortho_Evra.html http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/m19/m19chap3.shtml

I hadn't read about the Ortho Evra being less effective for those weighing over 198.... but I am at 223 now, so hopefully it won't be an issue for long! I also have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, so the patch does a great job of regulating me as well as birth control.

I don't have a lot of options due to my PCOS, because I need the hormones to regulate my cycle. So the nova ring, depo-provera, IUD will not work for me, and with my irregularity, "natural family planning" will NOT work either. I have heard the warnings about the patch not being good for women with a history of blood clots or heart problems, but I've never had any of those issues. I've used the patch for 2 years with no problems. I guess it's just like any other medication, it just depends on the person and you have to use what's best for you.

Well now I am really confused. I also use the pill to regulate my periods, I don't get them at all without it. I guess I will have to figure something out because I don't want to get pregnant. Thanks! Sara-

Talk to your doc about the nuva ring i've used it for over a year and love it you wear it for 21 days and take it out for 7 in which time you have your period, it's a lot better than trying to remember a pill every day. Marcey 255/218/150