Who is on Birth Control and which one?

I had Lap RNY on 11/22/04. I have never stopped taking my Ortho Novum pills by mouth. They just disolve in my mouth with no problem. Are they (pills) effective due to the malabsorbtion? What other forms are you all using? I can't not afford a pregnancy in the early stages of the weight loss.....it would be so very unhealthy for both and very much UNPLANNED. Would like to try for a second child when weight is lost and body is ready (my group says 18 months post-op). Tell me! Sharon Kinman-Hall in Stone Mountain, GA

I was told that the pill isn't effective because it isn't absorbed after wls. I tried the ortho evra patch and got very sick from it (because there were too many hormones of my own changing and the added just put me over the edge!). Anyway, I'm trying Mirena this week. It is inserted into the uterus and can stay for up to 5 years. It can be removed earlier if need be. It also has less side effects than the pill or patch and eventually it is supposed to eliminate your periods! Sounds good to me! Good luck.

I had also heard the pill was not very effective, in the early months - I think after that, it is just fine?! But, I don't know for sure! I too had bad luck with the patch. Before WLS I was on the patch and got pregnant and miscarried. I then went on the shot, Depo Provera (sp?). It is very easy and very little maintenance, but as you stated you would like to have another baby in 18 months, it may not be for you. It can take up to 2 years to get out of your system. I would just talk to your Dr. about best solutions for you. Everyone is soooo different!!! Good luck! I hope you find something that works great for you!!!

Hi there! I had my surgery on 11/22/04 as well. I asked my Dr. for an Rx for the new Ring. So far I really like it. But, I have just started on my second month. The first month I had cramping and a heavier period than I expected, but from what I have read, menstrual cycles after having surgery run the gamut from totally heavy to non-existant for months. ~k

Sharon, I am on the shot, but I just had my last one this December. I had to have a LEEP done (they removed abnormal cells, basically slicing off some of my cervix). I just noticed though that the influx of hormones with the shot (i've had no periods and it is 100% effective) and the influx of hormones from WLS killed all sexual desire ... bad thing (really bad thing when you consider that I am a Twilight Parties rep, kinda hard to have fun w/ your job if you don't have any sexual desire at all - which sounds bad, but what I mean is that it is hard to sell people adult novelties and relationship enhancements if you are the last person interested in them at the time). Right now, I am just recouping from the LEEP and having my tubes tied etc- that happened Tuesday and it hasn't been fun at all ... but at least now, no more shots... only god knows how long it will take for my period to come back ... I've been on depo vera for years... but I was too scared to try other methods- the patch (my dr strongly recommended against it due to pregnancies occuring) and the pill (malabsorbtion, not to mention it would be like me to end up pregnant at just the wrong time). I did have to get my surgeon to give me the ok to have the tubal litigation done but he said no problem. My only problem now has been urinating (I'm sorry I know TMI but I have been a very miserable person lately). For me, this last surgery hurt a helluva lot more than the RNY ... or maybe I just had better pain meds ... it didn't help that the OBGYN dr didn't call the new pain meds in as liquid ... but from what I am gathering I am just having some sort of small complication with it ... as far as the tubal itself- it isn't the area that hurts- I think it is the other procedure ..but my obgyn, she did them both at the same time (so hopefully, only one co pay) I think that one of the other methods listed here would probably be your best option- since depo can take years to get over ... but be weary of that patch ... Hugz, Amy

I have been on the Patch for about 3 months now and so far it has been fine. However, my doctor said that it is not as effective for women over 190 pounds - so I have to use back up method until I reach that weight. He also went on to say that most birth control methods are the same as far as being less effective for women over 190 pounds. As far as the pill, he said that I would have to switch because the body will not absorb it correctly now. Hope that helps. Shelly

I have been using an IUD for the last year and I love it. One if you have any kind of depression pills can make it worse, no matter how low esto they are. With the IUD you need a doc to insert it and you will bleed very heavly for two to three days. But you don't have to worry about anything. And no pills, patchs or anything else. Heather

Oh my, I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for years. The doctors were aware of this and no one ever told me that it wouldn't be effective after my WLS. I hope this is not true. So far I still take my pill every day and get my periods regularly. I'm 40 yrs old and have a 22 yr old daughter and 17 yr old son. I definately do not want any more children. I am going to be sure to ask my doctor next wednesday when I go to see him. I'll let you know what he says. ~Angel 222/187/120

Sharon, I dont' mean to scare you, but I have read and researched this PRIOR TO SURGERY. I heard that due to the malabsorbtion issue we have as WLS patients, many become pregnant months after, if they are on pills. This is why I asked my OBGYN to insert an IUD in me, and she did. It had to be pre-approved by my WLS surgeon, and he did. It had to be low releasing, which it is, and I feel so much safer because it goes directly into my bloodstream, instead of having to be absorbed the 'normal' way. Be careful darling... you don't want to get pregnant just yet, do you? Talk to your OBGYN and play it safe until you ARE ready! Vera 12/20/04 RNY Proximal -32 343/311/?