"Feminine" questions...

What happens if you start your period right before your surgery date? You obviously can't wear a pad during surgery, but I don't want to bleed all over the operating table! Did anyone have this come up as an issue?

Also, how long before surgery did you have to stop oral contraceptives? I know they're less effective after surgery, too...what do you use for birth control now?

Thanks in advance!

I had my period the day of surgery and told the nurse.  Just before I was ready to be rolled into the OR I was given a maternity pad to "stuff" between my legs.  Not a big deal at all. 

Not sure on the contraceptives as my hubby is fixed so no need for them.

Thank you, that's so good to know! My mom is flying out for 2 weeks (my hubby's having his surgery the week after me), and I didn't want there to be a possibility of having to reschedule just because of Aunt Flo!

I don't have to stop my oral contraceptive at all. I was told to take it the day of surgery. I have gotten a new birth control yet. I am considering the implant, patch, ring, or iud. It mostly depends on what I can get coverage for. Any on those will give the same hormones, just through a different method so there is no concern of malabsorption.

  Yeah - me too!  I had my period start the day before, so of course, surgery day was the heaviest flow!  I also had a pad between my legs on the table, but the messier part is in recovery before moving back to the bed.... I was so out of it that the nurse had to clean me up.  Just mentally let it go and realize they have seen worse.

What annoyed me more was having to bend over to pull my panties up for the first few days when I did NOT want to bend!

Good luck! Hope things go well!

Most people start their period immediately after surgery, whether it's 'time' or not. surgery does a number on our hormones, so the hospital is totally prepared for it.

I have implanon which is a small (about 1.5 if I temember right) tube that they implant just under your skin on the inside of your upper arm. This lasts 3 years. I personally love this, I've had it for 2.5 years. The best part is no periods. My surgeon recommends this for post surgery birth control. There are plenty of options other than pills luckily.

Thanks! I'm establishing with a new OB/GYN soon, so I'll be sure to ask.

I asked my pcp about the implant today, and she said she does not recommend it because it can cause weight gain. I certainly don't want anything slowing down my weight loss! I am planning on going with the iud, which can also stop you from having a period. Hopefully it works for me.

I had an IUD for 3 years, including the first year after WLS, and I absolutely LOVED it. No periods, no cramps, nothing to worry about. Hurt like a mofo going in, but otherwise a miracle.