Birth Control - or Lack Thereof - Question

Hey Ladies,

Long time, no post...but I have something that I think/hope someone here can shed some light on...

Long story short, my OBGYN wants me to go off Birth Control Pills - seems like they are causing more problems than they are worth (heavy mid-cycle bleeding, yeast infections, mood issues, etc).  He is aware that I've had WLS surgery, and that I'm only about 6 months out.  We talked about using "Natural" Family Planning (I put quotes around "Natural" because we plan on using condoms during peak fertility times).

Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom?  His feeling was that we shouldn't try to get pregnant (for obvious reasons), but that it wouldn't be the end of the world if we did either, given the surgery I had (VSG) and my length out from surgery.  I agree with the not trying to get pregnant part; I'm just scared that the condom might fail or something.

Thanks for any input you may have!

Cheers!

~Katherine

sice you have had WLS the chance of the pill failing would be higher then the chance of the condom failing - so I would say that you are OK.  That being said most WLS surgeons would reccomend 2 methods - maybe the ring or depo shots and condoms until you are ready for a baby.

Hope this helps!

Yeah, I don't know about the ring, as my cervix is REALLY sensitive (I know...TMI).  Even regular sex usually causes some bleeding.  And depo shots have been ruled out due to the mood disorder.  So condoms it is!  Going to get the big pack at Costco tonight...

~Katherine

I would personally say use condoms EVERY time, since people can and do ovulate other times than they expect. ... I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the birth control pills. Maybe someone else can suggest other birth control options...

HTH!

lISA

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I agree with condoms every time.  My husband won't be too happy, but better safe than sorry later.

~Katherine

While you don't have a malabsorptive surgery, you still should wait 18 months, or until you've reached a stable weight for 3-6 months before even thinking about TTC.  I didn't and while I adore my daughter, I wish I had waited.  Life would have been easier if I had.

Have you had a child before?  There are alternatives that are more reliable than "family planning" -- too many people have cycles that don't conform and can't really use this method well.  Mirena can be used by anyone, and the paragard which is only approved for those who have had a vaginal birth before.  I was VERY leery of the hormones in the mirena (I'm *super* sensitive and suffer from migraines triggered by hormones), but I've been very plesantly surprised with my Mirena results.

Psst--Andrea. It's the Mirena that can only be used in women who've had a child already. Paragard doesn't have that restriction but it shouldn't be used by women who have bad periods as it typically makes them worse.

Then my OB is an idiot.  But that really does not come as a shock.

I loved my Mirena, and plan on getting another one when I can after I have this baby.  Maybe that is an option??

Ok so I ALSO had the Sleeve.  For whatever reason... with the weight loss... it made me SUPER fertile. 
 I got pregnant on BC pills. Not missing or late on ONE!!!! so becareful!!  :)