Birth Control...

I was just wondering what some of you are using as birth control.  I haven't talked to my surgeon about it, but my gyno is suggesting I go with the Depo shot, so that I don't have to worry about the pill getting absorbed properly.  With Depo though, I hear everyone talk about the weight gain... What is the best option for those of us with WLS?  I had the RNY Gastric in Feb of '08.  I have lost 145, still have 20 more to go, and I don't want to gain weight on the depo shot!!!  Thanks!!

Shannon

Have you considered the ring or an IUD?

I'm thrilled with my IUD...got it about a year ago and am still losing!
And now, I have a very light one day period with no cramps!!
I really did like the ring...but now there's nothing to think about!
xxxBecca

I'm actually looking into an IUD. Which one are you using?

I use the ring and I have not had any problems thus far....

 I and a few other's on here use the Mirena IUD and we all seem very happy with it.  I had mine put in over 2 years ago and have had no problems.  I don't get periods anymore and I don't have to remember to do anything!  It works great for me!   Most insurances will cover the cost of the insertion and the IUD itself but check with yours because it does cost around $600 for the whole process.  But, since it's in place for 5 years it's actually much cheaper than traditional BC methods.  

Good luck!

Emily

if you dont mind if i jump on the thread, but i noticed emily wrote you no longer get your periods. is that typical with iud? i would love to try it but one of the reasons ive enjoyed being on the pill is that i can skip a period if i want to (like this week cuz tomorrow is my weigh in for my last behavioral appt and since i bloat like 20 lbs i could afford to have any extra weight on me during this weigh in!)

I think it depends on the person but either way your periods will be lighter and shorter. Since I've gotten it inserted 2 years ago I've had maybe 5, 1-2 day periods that were very light. I did have a one day period after surgery that I've chalked up to the hormone changes. I never had regular periods unless I was on some sort of BC (reasons still unknown).  My gyno said that some people won't have periods with an IUD and it's nothing to be alarmed about.  I suppose since my periods were short and light anyway off BC someone who has a heavy period might still get one every month, just lighter.  I can't be sure about it but that seems to be the trend the more people with IDU's that I talk to.  

Good luck! 

Emily

yes the iud is a great form of bc.. but for myself, the doc i used to work for would not insert one bc i do not have any children.. i got a 2nd opioion, they said the same thing...

but for bc now..well i just dont have sex anymore... bc i have enough rumble under me with my new Motorcycle!!! hehe

all i have to do is keep her gased up and she pleased with me!

have a good one!

smg

 Just an FYI on Mirena.  I was curious to see why it says that you should have at least one baby before using it and I guess the reason is a woman who has had a baby is less likely to have an instance of the IUD being pushed out....however, having a child is not a requirement just a recommendation but I suppose like most things, it depends on the doctor.  

I also found this blurb about how periods will change.  

How will Mirena change my periods? For the first 3 to 6 months, your monthly period may become irregular. You may also have frequent spotting or light bleeding. A few women have heavy bleeding during this time. After your body adjusts, the number of bleeding days is likely to decrease, and you may even find that your periods stop altogether.

The Mirena website appears to be under construction, otherwise I'd just direct you there because it has some good info.  

Hope that helps!!
~Emily~