Question:
Are birth control pills as effective after surgery?

My doctor told me that my birth control pills are only about 65% effective after surgery and this really concerns me. Any comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you!    — Julie B. (posted on December 23, 2001)


December 23, 2001
I don't know if they are less effective but estrogen is stored in fat. So when you lose fat you are releasing estrogen and become more "fertile".
   — [Anonymous]

December 23, 2001
I've heard that they are less effective due to your body's absorption rate. Have you heard that there will soon be a birth control PATCH available? Worn right where the sun don't shine (derriere). I hear that it is a reasonable alternative to the pill. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

December 23, 2001
We were warned about this and were told its espically important since my wife Jen has PCOS and is now a post op. PCOS patients often really regain fertility fasy after surgery.
   — bob-haller

December 23, 2001
You may also want to look into getting the Depo-provera shot. You just get a shot in the arm every 3 months. I love it! There is a new monthly shot too, but I forget what it's called.
   — Angie M.

December 23, 2001
I got pregnant at 1 year post op VBG while on the pill, age 41, husband post-vasectomy, but still with a few swimmers. I don't think it's so much the "absorption" issue, as it is the hormone fluctuations that come with the huge weight loss. If getting pregnant wouldn't be a welcome thing for you, I'd advise additional birth control measures.
   — [Anonymous]

December 23, 2001
I asked my surgeon and his PA and my OB/GYN....They all said the pill is fine. I am very diligent about taking it at the same time everyday and so far so good....I have heard stories of woman getting pregnant on the pill who have had surgery and some who have not. I would just check with your docs and take it faithfully. I do know for a fact though....that if you need antibiotics for anything then the pill can become less effective. Good Luck!
   — Melissa S.

December 23, 2001
Don't get depo-provera. Man, that is part of what got me to this surgery. My appetite was insatiable. They say most women only gain about 5lbs. on it, but everyone I know has gained at least 30! And I gained like 50!! I would recommend something else, especially for people who already have a tendency to overeat.
   — Jennifer Y.

December 23, 2001
I too heard too many stories about pregnancy while on the pill, so after discussing it with my doctor, I started taking the monthly Lunelle shot. Although the DepoProvera is only every 3 months, I too have had/heard of many problems with weight gain. Such gain has been found to be very minimal with Lunelle. Plus, you still have a \"regular\" period with Lunelle (although mine seems MUCH lighter) so there is no waiting period when you are READY to get pregnant. I love it. The only drawback I find is my arm is sore for about 2 days after the shot, but it seems to work wonderfully. Best of luck.
   — Tracy L.

March 18, 2003
In his group consultation, my surgeon said that some of your hormones live in your fat cells, so when you start losing weight so quickly it releases them and you can become very fertile, and he also said birth control pills are not as effective during this time. Hope that helps.
   — beeda

March 18, 2003
I switched from the pill to the patch for just this reason. It is very easy to switch..you just start the patch the day you would start a new pack of pills. One patch per week for three weeks, then one week off. it's called ortho-evra. they have a web page that tells all about it if you put that in the search engine. My insurance covered it same as the pill (federal bc/bs).
   — sheltie

March 18, 2003
Since this is an old question - I just wanted to clear up some things. Lunelle has been recalled, and is no longer available. The patch is not indicated by the manufacturer for womyn over 200#. I suggest you look into the nuvaring www.nuvaring.com if you need hormonal birth control. However, my experience with it - was not good. It made me very hungry and terribly depressed. I hope you find a good solution.
   — JAFMartin

March 18, 2003
If you aren't planning on having anymore kids real soon (5 years or more) then I highly reccommend an IUD, best thing I ever did!
   — Sarah S.




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