Question:
Is the pill no longer working for me?

I am 29 years old and have been on the same birth control pills for over 10 years. Before my open RNY my surgeon ASSURED me I could continue to use birth control pills post op and they would be just as effective as they always have been. Well, I am 10 weeks post op (down 43 lbs) and have been experiencing breakthrough bleeding - this has never happened before. I used to get breakthrough bleeding when I would forget to take my pill for a couple days- I have not missed a pill in months. This is kind of freaking me out! Ladies - please tell me about your experiences with this! I have not had children yet and I'd like to - but not for another 18 months!    — Traci A. (posted on July 29, 2002)

July 29, 2002
Hi Traci--I've noticed the same thing in myself. I have been on Estrostep for about 6 years now. I was always regular while on the pill, but everytime I went off, I would start bleeding. If I stayed off for any extended period of time I was always irregular. Since surgery my pills are making my body react differently. If I miss my pills, even by a just couple of hours, I start to bleed. And even once I get on track again, the light bleeding lasts till I get my period again. It does stink. I haven't yet spoken to my GYN yet about this, but I do have an appointment coming up and plan on discussing this with him. However, this has been happeneing for the last year, and I haven't gotten pregnant yet, and believe me, we are not being extra cautious, just me being on the pill. I don't know if this helps, but I just wanted you to know that you weren't alone. Good luck, but if you don't want to get pregnant yet, I would suggest using a backup method till you discuss this with your own GYN.
   — enjo4

July 29, 2002
I'm 10 weeks post-op today, open RNY. I'm on Orthocyclene and last month I had my period for THREE WEEKS and this month I did not get my period at all. I did perform two pregnancy tests to rule that out -- both negative thank goodness. But I have to wonder if my bc pill is not as effective after losing 61 pounds, or if my body is still dealing with the after effects of surgery. I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I know that if mine continues its oddities, I will be visiting my OBGYN. Good luck!
   — Jacque P.

July 29, 2002
I'm 10 weeks post-op today, open RNY. I'm on Orthocyclene and last month I had my period for THREE WEEKS and this month I did not get my period at all. I did perform two pregnancy tests to rule that out -- both negative thank goodness. But I have to wonder if my bc pill is not as effective after losing 61 pounds, or if my body is still dealing with the after effects of surgery. I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I know that if mine continues its oddities, I will be visiting my OBGYN. Good luck!
   — Jacque P.

July 30, 2002
Hi, i have been on the depo-shot for 7 years (no periods) i had surgery in april, got my shot in may and in june starting spotting on a daily basis, i have been spotting for the last 7 weeks now..my surgeon told me its my body catching up and to ride it out..but i feel like its been too long so i finally made an GYN apt for next week. i'm glad to know i'm not the only person going thru this.
   — charrise R.

July 30, 2002
I have been on ortho tricyclen for 7 years with no irregularities. At 4 months post-op I started to get breakthrough bleeding as well. Fearing that the pill wasn't working for me, I switched to the patch which is obviously not absorbed through your stomach. I still experienced breakthrough bleeding. I've gone back to the pill.
   — Karla K.

July 30, 2002
Traci, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 6 years, and the last year I had breakthrough bleeding and very irregular, scanty periods. I finally stopped taking them. This was before I had my surgery though. Maybe your body needs a rest from this "un-natural" extra estrogen you've been feeding it? After a couple of months, I have straightened up. I used the diaphragm for a while, and it was ok. They have a new device now that is like an IUD with hormones in it (I think). It's still hormones, but at least you know for sure it is being absorbed properly.
   — Tina B.