Question:
decline in weight loss after starting Ortho Evra

I started the Ortho Evra patch for birth control about five weeks ago. Up until that time, I had been averaging about a 12 lb. loss each month. The first three weeks I was on the patch, I did not lose anything. Then the week that I was off and started my period, I lost 7 lbs. Since I started the new month, I have gained back 2lbs. Could this be just a plateau or should I think of switching to another form of birth control? If it is the patch, will my body ever adjust to it and start to lose, or will I have to get off of it completely before I see any loss. I know that any loss is good, but I am only 4 1/2 months out and don't want to do anything to slow down my weight loss while I have the greatest potential.    — J H. (posted on June 3, 2003)

June 3, 2003
I was given the Depo-provera shot 3 weeks ago. I gained 5 pounds! I am scared. I haven't changed anything with my eating, drinking, exercising, so I don't know why I gained weight...I hope this is a very temporary side effect!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 3, 2003
I'm on the patch but didn't get on it until about 16 months out. I still made it to goal though. At 4 months out, I realized that I only lost weight during my period. NOt sure if that is the issue for you, but it could be. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

June 3, 2003
I have always gained weight with any form of birth control by medicine. I took a depo shot pre surgery and gained 20 pounds in 1 month. I recommend it to NOONE. I've had my kids so am considering having my tubes tied. Good luck you guys! Keep away from the depo...if you don't believe me look up "depo horror stories" on the net! The patch is probably the same line but absorbed.
   — Sharon B.

June 3, 2003
You could switch to an IUD.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 3, 2003
I started the patch at a month or two out out post-op (before I knew that it wasn't as effective for women over 200 lbs). I kid you not, I had virtually NO weight loss that month. I was afraid my surgery had failed. By the next month, I'd finally got around to reading the Evra package insert & had realized that perhaps it wasn't the best choice for me because of my size. So, the next month I switched back to my usual bcp, yasmin (still not thinking that the Evra had anything to do with my lack of loss). Imagine my surprise when my weight loss picked up like crazy almost the very week I started the yasmin again. So, I blame the Evra. I'm sure it works very well for some people, but I don't plan to try it again. You might try yasmin & see if that helps. Hope this helps!
   — Laurie A.

June 4, 2003
I had the exact thing happen to me...I only took it for a month...I switched back to condoms... I do not want anything hindering my weight loss.
   — hooterzgirl75

June 7, 2003
I GAINED 9 lbs. during the 3 months after I started on Ortho-Evra. I don't know if it was the birth control or my eating habits, but I'm not happy about it and am determined to get it back off....I WAS at my goal!
   — Lynette B.