Question:
What types of birth control are you on post-op?
My nutritionist states that oral contraceptives are not a good option for RNY patients because of malabsorbtion. Ortho Evra is only 99% if you weigh under 190lbs. I am far from that. What types of birth control are you on post-op and how has that worked out for you. I would appreciate any feedback you can pass on. Thanks. Michelle 415/268/175 Lap RNY 09/25/03 — Michelle B. (posted on September 11, 2004)
September 11, 2004
What about the patch? Perhaps the arm implant would be good for you, sorry
the name escapes me at the moment.
Good luck!
— septembergirl73
September 11, 2004
I have been on it all and am the wrong person to ask! I HATE BIRTH CONTROL!
I was on the Depo when I was 5 months post-op and stopped losing until 3
months later, when it was out of my system. I did the patch and had an
allergic reaction to the patch after being on it for a few months...either
that or a chemical burn. I'm not sure, but my skin boiled where I placed my
final patch (and I rotated it around my body every time I changed it!) and
finally began bleeding and itching and burning...it was awful, lasted a
couple weeks after I took the patch off, and left a faint, square scar
where it was. And since going off the patch in July, I've been bleeding
nonstop ever since. I'm currently on a 10 day course of Provera to stop the
bleeding, on day #6, still bleeding heavily, and am most likely looking
forward to a D&C in 4 days.
— jenn_jenn
September 11, 2004
I stopped using oral contraceptives when the NuvaRing went on the market. I
was close to 300 pounds and it worked for me, however, I would talk to your
doctor about it. I have been using it successfully for a while now and have
experienced no ill effects. It releases a small dose of the same medication
that is in birth control pills directly into your vaginal area so there is
no malabsorption issues. I went with this since I have a severe allergic
reaction to adhesive so I didn't even consider the patch. I talked to both
my PCP and my surgeon and they both agreed this is a good choice for me,
but everyone is different. So my best advice is to do your research and
then consult your trusted doctors. Best wishes.
— Donna F.
September 11, 2004
Birth control is different for everyone. I was told not to get the Depo
shot by several people because it would cause me to gain weight. My doctor
said, like any birth control, it depends on the person. I got the shot
anyway. Six months later I am still losing weight.
— boonikki29
September 12, 2004
This is something tough to deal with after surgery. I take oral
contraceptives- mostly to control my periods. All doctors involved thought
it was best. Probably the best method if you and your partner can tolerate
it, is condoms. We use them as back ups during more fertile times of the
month.
— Kathy *.
September 12, 2004
Hello Michelle,
I had a RNY 5/1998 243/130lbs. I have been on Yasmin birth controls pills
ever since and have not had any problems at all with them. In fact, until
reading your post I had never heard anything about not being allowed or not
recommended to take the birth control pill. This web site is great I have
learned allot from it. I hope my answer helps. Shana
— shana1569
September 12, 2004
Norplant is the one that goes in your arm. I had it for 4 years and gained
most of my weight when i was on it! Of course they say each person is
different but I would never try it again! I gained 100 pounds in 1.5
years!!!
Plus you grow hair in place you don't want it!
lorie
rny-open 5/18/04
— lorie bolden
September 13, 2004
I got an IUD about a month after WLS and I am loving it. I have the 5 yr
Mirena. No pills to worry about, have enough trying to remember to take all
my vitamins. LOL
— vllgmz4
September 13, 2004
Birth control isn't an issue for me as I had my tubes tied 8 years ago.
However, I wanted to mention that I do get the Depo Provera shot every 12
weeks to control disfuction bleeding and have had no trouble losing weight.
Good Luck - Angela
— Angela T.
September 13, 2004
I tried oral contraceptives at 3 mo post-op and had some issues which led
me to believe that I was not absorbing the pill properly. I am now 6 mos
out and I just started the NuvaRing and it appears to be working. It is
really easy to use. I would suggest looking at all of your options with
your gyno. Good Luck!
— Jennifer M.
September 13, 2004
I have an IUD. Nothing to remember, no pills to forget to take... the
easiest and best thing I did.
— Vegas_ T.
September 13, 2004
I am 2 years post op and have been on Orthotricyclen for the last 15
months. I have not noticed any side effects. My doctor advised that the
pill is small enough so it gets absorbed very quickly, but every doctor has
their own opinion.
— Jules2713
September 14, 2004
I am 19-1/2 months PO and have been on Depo shots since 1995. Works great
for me and certainly did not affect my weight loss as I'm down 252 lbs. I
find the comment from the person who's doctor said because the pill was
small it would be absorbed, interesting. Size of pill has nothing to do
with anything. It all comes down to where in the small intestine the
medicine is designed to be absorbed and whether you do much absorption in
that area. For me BCP's would be way too big a crap shoot for me, but each
person has to figure things out for themselves. I like assurances in this
area which is why I got my tubes tied and I also am on Depo shots every 8
weeks to control bleeding issues.
— zoedogcbr
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