Question:
Has anyone, post-op, been on birth control pills and gotten pregnant?

I've seen a number of postings re people becoming pregnant (they usually sound like they have not been on the pill), as well as questions re the best form of birth control. I'm just wondering if anyone who is post-op, and on the pill, has actually gotten pregnant?    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 4, 2001)

June 4, 2001
I was at a recent support group meeting here in Atlanta, and one of the main topics was fertility following surgery. Many women who were not fertile, usually related to polycystic ovaries, or other anovulatory conditions, began to ovulate not long after surgery and rapid weight loss begins. I have been advised that the pill is not absorbed properly following surgery, and that it is imperitive to use "barrier" methods, i.e. condoms, diaphragm, etc. I have heard recent talk about injectable birth control, but feel that that would best be answered by your physicians (I plan to consult the surgeon and my ob-gyn). It is advised NOT to seek pregnancy until about 18 to 24 months after your surgery, because the baby will rob you of any nutrition that you take in postoperatively, and that will leave you lacking even more nutritionally. Hope this helps.
   — Jennifer P.

June 4, 2001
My advice is to get on Depo-Provera. It is an injection every three or four months. It is usually in your arm or buttocks. It is very effective because you dont have the mishaps associated with remembering to take a pill every day. it releases the hormes into your body, it is not dependant on your stomach for anything. I have regularly been on it for 6 years.
   — [Anonymous]

June 11, 2001
Barb's right...both my girls were unexpected blessings while taking the pill faithfully. Beware the weight gain I have heard comes from the Depo Provera shot.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 11, 2001
My thought is if the pill isn't 100% effective, the Depo shot (which I'm currently on as a pre-op) causes weight gain, and the IUD isn't an option for those of us who want to have kids in a few years, what do we take? Has anyone found a good answer? I can't use condoms b/c I'm allergic to latex AND spermicide (so even the non-latex condoms give me problems). I have thought about continuing on Depo and waiting to see how it goes, but I'm worried, especially after hearing everyone talk about this. Any advice?
   — PT LawMom