Question:
FOR THE LADIES, WERE YOU ON BC PILLS AND HAD TO STOP BEFORE HAVING WLS?

I HAVE WLS ON AUGUST 13, AND I WAS TOLD TO STOP TAKING MY BIRTH CONTROL PILLS AND I AM HAVING BREAKTHROUGH BLEEDING LIKE A REGULAR PERIOD AND I WAS WONDERING IF THIS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE AND IS IT NORMAL OR SOMETHING I NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT? THANKS IN ADVANCE YALL (SO COUNTRY). SMOOCHES    — latreshar (posted on June 24, 2008)

June 23, 2008
I was on the pill for a couple of years before the surgery. I stopped on my own because I had enough pills to deal with post-surgery during recovery. I started back up again a month later but continued bleeding heavily every two weeks, to the point I was concerned about becoming anemic. Went to the OB/GYN and he had me stop the pill completely for the next 6 months and did an ultrasound, etc., just to make sure there wasn't something more serious going on. I did explain about my surgery and the severe food restriction diet I'm on now, so we're taking that into consideration, too. Since then, the two-week episodes have stopped and now I'm waiting to see if my normal cycle starts up again--which is due sometime this week. Woo hoo! :^P
   — suezahn4me

June 23, 2008
I was on the pill before surgery and wasn't told to stop taking it. If anything, the doctor encouraged to continue taking it due to the lose of weight would make "fertile" again. I have since stopped taking the pill and had the new Mirena IUC inserted. Don't have to worry about taking a pill and don't have to worry about getting pregnant for 5 yrs. I do have 2 children but would like to have another...after I lose weight. I did start my cycle the day of surgery...I was told that it could happen that the surgery could bring it on due to being nervous. -- Karen
   — Karen M.

June 23, 2008
I was on Yasmin and my surgeon told me to stop taking it 1 month before surgery. He said it's because the BC pill can cause blood clots and we don't want any of those!!! So, I stopped at the end of April with hopes to have my surgery the beginning of June. I'm scheduled for July 11th. I did get a normal period. Good Luck!
   — Kar708

June 24, 2008
MY surgeon told me I needed to be off of my BC for 30 days prior to surgery because of the fact that they can cause blood clots. I have stopped taking mine in hopes of being approved for surgery. Also the bleeding I don't know much about...I just had a baby so I haven't had a period yet. But any who good luck with your surgery! (ps. I use yall all of the time!)
   — bridgadean

June 24, 2008
Hey Latrisha, (love your avatar). I was NOT on bc, but after my lap-band surgery I did have breakthrough bleeding and 2 oddly long and heavy periods. I just had my most recent one and it was heavy but more normal. But I'm approaching menopause age so what do I know? haha.
   — Mary H.

June 25, 2008
You need to stop the BC pills because of the risk of blood clots. My surgeon just told me this yesterday. I did have to express to him that the reason I'm on BC pills is because it helps to control the uterine bleeding that I experience. My surgeon, being the responsible man that he is, called my OB/GYN to discuss my issue. If I come off the BC pills I run the risk of bleeding out very quickly and my hemeglobin drops really fast. If that is your problem, talk with your surgeon and OB/GYN to come up with a plan. My plan is I will stop the BC pills 5 days before surgery. I will also be donating my own blood just in case I need to be transfused. Talk to your doctors!! I was also told it is completely normal for you to get your period after your surgery, even if you just had it. It's a downside to the RNY not necessarily the lap-band. So don't be surprised if this happens. BEST OF LUCK!!!
   — Senji

June 25, 2008
I had the same problem. I saw my doctor who did some cultures just to make sure nothing was wrong which there wasn't and assured me it was common. I wouldn't worry but just check with my doctor. Take me!!
   — hannahsmom1014

June 25, 2008
i was on the bc pill for years before my RNY and was strongly encouraged NOT to stop taking them, because we are not to get pregnant for at least 18mo postop and if you stop the pill you are more likely to get pregnant than if you never even took the pill, plus when you loose wt you become more fertile !! make sure you receive an injectable medication (like Lovenox or Heparin) in the hospital to prevent blood clots whether you are on the pill or not, because it is very important!!!! anyone having surgery is more likely to get clots and yes the bc pill can make you higher risk, but i guess it just depends on your surgeon and your certain case ?????? hope this helps...Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON