Question:
Did your surgeon have you stop taking birth control pills before and after surgery?

I have heard that some have and some have not. What is the reason for stopping? The Anesthesiologist said to continue taking my meds as I always have but the surgion sais to stop. Not sure what to do?    — LindaD. (posted on June 29, 2008)

June 29, 2008
Yes I was told to stop taking my bc 30 days prior to surgery because it can cause blood clots. I would listen to your surgeon he/she is the one you will be dealing with in the long haul not the anesthesiologist which will only see you for surgery. Remember if your surgeon or pcp tell you to stop or start doing something it is for your best interest.
   — bridgadean

June 29, 2008
First author is correct, it is because taking the pill puts you at risk for blood clots. I agree, do what your surgeon says. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

June 29, 2008
i agree with the above answers- but now for the other shoe to drop- your pre op meds won't work the same post op. you are looking at approx 80 % malabsorption- which means if you start taking your birth contol pills post, each pill will only cover you approx 20%. you will need to discuss with the surgeon, who should talk with the doc who has you on the bc pills, alternatives. you should prob know there is an 75% preg rate post op because the wrong strength of bc pills are prescribed- as a retired doc myself, i have done the homework, and am currently working with several pcp's to school them in how meds dont work with our new pouches- very interesting indeed. good luck. Cindi -230lbs 3.24.04
   — DollyDoodles

June 30, 2008
I've heard all of the above and then some. My surgeon did not require me to stop my birth control (depo shot) before surgery. I asked him on several occasions and asked others in the program, they did not either. I think it depends on the surgeon, the hospital and their post surgical practices. For instance at the hospital I was in, from the second they start preparing you for surgery, they put those compression boots on your legs and have you up and walking the second you are awake enough to say the alphabet. My next depo shot was due 1.5 weeks after surgery - I checked again, and got the green light. good luck.
   — jammerz

June 30, 2008
RISK OF BLOOD CLOTS....there is a risk of blood clots while taking BCPs even without having any type of surgery. This is why your surgeon is asking you to stop. My surgeon required me to quit taking them for one month before and two months after surgery. I would say do as your surgeon tells you. If you have further question - check with your PCP or OB/GYN. Good Luck! Tomorrow is your day!! Welcome to the LOSING side!!! :)
   — jennw2ns

June 30, 2008
Everyone here is right, the reasoning for not taking the birth control anymore is because of the risk of blood clots. Also after surgery they reccomend not taking them for about a month. Good Luck!
   — tlb1388

July 4, 2008
Try the Neuva ring. I heard it is a good alternative and also another protection, two of them, less chance of pregnancy so soon after weight loss surgery.
   — KRWaters