Question:
Why di I keep getting the run around about birth control issues?
I was told I could no longer take my oral BCP post-op. First I was told to try an IUD or the Nuva Ring, neither of which is covered by my insurance plan. The GI clinic tells me to use Depo, while my gyno says it will cause weight gain? What to do, my surg is in 7 weeks. — jlw0423 (posted on December 27, 2006)
December 27, 2006
My doctor told me that oral birth control may not be effective because your
body will not absorb it. Also if you experience alot of throwing up or
dieherra, your body might not absorb the brith control. Its like the
reason why we have to take vitiamins b/c our body will not absorb vitiamins
through our food. My doctor told me not to get pregnant for at least 2
years to avoid the baby having birth defects or me having health issues. My
doctor told me to try the patch or depo. I spoke with my OB GYN and she
advise that I should do the depo for a while but no longer than a year (b/c
if you are on depo a long time, some people have really hard time to
conceive. My docotor and I decided for me not to do depo longer than a
year b/c I want to have children and they say depo it takes some people a
year afterwards to get pregnant. After being on depo for about a year, my
doctor will switch me to the patch. You can get pregnant about three
months after coming off the patch). My docotor also said depo is the
strongest birthcontrol you can take. For at least one year I want to make
sure I'm not going to get pregnant. I hope this helps you some.
— barfiep01
December 27, 2006
My surgen told me my BCP were fine to take. I take Seasonale. I've had no
problems.
— Jennifer K.
December 27, 2006
This birth control issue was my question. I am 37 y/o and already have
three children, probably not having more but don't want to tie my tubes
just yet. I need a long term solution, insurance won't pay for the Mirena
IUD, I am considering paying out of pocket. Has anyone tried it?
— jlw0423
December 27, 2006
I was on the Depo Provera shot prior to my surgery and am still on it after
3 years post op. I do believe that it has contributed to some of my weight
gain. I know I was told that it causes weight gain prior to surgery but
I've been on it for probably 8 years now. Several of my friends who have
had RNY are using the IUD and swear by it. I'd talk more with your
gynecologist about it..or maybe even your surgeon.
— huggygrrl
December 27, 2006
Surgeon also told me there is no evidence to suggest that birth control
pills are less effective. I recently switched to Nuva Ring but only for
ease of use. The pills were protecting me just fine. Bes wishes to you! The
weight gain issues on Depo Provera is a +/- issue. I was on it for 3 years
and lost weight... not from the depo but because I was trying. Not
everybody who uses it gains weight. Since you are going to be trying to
lose weihgt it may not be an issue for you. There is a risk of thinning of
the bones being on Depo long term however. Good luck!
— SteffieBear15
December 27, 2006
Hi! I am in the same situation! I am post op 3 weeks. I can not do any
harmones due to family history of breast cancer. I am doing the ParaGard
IUD. It is non harmonal, just as effective as tube tying and good for 10
years. I am not sure if my insurance will cover, but either way I think it
is the best choice for me. I have one child, probably am not having more,
but not wanting to have my tubes tied. Hope this helps!
— robinmarra
December 28, 2006
I am 18 mos post op and have no problems taking my oral birth control. I
started it at about 8 weeks post op and it has worked fine since then. I
am only bypassed by 75 so I am a very proximal, not sure if that has
anything to do with it or not. I use mine to control heavy periods and it
does so if I were not absorbing it, I would be bleeding. As with
everything after this surgery, I believe we are all different and what
works for one, may or may not work for another. Good Luck!
— teresagrooms
December 29, 2006
I have the merina IUD. I looove it. I do not have children so it was a huge
fight for me to get my insurance to pay for it. I DO NOT suggest going on
Depo I gained 100 pounds in a little over a year on it. That IS the reason
that I am overweight, before Depo I was realy thin and never had a weight
problem at a size 7, now Im a size 18.
My DR said that you can take BC pills without any problem. I have heard
realy great things about the ring and know people who use it without any
issues. I for one have not tried it. I have tried the patch and could not
get it to stick for the life of me. I was replacing that darn thing atleast
2x a week. If not more.
Another option is to go to your local Planned parenthood clinic and explain
your delema. They will be able to help you out especialy if your insurance
cant. You may have to pay for part of the cost but it will be worth it.
I should mention that I have excessively long periods and they beleive that
I have endomitiriosis. This is why I have tried all of the BC methods,
because I have to be on BC constantly for pain management, and this is also
how I have gotten everything paid for.
If you could get a letter from your surgeon and submit it to your insurance
maybe you could get the alternative BC method paid for. I have allways had
results with that. I have never paid full price because I can prove that
its neccesary.
— lizzieleprechaun
December 29, 2006
i just went for my evaluation and am planning on having surgery in early
spring . they asked what i was doing now for birth control and i have been
on the pill for about 10 years. they just stressed that bc is very very
important after wls, but never said i needed to switch methods. it doesnt
make since why some surgeons say the pill is good and some say to switch?
get a second opinion.
— RNlvnCARSON
January 2, 2007
My surgeon assured me that birth control pills would be just as effective
after surgery as before. One year out and even with the potential increase
in fertility because of weight loss, no pregnancy. I take Yasmin.
— Tigs
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