Question:
how does the use of oral contraceptives affect the weight loss of a new post-op?

I AM A NEW POST-OP,LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS. I RECENTLY BEGUN DATING AND MY MATE AND I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING BIRTH CONTROL. IN THE PAST BIRTH CONTROL PILLS MADE ME GAIN WEIGHT AND RETAIN WATER. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES AND/OR ADVANTGAES TO BEING ON THE PILL, BEFORE ONE HAS REACHED THEIR INTENDED GOAL.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 25, 2001)

November 25, 2001
The water weight would be the least of my concerns. I got pregnant while on the pill post op. I'm a VBG, so it wasn't even a malabsorption issue. I have seen several people indicate that hormonal methods of birth control MAY not be reliable due to the changes going on with your body's rapid weight loss and the release of estrogen from stored fat. Just something to think about. P.S., it you've only just recently begun dating, I would suggest you use barrier methods to protect yourself from other things. Even nice people have transmittable diseases.
   — [Anonymous]

June 8, 2003
I too am a new post-op (about 4 wks) and have been using birth control pills before my surgery. I was using it to control my periods. I haven't noticed any difference since the surgery. I've lost about 40 lbs so far and am pretty happy with that.
   — Sophia M.

June 8, 2003
My doctor never had a problem with me being on the pill. I never stopped taking it. I am 10 months post op and have never had any problems. I take it to control my periods and peri-menopausal symtoms. It is still working great.
   — Linda K.

July 13, 2003
I stopped the BCP a month prior to surgery to reduce my risk of blood clots, plus I needed a yearly exam to get a refill. When I saw my GYN doctor, she said that with WLS she just doesn't feel sure that the body absorbs the full effect of the pills, so she recommended the BC patch. While I also took the pills mainly to control my periods, I'm really enjoying not having to take the pill every day and knowing the patch will prevent pregnancy.
   — Kate T.