Question:
Have many of you gained weight on the DEPO-SHOT??

Hey, I am looking into other methods of birth control. I am currently on the Patch and no problems except sometimes it likes to rub and wear off. I am comfortable with it but thought about taking the Depo-Shot. I hear alot about people gaining weight, but not sure how it affects us Posties. I hear you start getting more hungry...and snack more often... but we already do that!!! So has anyone gained much weight?? Or experienced adverse side effects other than the normal side effects??(weight gain, irregular bleeding etc...) Thank you for your time and info!! Post-op about 19mos at 147lbs    — Sunny4x4chick (posted on February 2, 2004)


February 2, 2004
I know everyone is different, however this is what I went through with this shot. I had this shot 3 times and gained 20 lbs each time. I finallt went to a new OB/GYN doctor. I told her what was happening that I was gaining weight and I coulldn't figure out why. SHe then explained to me that she will not out any of her patients on this shot one because it makes people gain weight and there are other side effects as well. I have not been able to have another baby since I have had these shots. Beware it does affect people differently, you may be lucky, but I personally if I knew what would have happened I would have stayed far away from the Depo shot. Anyway that is just my two cents. Have a great day!
   — Virginia D.

February 2, 2004
I agree that it does work different on everyone. I had a hard time with the Depo shot and am against it personally. I had bleeding problems(3wks out of the month and abnormal clotting), little hair loss and had to be put on migrain medication until I decided to get off the shot a year later and have no problems now. I already have 3 kids, so I just tied my tubes, so I would'nt have to worry about birth control anymore. I never did gain weight from the shot. Good luck to you and just do the research on the different forms of birth control and the side effects!!!
   — Sandy M.

February 2, 2004
Again, everyone has different experiences with Depo-Provera. However, I'm one of the lucky individuals who've not only been on Depo for going on 10 years now, but have had the best side effect ever - NO PERIODS! I did not notice a weight gain when I started, and haven't had any of the issues other people notice. But I do know I'm in the minority - most people I talk to do not have good experiences with the tool.
   — francescurrit

February 2, 2004
I started the Depo shot after I had surgery (started the shot so I didn't have to have a period) & I did not gain any weight; however, I feel it may have slowed my weight loss down when I was about 7 months post. Now I am 14 months post & still losing - lost 3 lbs last week. I was on the patch first but I didn't like the way it looked after being on for days so that's why I switched. My non WLS friends say the Depo makes them gain weight. KAT 210/120 12.10.02
   — KAT *.

February 2, 2004
I had the depo shot about 3 years ago (way pre-op) and immediately gained 30 pounds. My current doctor will say that even though weight gain is only a possibility, she sees it happen all the time, not just sometime. To me, the weight gain is no way worth the shot.
   — saltybichon

February 2, 2004
Personally, I think the Depo Shot is very hard on the body. While some women love not having their periods, others are just not comfortable with that. As much as we hate that time of the month, it's there for a reason...That aside (and completely my own opinion!), Have you heard of the Nuva Ring? You can check it out on line just by typing in "Nuva Ring" into any search engine. It's a plastic ring about the size of a silver dollar that you insert and leave there for 3 weeks, then remove it for a week to have your period. Then you put a new one back in. I've used it for about 2 mos. now and I LOVE it. It can't get "lost," it's not in the way of anything, and you can leave it or remove it when you have sex. (but you can't leave it out for more than 3 hours.) Also, it's a bonus for gastric bypass patients b/c you don't have to worry about how it absorbs...the medicine is right where it needs to be...no traveling through the system! I know I sound like an ad, but I just love it. I hated taking the pill b/c I forgot a lot and once this is in, it's in for 3 weeks. The medicine in this ring is the same as what's in the Pill. It's a little tricky to remove, but it's really no big deal once you get the hang of it. Last but not least, my last 2 periods have been very, very light. See what your doc says! Good luck! :)
   — Louise D.

February 3, 2004
My daughter has been on the Depo-Provera shot for over 5 years. She was very afraid of gaining weight but never did. BUT she does have other side effects including weird "computer-like" goings-on with her eyes & headaches. I think I've finally convinced her to try some other method. The shot is very controversial. Type it into a search engine & see what you come up with.
   — squeejlueej

February 3, 2004
I started getting the Depo shots about a year ago and in the first 6 months I did gain about 20 pounds but it has since leveled off. I did notice an increase in appetite but I have also dealt with a job layoff this past year and I am a stress eater so that didn't help.
   — rinnchris

February 4, 2004
I took the Depo shot years ago and yes...gained weight. I have always had a hard time remembering to take a pill. I am on the patch now, too...I also have experienced it coming loose on a corner but it doenst seem to lessen the effect(YET!) I only put the patch on mu upper body, chest and back because I feel like there is less chance of rubbing, plus less fat there!! Good luck on whichever method you choose!
   — [Deactivated Member]




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