Question:
Pre Op- OB GYN Says NO Depo Provera, Advice Needed
I saw my OB GYN and he told me I shouldnt get on the Depo Provera shot since you gain weight? I am on the pill now but am looking for opinions from others whether I should pursue the Depo Provera. — Anita Jo (posted on June 29, 2003)
June 29, 2003
I was also told no Depo-Provera, I had been on it for 4 years and had to
get off prior to surgery. Right now I am on Ortho-Tricyclen, and have to
atop that 2 weeks before surgery and I was told I can resume it 1 month
after surgery. Now that I think back....I did gain weight while on
Depo!!!!!
— jennap
June 29, 2003
My surgeon told me it was ok to resume taking birth control when I was six
weeks post-op. He warned me that the pill may not be as effective because
of malabsorption issues. When I talked to the gynocologist, she didn't
recommend the patch because it isn't as effective in women over 200 pounds.
She also said the depo shot can cause weight gain. She recommended the
NuvaRing...which is inserted vaginally. It's not a barrier, it works just
like the pill only the birth control is absorbed through the walls of the
vagina. I wasn't crazy about trying it, but she gave me three months of
samples and there's really nothing to it. You don't know it's there...you
wear it for three weeks-take it out for one week-and then put in a new one
for three more weeks, etc. I actually like it...no daily pill to
remember.
Good luck.
— Bonnie R.
June 29, 2003
Hello..Just wanted to share some advice on the weight and birth control.
My doctor told me about all the methods of birth control considering I have
a high weight problem. Now that I had wls I have to be careful not to get
pregnant. One of the problems that obese women face is that birth control
shots, pills, and rings are not meant for women who weigh over 200 pounds.
Some birth control pills are only good up to 170 pounds. So, we are too
stuck in the dilemma with what to use for birth control. So, I am sticking
with the old fashion thing with using condoms with a spermicide. It is not
the greatest thing but until I get to about 180, I don't think I would
trust anything else. That is why so many AMOS members are getting pregnant
months after surgery. The weight comes off and we are more fertile. Pills
don't work yet so some of us will get pregnant. I hope this helps! The
best thing to do is to talk to your Gyn. and see what is the best method
for your weight. Good luck with the weight loss...
— jacutting
June 29, 2003
I take Depo Provera, have since way before surgery, and still take it at 6
months post op. I was taking a double dosage every 2 months to control my
bleeding, but I just backed down to a regular dosage every 3 months. yes
it CAN make you gain weight, it hasn't hurt me at all (down 96 pounds in 6
months)...of course, i can't say if I would be losing faster if I wasn't on
the shot, so who knows. Either way, after surgery, you are going to lose
weight.
— thekatinthehat
June 29, 2003
I am still pre-op, but I tried depo, and it gave me a voracious appetite!!
I put on 20lbs in just a couple months...plus bled non-stop until
anemic...not pleasant... I've heard all the same stuff about the patches
not being effective if over 200lbs... I tried the ring, but due to lax
muscles from childbirth, it just kept falling out... I've decided to take a
break from birth control for a while (I'm not sexually active currently)
until I've lost a lot of my weight, but once i"m ready, my ob/gyn is
recommending the Mirena IUD....it releases hormones like the pill, but
locally, rather than systemically....which if you have any reactions to
hormones, like I do, is a better choice for me...bonus.. it lasts 5 years
and you don't ever have to think about it....If you're looking for a
non-hormonal choice, I used to use a diaphram along with spermicide...it's
a little inconvenient, but worked well for me---that would leave you no
worries about malabsorbtion or weight gain...good luck in whatever you
choose.
— Kelly B.
June 29, 2003
I have been getting the depo shot for a few years. after my wls i asked
both my gynocologist and surgeon and both said there were no problems with
the shot after surgery. i've lost 144 pounds in 13 months so i can't say
the depo has had any effect.
— candymom64
June 29, 2003
My surgeon had me stop Depo Provera before surgery due to increased risk of
blood clots. While he did say resuming after surgery should be ok, the
MAJOR risk of getting pregnant scared me away from that. Personally, I
researched til I was blue, then decided to go with an IUD. They got a bad
rap in the 70's, but the IUDs of today are not the same as they were then.
The failure rate is minimal (read: as low as Depo, lower than with the
pill!) and you don't have to remember to do ANYTHING for 10 YEARS! It's
not for everyone, but so far it works! :)
— ladyphy
June 29, 2003
I think that everyone's body reacts differently to all things we put in our
bodies. I have never had problems with Depo, it is fabulous for me. It
gets rid of the bloating, the cramps, the MASSIVE headaches, almost totally
took away my periods and it aided me in losing 30 lbs after my daughter was
born. But on the other hand, it made my sister bloat, and have heavy
periods and headaches. Since everyone is different, I wouldn't suggest you
find out your reaction at this time that your body chemistry is adjusting
to a whole new make-up. You can always try it at a later date.
— TameraD
June 29, 2003
Whoops! I meant to say, do NOT try it now. Give it a try later. okay, I
have now fixed my typo. :>
— TameraD
June 30, 2003
Hi Anita,
I was on Depo for 8 years and loved it. I gained 56 lbs in the first 11
mos. of use. My OB/GYN couldn't guarantee that after the surgery I wouldn't
keep weight on. For me I chose not to continue since it wasn't worth the
effort to try to lose weight and still have this possible hinder my
success. I still miss it and I miss not not getting my period. I had my
last shot the month prior to my surgery. That was 2 yrs ago. I think I
mourn losing my depo more than food. LOL Anyway, continued success and best
wishes
— Linda M.
June 30, 2003
My vote is the IUD. The ob-gyn inserts it in a few seconds. No pills, no
shots, nothing to 'put in yourself or put on your partner', no side
effects, effective, convienient, long term use, your body still has it's
own natural cycles. The IUD is a good choice pre or post wls no matter what
your age or health.
— mary ann T.
June 30, 2003
I was told to get off depo because of my concern for developing
osteoporosis. I guess it inhibits calcium absorbtion to a degree or
something like that--not sure but was warned to stop it after this surgery.
This came from my OBGYN. I didn't gain any weight by the way and I really
did like it! 212/118/108
— TP
June 30, 2003
I had lots of problems while on depo. I would have a period for 6 or 8
weeks (heavy bleeding, clotting and cramping), and then would have problems
with anemia. My gyn took me off it, and put me on the patch. I love it.
I've been using it for 5 mos, and have the most wonderful periods that last
for 4 days with mild bleeding (as if a period could be wonderful LOL!!). I
have found it works wonders for me, especialy with having pcos. My
anestologist even let me wear it while I was in surgery! I was concerned
that it would inhibit weight loss, but I'm averaging about 5 lbs a week
since surgery. I do have to say though, that no 2 people react the same way
to it, so talk to your doc about it. Good luck!! 9 weeks out, down 44 lbs
— mellyhudel
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