Question:
Looking for feedback on both of the above birth control methods?

I am debating between the depo shot or the pill for birth control. I have been on both in the past, and have gained weight from both. Will either slow down weight loss after surgery?    — Andrea M. (posted on March 13, 2001)

March 13, 2001
Andrea, I have been on the Depo Provera for 7 1/2 yrs. I learned in researching for RNY that from the day I took the 1st shot to my yearly 11 mos.I gained 52 lbs.That's more than a lb. a week! While nursing.(I had already lost all my pregnancy weight plus) I will be going off Depo after the surgery. I have no guarantee that even going off I will lose the weight. My opinion is if I stay on this drug and it keeps my weight higher than why am I bothering to do the surgery if I won't be successful in my loss. 52 lbs. is a lot of additional weight-especially from the shot. My weight today is only 3 lbs. more than 7 1/2 yrs. ago. This has been consistent over these yrs.My Doctors haven't said I need to go off of this but this is only my opinion.I love being on this drug. I has been positive(other than the weight)but my overrall health is more important. Best wishes and continued success
   — Linda M.

March 13, 2001
Just a word of caution to anyone...make sure you discuss changes in birth control with your doctor. From what I have read, you are much more fertile post surgery as there is a lot of estrogen stored in fat that is released in your body during weight loss. Becoming pregnant to early can be dangerous for both you and the baby. I myself elected to continue with "the pill". I have found that once your body adjust to being on it, weight gain is not an issue...kind of like normal monthly fluxuations you might have from hormones.
   — tlg6056