Question:
Are birth control pills effective for preventing pregnancy post-op RNY?
My surgeons office told me that birth control pills are absorbed and effective for preventing pregenancy post-op from a RNY. I have the impression from other postings on this board that this is not the commonly held opinion. I am wondering what others have been told and also has anyone gotton pregnant post-op RNY while on the pill? Thanks to all who respond. — Denise M. (posted on October 22, 2001)
October 22, 2001
NO NO NO Your body is releasing all the estrogen that was stored in the
fat that you are losing and hormonal methods of birth control (ie. The Pill
and the Depo Shot) are NOT reliable. They do not know too much about this
but be VERY careful not to get pregnant until your doctor gives you the go
ahead (usually when your weight has been stable for a few months). Getting
pregnant during this huge weight loss will be bad for you and the baby.
Sorry, but it is back to condoms, etc.
:-)
— Kierstin C.
October 22, 2001
My surgeon told me that there was no evidence to support that the pill was
less effective post-op, but that good medical logic tells you it would be
less effective. He suggested that I go on Depo-Provera, as that way I would
be much less at risk, and the shot is more effective than the pill in
general, so he said he recommends it to all his sexually active patients.
— [Anonymous]
October 22, 2001
My understanding of this issue is that no one is absolutely sure yet. I
believe I remember 2 people on this website who said they got pregnant when
on the pill post-surgery. Was this because of the surgery, or because of
the way they took the pill, or because of the regular 1% failure rate? Who
knows. However, my doctor does suggest one of the shots. Although
hormonal changes are going on in the body, as the first poster says, they
can be regulated...and my doctor feels the shot, versus the pill (absorbed
in the stomach), is the most direct approach to regulation. I'd talk in
over with your gyn. One thing I'll note is that with my Lunelle shot (once
a month vs. Depo) I actually pay less for the shot than the pill, and
without the memory problem!
— Tracy L.
October 22, 2001
Its so funny that this question was asked today....I just went to see my
GYN. today for this exact thing. She said that the pill is still very
effective and I should not have any concerns. Just take it the same time
everyday. I did at one point ask the PA at my surgeons office and she also
said it is effective. Honestly my next step is to call the pill company
directly just for safe keeping. I really dont want another right now. And
with my new found body abstinence is not an answer (LOL) my husband is
quite affectionate...Im sure you can relate. If you do hear of anything
else can you please email me and let me
[email protected]
— Melissa S.
October 22, 2001
I solved this problem by getting a copper T IUD. IUDs are not dangerous
anymore the way they used to be; just like with WLS where stomach stapling
is the "bad old days", the old IUD designs are gone. The copper T
is good for 10 years and costs $500 including the visit to have it
inserted. I've been really happy with it so far. HTH
— Julia M.
October 22, 2001
I've gotta come out against the birth control pills. I'm a pre-op and from
the research I've been doing a hormonal method can/will fail. Reason
being, that estrogen is stored in your fat cells. As the fat gets smaller,
the estrogen is released, which increases your fertility. Too risky, I
think. After my baby was born two years ago, I had an IUD put in, the
copper for 10 years. I didn't want to go on the pill because I have
problems with weight gain (obviously!) and mild depression. The IUD was
completely covered by insurance (BCBS in MA) and hasn't given me any
problems except heavier periods. But, I can deal with that, seeing it's
effectiveness (2nd to tubal ligation). I hope this helps, if you have any
questions please email. Take care! =)
— Sarah C.
October 22, 2001
I have not had my surgery yet but do have past experience.ANY TIME you are
having weight loss it is MUC MUCH easier to get pregnant so I would contact
my gyn and surgeon about the pill!!!!
— Cathy B.
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