Question:
Ladies on Birth Control Pills since Surgery: Have You Reached Your Goal?

I am on a tri-phasic birth control pill (Ortho Tri-Cyclene). I have read that some women who use other hormone birth control methods (e.g., the patch) have problems losing weight. I looked in the library, and found little specifically from those on the Pill.I am curious if other RNY patients on these type of birth control reached goal, and how long it took. PS, please don't receommend other birth control methods, I'm allergic to them all. Thanks!    — Beth S. (posted on March 4, 2003)

March 4, 2003
Beth, I'm not really answering your question because I'm not at goal yet - and that's not because of birth control pills, it's just too early. I don't really think the pill has slowed my weight loss. But then again, I don't really trust that the pill is working anymore! I don't think I'm absorbing enough of it. I always get my period before I'm due now. My doctor gave me some sample patches, but they're not really supposed to be that effective for people over 198 pounds. Just wanted to warn you that you might want to take extra precautions; I've heard of a lot of people getting pregnant post-op even though they were on the pill.
   — sandsonik

March 4, 2003
I started on the birth control patch when I was around 163 pounds in mid December and I'm now 150.
   — Lisa N M.

March 4, 2003
I am definitely not at goal, I am just about 5 weeks post-op. I have been on the same birth control for about 10 years (Desogen, similar to the one you are taking)and took it through surgery. I took it the morning of and have continued to ever since. It still works the same for me, everything is like it used to be, and I don't think it's messing with my weight loss. I am down 30lbs so far and I think that's pretty good at 5 weeks. I think when you gain weight with birth control is when you first start on it. I remember I gained 74lbs the first year I took mine. So, if you were starting it now for the first time it may do something to your loss but if you've been on it for some time I don't think so. But I am not stopping mine so I guess I won't really know if it is or not for sure.
   — Dee ,.

March 4, 2003
I am on ortho tri-cyclen and got to my surgeon's goal for me at around 10 months post-op. I'd still like to lose another 10 pounds... but it's my eating habits, not the pill that's preventing that.
   — Karla K.

March 4, 2003
I've been on birth control pills for years and took them right up to the day before my lap RNY. I took them back to back so that I wouldn't have a period (severe female problems, have recently had a hysterectomy) and got to goal in 11 months. Started at 274# and goal was 150#, 5'6". I'm now at 137# and doing great!
   — Stephanie S.

March 5, 2003
I've been on the patch since November. I weighed in at 128 when I started using it. My weight today - 128. I haven't gained or lost so I'm content with the patch.
   — Patty H.

March 6, 2003
Thanks so much to all of you for your answers. I found them to be very encouraging! Beth
   — Beth S.