Question:
What forms of birth control can be used post-op??
Haven't seen this question asked before and I need some answers. The Pill, I read, should not be used because it can not be stored in the body after surgery very well. The Depo Provera injections should not be used because of the same concept, the body is not able to store it in the muscle as long because of the rapid weight loss. I haven't had any children yet so my OB will not insert the IUD. The new patch will not work either. Am I just stuck with condoms and spermicide? There has to be another solution. Any help on this topic would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Rachel — Rachel W. (posted on November 5, 2002)
November 5, 2002
Rachel,
I wish I had an answer, but I guess we're stuck using condoms, I'm 5 months
almost 6 months post op and down 95 pounds, and the GYN says no pills,
shots, or patch.... My husband and I can't stand to use
"Condom's" but we've been good little kids and have used them
faithfully, Neither one of us want children,.. Guess we'll have to play it
safe... I wonder when can we if ever will we be able to take either the
depo shot, pills or patch...... hopefully when we finally meet our goal
weight...
Best of luck..
— tannedtigress
November 5, 2002
I use the depo and have not had a single issue. I guess to each their own.
— Vicki L.
November 5, 2002
Rachel, I agree with Dawn, my OBGYN wants my hubby & I to use condoms
right now. She says no to the pill, the shot ot the patch (patch only
effective if under 200lbs)....She wants me to go on the Cervical Cap once I
have lost 200 lbs, she wanted to wait to fit me until i am withing 5olbs of
ideal weight, if I did it now, it would be too big to soon and not
effective. P.S. the reason behind the no-no to shots, patch & pill is
it is added hormones into your body.
— heathercross
November 5, 2002
I was facing this problem about a month ago when they recalled the Lunelle
Shot. I went and had a very detailed talk with my Gyn. and we decided the
best solution was the new Ring. I think it is wonderful. You insert it
like a tampon and leave it there for three weeks. Then take one week ring
free, whic will be your period week. My doctor suggested the best thing
for me is to not go week free. Thus, I will insert a new ring every three
weeks. It is a ring that summits hormones into the cervical area. It is a
lower dose because it is place close to the reproductive organs. Also,
this has no bering on weight, unlike the patch.
Call your doctor and ask if this would be a choice for you.
— Candi B.
November 5, 2002
Use lots of spermicide or foam AND condoms WITH spermicide. Condoms FAIL 1
out of every 8. Not great odds. Don't mess up your surgery by becoming
pregnant too soon. I did some research on it from other WLS patients and
almost everyone I talked to that had gotten pregnant BEFORE the 2 year mark
gained weight and did NOT lose it all versus the people who waited the 2
years who lost almost all or all of their pregnancy weight. Good luck!
— Paula Prichard
November 5, 2002
My dr said it was ok to stay on the pill. I use Desogen and have not had
any problems. I don't want to get pregnant either. I already have three
lovely children, no more!! I took it the whole time I was at the hospital
too. I wonder why the contraversy's? I never gave it a second thought.
— Robin A.
November 5, 2002
My surgeon allowed me to take the pill right up until the morning of
surgery then resume after I got out of the hospital. He assured me
absorption would not be an issue and at nearly 6 months post op he's right
so far! Good luck!
— Traci A.
November 5, 2002
You said you couldn't use the patch, but you didn't say why. Personally,
it is my method of choice. I don't have to worry about absorption issues
this way and just change the patch weekly. Hope you find the way that will
work for you.
— Jenni K.
November 5, 2002
To Jenni, below: The problem with the patch is that it's not as effective
for people over 198 pounds. If you go to their website, they have their
research statistics and it had a high failure rate among obese people and
is only recommended for people under 198.
— sandsonik
November 8, 2002
you can try the nuva ring.... but I don't know if there is a weight limit
for it like the patch or not.
— susan M.
November 8, 2002
OK, I gotta throw my two cents into the ring, just to confuse the issue. I
take the depo shot. My surgeon said he didnt care what kind of BC I went
on, but to get on something. He insists that condoms, etc are not safe
enough. I do not have any history of blod clots, so BC is not a
pre-surgical concern for my doc. Having said that, my OBGYN (with 30 years
experience)recommended the Depo shot because it is only progestrin not
estrogen. Estrogen is what increases the chances of clots. Progestrin
does not. Anyway, that's what all my professionals said. I've been very
happy with the shot.
— LMCLILLY
November 8, 2002
I would just like to add, that my surgeon and others in my city tell you to
use to forms of BC....Condoms and pill for example.
Since they don't want you getting pregnant until 2 years out they advise
use of barrier and hormonal contraception.
Diva
— Princess D.
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