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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