Question:
What is the best method of birth control post op?

I have heard that the pill, shots and implants are a poor choice because of hormonal fluctuations... does that leave raincoats or abstainance as the only choices for my hubby and I?    — Coryn C. (posted on May 24, 2001)

May 24, 2001
A lot of people have had success with the DepoProvera shot or with the new monthly shot, Lunelle. I've heard that some people have had a problem with the pill due to malabsorption. Relying on condoms alone probably isn't the safest plan. Your doctor would probably be able to give you the best advice.
   — PT LawMom

May 24, 2001
The best birth control I have used pre or post op, is the IUD. Its long term, (10 years) needs no preplanning, and has no hormonal side effects. My doctor suggests it only to married couples that feel they are done having children. We already have 2 :)
   — Kim M.

May 24, 2001
If you're considering the depo shot talk with your Dr. I have been on it for over 7 1/2 yrs., in 11 months I gained 52 lbs!!! I had my last shot before surgery. I'm trying to lose weight-why do I want something that's going to help keep me fat. Not after all this. I love the depo as I'm not Cybil,haven't had a period since Jan. 93 and other than the weight gain thing I'd stay on it. There's no guarantee going off of it that I'd lose the weight. We've decided I've done my part,now hubby's getting snipped! Best wishes
   — Linda M.

May 24, 2001
I hope this helps you a little, but the best suggestion I can give you is for you to talk to your obgyn, and Surgeon and ask them that. For me Im pre-op and just by chance my Obgyn had WLS, he suggested that I try a new choice, which is the Lunelle shot, Ive been on it since Feb, and had no complications at all with it. They said I will have no weight gain, the only down fall is that I have to go back to the doc every 28 days to have a injection. Which I dont mind. Really depending on your past medical history etc, it will depend on what will be right for your body and emotional health..GOOD luck...Hope this helps
   — Ann A.

May 24, 2001
The IUD would be an ideal method. There are no systemic hormones to be concerned with, and it is a "no-brainer" only have to check the strings after each menses. It is the most popular form of birth control in Europe ans Asia due to the ease, the long term usage, 10+ years, aand the low cost.
   — Margaret S.

May 29, 2001
I love the Depo Provera and have been on it for 4 years. No periods to deal with and most convient, with an injection only 4 times a year. BUT....I find my weight loss is slow. I am 4 months out and have lost 55 pounds. I exercise 3-4 times a week and stick to our protein and water diet. I believe it is due to the Depo. I know I have gained weight pre WLS due to the Depo, most women do. So I have decided to discontinue the Depo and try the IUD. The IUD is a great method for a women who does not want to have anymore children and who is in a monogomous relationship. Just wish I could talk my hubby into the snip snip! But he's a chicken sh...!
   — Kim F.

May 29, 2001
My step-sister has had weight control problems with the birth control shot, but my neice (who is naturally thin, like her father) has not. So, maybe those who do tend to gain weight easily (thru genetic circumstances) would be better off with something other than the shot. I had serious problems with the hormones in birth control pills that were life threatening and have had an IUD for 23 years, and never a problem since. I've noticed that doctors don't (or haven't, anyway) promote using an IUD here in the US - kind of silly (or is it somehow not as profitable?), when you consider that as long as your body accepts it, you literally can have it forever and hardly give it a thought. Can't get any simpler than that.
   — Diahna M.