Question:
Should I wait to start Birth Control Pills until AFTER surgery?

I haven't had my period for close to 3 years now. My gyno blamed my weight. I'm due for my annual checkup again and I am wanting to get my cycle regular with the help of BCPs, but will hopefully have my surgery in a few months.. should I wait for it to happen naturally after surgery? I know I shouldn't/can't get pregnant for at least a year afterwards. Any suggestions?    — sunsect (posted on August 6, 2001)

August 6, 2001
I know a lot of doctors recommend something other than the pill for avoiding pregnancy after surgery. I think it is because the pill may not be properly or fully absorbed. I've seen one surgeon recommend "mechanical methods," i.e., condom, diaphragm, etc. I used the Depo Provera shots...once every three months. There are side effects (search the web for them), but I haven't had any, except forgetting when three months have passed! :) (just kidding)... Since it isn't absorbed in the stomach, it doesn't interfere with the surgery (or the surgery doesn't interfere with it). I think I've seen at least one surgeon who recommends Depo if you can take it for that reason. Good Luck!
   — Maria K.

August 7, 2001
Hi Patricia, Just wanted to point out that the Depo Provera injection is an excellent form of contraception for wls patients. But if getting your period regularly is a goal, Depo Provera may not be right for you. I've been on it for over a year now and, except for some initial bleeding for a couple of weeks, my period has completely subsided (although it can go the other way and make you bleed all the time). Unfortunately, if you choose BCPs, you really need to use a back up method (condom, etc) due to the possibility of malabsorption. One new method of contraception that is supposed to have the same cycle-regulating affect as the pill is the Lunelle shot. It is a very effective contraceptive since it is injected like Depo, but, from what I've heard, it will bring on your period once a month like birth control pills. The downside is that you have to take it once a month rather than 4 times a year like Depo. As far as getting on the contraceptive now or later, my surgeon required that I be off all hormonal medications for a few weeks before surgery. She required 2 weeks for BCPs and 15 weeks for Depo Provera. I would talk to your surgeon to see what he/she advises and go from there. One more suggestion: if you do choose BCPs, the ortho-tricyclen did wonders for my skin (gave it a very healthy glow) for the 3 months that I was on it.
   — Angelia M.