Question:
I had Lap RnY in Feb. Do we not absorb birth control pills the same?

I've been having trouble with my periods for the last few months and have been having pain in my side. I take birth control pills to control cysts, but was wondering if, perhaps, we don't absorb them like we should. I just saw the question about Wellbutrin SR, and it made me wonder about the "pill."    — Ruth C. (posted on August 21, 2002)

August 21, 2002
Hi there..I had open RNY in Feb and I was scared of not absorbing the pill. My surgeon said it would be no problem, and so did my gynecologist. And..I haven't had any problems..although the funny thing is, I am kind of avoiding having intercourse often because I am so scared of getting pregnant at this time! So..I am researching all the new forms of BC. Good luck!
   — Jennifer G.

August 21, 2002
you guy's should try some other methods of the so called pill they now have a birth control patch and a thing called something like the nuva ring or something like that , that you insert up inside you for one month interval and can be removed if uncomfortable during sex and be reiserted without compromising it's effetiveness.
   — kimberly T.

August 22, 2002
I'm post-op LAP RNY as of 4-16-01 and I was initially taking Allese BCP's and my GYN took me off of then due to lack of absorbtion. I then moved to Ohio, got off the pill for a few months and then back on. My GYN out here put me on a very mild dose of Loestrin BCPs. That seemed to NOt work, as I was bleeding into my 3rd week of active pills and also had a pain in my left side (ovary area). I realized that after several months of bleeding into my 3rd week of the pills and then again on the acutual time that I should have been on my period, that I wasn't absorbing them. I called my GYN and he felt the same way. He switched me to Ortho Tricyclene (sp) This is only my first pack, and I am still getting my period on the thrid week of active pills. I think that this will change after the 2nd or third month and my body starts adjusting to this pill. I would recommend talking to your doctor. Good Luck.
   — Kristina P.

August 22, 2002
Fat stores estrogen. So as you lose weight you don't store as much estrogen as before. For meopausal women who lose weight fast the fell hot flashes a lot more than when they were heavy. I'm sure the same would be for younger women on BCP. You would need to have your pills adjusted because of the loos of fat.
   — Lee Ann H.

August 22, 2002
Check with your doctor about the pain. It may just be a side-effect from your pill, or it could be cyst-related and therefore very important to have checked out. You may absorb your pill less effectively after and RNY, but I think it would still be able to keep you from getting pregnant. But I think the nuvaring and the birth control patch are other good options. If you're having breakthrough bleeding (i.e., Kristina), it usually means that the hormone levels in your pill are too low (whether that's from a gastric bypass or just a pill, patch or nuvaring that has too low a dose, it doesn't matter). So, switching to a higher-dose pill may get rid of the bleeding. I had alot of bleeding on Alesse but am fine now on Ortho-Cyclen (I personally stay away from pills with different dosages thru the month - makes me too moody). Hope I explained this well.
   — Patricia E.

August 22, 2002
PLEASE, be aware that the birth control PATCH is only good if you are UNDER 200 pounds...any more than that and it won't be the correct dosage and therefore will NOT WORK. PLEASE research that and make sure your doctor has also. I'd hate for you to get prego and be unhealthy after surgery.
   — Paula Prichard