Question:
What about Birth Control?
I am 6.5 mth post-op and needing to get back on birth control. Before surgery I was always on Depro shot, but have seen on the message board that this has caused some problems. Any suggestions for short term (1-2 years) birth control besides condoms? — stacy S. (posted on August 26, 2003)
August 26, 2003
We you having problems on Depo before surgery? I would think if you didn't
have problems before you shouldn't have problems now. But of course
everyone's body can act differntly after WLS. I have been on Depo for 18
months and had surgery in April and have not had any problems that I would
associate with the Depo. I'm not on it for the long term, I hope to have
children in the somewhat near future. As for alternative to condoms...what
about spermicide inserts, or they also make pre-filled applicators. I know
I have heard that the patch is not effective for people over a certain
weight.
— Sarahlicious
August 26, 2003
I have the Nuva ring that my gynocologist prescribed for me. It's a
plastic ring that you insert and leave in for 3 weeks, then take it out for
one week, have your period and put a new one in. They contain hormones
like the pill, but you don't have to remember to take it, it doesn't
interfere with spontanious passion and it's very effective.
— Happy I.
August 26, 2003
re: the first poster sugg using spermacide just my opinion I WOULDNT USE
THAT its not as effective as a condom or other b/c i got pregnant while
using spermicide so be carefull!!
— Deanna Wise
August 26, 2003
I know I do not have the most popular opinion but I am a Depo Provera shot
girl and will likely be till the day they wheel me into surgery to do a
hysterectomy.
<p>Some people swear they gained as much as 100 lbs from the shots
and I cannot say they did not but I have NEVER known anyone to gain that
sort of weight JUST from the Depo. I suspect there was more going on than
just the Depo, but I do not know that for sure.
<p>I do not understand why they made you quit for surgery as there is
no estrogen in the shots which is where the blod clot risk comes from. It
actually may still be in your system some if you just quit right before
surgery. I have been on shots since May 1995 and I have always gotten my
shots more often than the norm to keep bleeding at bay. I was on 6 week
shots early on and have been on 8 week for about 4-5 years, which have
worked great for me. The huge amount of estrogen in my body from all the
fat just needed more than the normal dosage of progesterone to balance it.
All of my blood numbers were normal but based on how my body reacted we
came to this conclusion. Now that I am down almost 160 lbs we are going to
very slowly start increasing the distance between shots in hopes of getting
me to the normal 12 week shots. If it doesn't work we will just stop at
whatever interval works.
<p>There is no way that I can say that eh weight I have gained had
anything to do with the Depo. It also obviously has not affected my weight
loss as the 159 lbs I am down is in less than 7 months. I cannot believe I
am special and my body uses Depo different than everyone else.
<p>If Depo has worked well for you in the past then I would consider
going back to it. However, if you are only looking to use it for 1-2 years
you might want to consider something else as it can take 12-18 months for
the Depo to totally get out of your system to get pregnant. An IUD, ring,
BCP's with spermacide and condoms should all be reliable choices. You
really need to discuss with your OB/GYN. Just make sure he or she
understands the malabsorption component of just BCP's.
— zoedogcbr
August 26, 2003
though i am still pre-op, i have used depo also and i gained 30 pounds in 3
months, so, i believe its very possible to gain alot of weight from using
that method of birth control.
there are many new and easy to use methods available. i have trouble
remmebering to take pills so i opted for the ortho evra patch. it can be
hidden any where on your body, except your breast, so no one will ever know
u have it on and you can be as spontanious as you like!
— ms8kane
August 26, 2003
Hi Stacy...I've been using the Ortho Evra patches for the last year without
any side effects..the only thing with the patches are that they are not
effective if you weigh over 198lbs...there is also the monthly Lunelle
shots, and the NuvaRing...Hope that helps! Denise 316/158
— lily1968
August 26, 2003
I have the Mirena IUD and I LOVE it. It is as effective as having your
tubes tied and I don't even know it is there. Go to the Mirena website to
find out more info. Although my insurance covered it fully, a lot of them
don't so look into that as well (the device can cost about $600 and
insertion is usually $150). The great thing is that periods become LIGHTER
with it, as opposed to heavier like with tradtional copper-T IUDs. It is
also good for 5 years. It's worth a look into!
— SarahC
August 26, 2003
I second the Mirena IUD. I've had it for a year and it's great!
— lizinPA
August 27, 2003
I am on Yasmin birth control pills and absolutely love it - why? It is
very effective in controlling acne (it contains spironolactone, a
frequently prescribed drug used for acne). My complexion looks great and I
feel secure that I won't have an unintended "oops!" lol
— Kate G.
August 27, 2003
Stacy, I was on Depo until 2 mos before surgery and went on it immediately
after surgery. I have lost 92lbs in 6 mos and feel fine. I was on Yasmin
for the 2mos I wasn't on Depo. It's an individual decision and one you
should discuss with your doc.
— Amy P.
August 27, 2003
Hi, I have been on the depo shot for approximately 10 years now. I have
never had any problem with it, and it did not cause me to gain weight; I
was gaining weight long before I started it. My periods were always very
heavy and I clotted alot, even on the pill. The shot has kept me from
having periods, and also has leveled out my moods somewhat because I suffer
from hormone imbalances. I got my last shot 5 days before surgery at the
recommendation of my surgeon; I wondered if I should get it before or after
surgery, and she told me to get it before. I'm 8 days out now and have had
no complications and am down 15 pounds.
— Moysa B.
August 27, 2003
some people gain small amounts of weight on depo, usually <15 #. few
docs are recommending lunelle as it requires monthly Dr. visits for shots,
and not too many women are thrilled about that. Depo is usually every 12
weeks. Mirena seems to be effective, and the most common problem with it is
increases numbers of ovarian cysts. I know someone who had it removed
because of that. Another person I know using Mrena LOVES it. It is a
no-brainer, It goes in , you dont feel it after the first day ( a little
crampy for a day) then Light to no periods. and it lasts 5 years.
— **willow**
August 27, 2003
for shorter term , you can have the mirena removed before 5 years if you
want to become pregnant. cost for depo aprox 50$ every 3 months, is aprox
200$ a year, merena was $500 for 5 years, which is why one person I know
chose Mirena. She had become preg on the pill.
— **willow**
August 27, 2003
Just a caution to people using the BCP's or the ortho evra. The ortho evra
is only effective if you weight 200 lbs or less. This is in the
manufactuer's literature.
<p>It is my understanding that BCP's, no matter what kind, are not
effective because of not absorbing all of the medication. So please be
careful if your goal is not to get pregnant in the first 18 months.
— zoedogcbr
August 27, 2003
I have a copper IUD and I love it....nothing to take or worry about, no
synthetic hormones for 10 years. IUDs are a safe, effective and very under
used form...I highly recommend one.
— Sarah S.
August 27, 2003
Just a funny story...A manager I worked with was on Depo for 5 yrs. and had
no periods during that time. She had been having problems with hernias and
was seeing a surgeon. She was also developing symptoms during that time
period that were explained away by staff and the doctor as being from the
hernia and a "tumor" in her abdomen they were also going to
remove, ie. movement in stomach, swollen abdomen, etc. Anyway, during the
pre-op U/S to locate the tumor, they discovered it was a boy! Yep, 7 mos.
gestation by that time. Boy, was she surprised! Wound up having a
c-section and hernia repair--2 for 1! Only a hysterectomy is 100%! Sorry,
just had to tell that story.
— jillym67
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