Question:
Are there any scientific studies stating that oral contraceptives don't work for us?

I take ortho-tri-cyclen and am petrified it won't work. I'm 4 month out and so far, so good. However I don't want a surprise! I asked my surgeon and he told me he didn't know if it would work or not. Not too reassuring. I know everyone has their opinions, but I'm looking for scientific facts or studies. I have 30 more lbs. to go before I start using the birth control patch. Thanks.    — Amy M. (posted on January 9, 2004)

January 9, 2004
I assumed it wasn't working for me since I bled the entire time I was on the pill for 2 months after surgery. I had 150 CM bypassed and assume it is not getting absorbed well enough. The PCP agreed with me and recommended the shot.
   — Heather M.

January 9, 2004
This would be a question for your OBGYN or a pharmacist. You most likely wont find any studies regarding birth control and WLS. But there are many types of malabsorbtion issues with several illnesses that your doc may have experience with.
   — RebeccaP

January 9, 2004
Again I am not a physician but I do take birth control and have done so for about 4 years- before and now after surgery. I take Zovia which is a fairly strong dose birth control pill. I use it not only for birth control but also to regulate my cycle. When I had this same concern and questioned my surgeon on it he said that I should not have any problems since I had RNY- proximal, which does not bypass as much of the intestine as the distal does, so the absorption issue should not affect me. I had surgery on 08/22/03 and all was well. However this month I did get my cycle 6 days early- which could be totally unrelated-although I have been regular-but weight loss can effect this so I will have to wait to speak with my ob/gyn to get a definite. Samara
   — SassySamara

January 9, 2004
My surgeon said there should be no problem and my OB/GYN has never had a patient that has had WLS so she has no idea if it will work or not. I'm 14 months out and so far so good but trust me I stress when its time for Aunt Flo to come for her visit. Would love to see some real stats if anyone knows where to find them. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 130+ and under goal
   — Siddy I.

January 9, 2004
I haven't seen any studies on this subject however since we do malabsorb things... my opinion is why chance it? I personally switched over to the patch so I don't have to worry if I'm malabsorbing the pill. Not getting pregnant the first year is so important that many surgeons recommend using a barrier method along with using an oral contraceptive.
   — jennifer A.

January 13, 2004
Amy, I am a OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, this is a question near and dear to my heart. I have done extensive research in this area and I have found no evidence that we can not take "the pill." I could find no official research studies, but I have asked GYN MD's and Surgeons, as well as Pharmacists and they all have said "NO Problem." If you are that worried about getting pregnant, I would use a spermacide along with the pill. I like V.C.F.(Vaginal Copntraceptive Film). It is easy to use and is not messy, since it is a film. You can get it at any drug store, down the condom isle, for just a few dollars. PS. I have found good data about pregnancy after the bypass and it looks good. ~Keri
   — Kerijohnson