Question:
I am 4 mo's p/op & would like some feedback on birth control.
If there are any suggestions you might have- please feel free to share. — S. K. (posted on March 4, 2002)
March 4, 2002
Based on my personal experience, I wouldn't recommend you rely on any
hormone based contraceptive until your weight is stablized. I was on the
pill faithfully, had VBG (no malabsorption) and got pregnant at about one
year post op. Wasn't in my plans, to say the least. If it's important to
you that you NOT get pregnant, use a barrier method or IUD. Just my
experience, for what it's worth.
— [Anonymous]
March 4, 2002
I asked surgeon about this since surgery creates malabsorption, I was
concerned about what if anything was being absorbed with birth control
pills. Stated they were very effective, and recommended them.
jeanne
— Jeanne P.
March 4, 2002
I got an IUD a month before surgery and my iron levels have steadily
declined since then because my periods were so heavy. I got the IUD taken
out two weeks ago (my new lover was worried that it wasn't effective-enough
birth control either, so it was for the best) and now I'm back on Ortho
1/35s, a sort of middle-generation birth control pill that's got higher
doses of both hormones than the "modern" pills. I took this pill
on and off for more than 8 years so I know it works for me without annoying
side effects, and I figure because it's higher dosage, even if I do
malabsorb a little bit, it will still work. FWIW, one of the best
indications of insufficient hormones while you're on bcps is breakthrough
bleeding. I'm not having any, so I feel pretty safe. My partner and I will
also continue to use condoms at least through this first pack if not
longer.<br>It is so important to be happy with the birth control
you're using... nothing kills the mood faster for me than worrying about
maybe getting pregnant if I don't want to be. HTH... and don't be afraid to
ask your gyno a lot of questions, and to completely read the insert from
the pills and to ask questions about that if you need to.
— Julia M.
March 4, 2002
To the woman who posted below with the VBG who got pregnant after a year on
the pill... I'm so sorry to hear what happened to you but it very likely
had nothing to do with your WLS. The pill only works to prevent pregnancy
99% if taken completely correctly, and it's more like 94% if any pills are
missed in the year. That means that out of 100 women who take the pill
perfectly, one of them will get pregnant anyway... so your pregnancy might
have been just bad luck.<p>If you absolutely must avoid pregnancy,
abstinence or a method like birth control pills PLUS condoms every single
time must be employed. Condoms are only 86% reliable (14 women our of 100
whose partners always use condoms will get pregnant in a year) but combined
with diligent birth control pill usage, the results approach 100%
reliability. Whether it's worth the money & trouble is of course up to
you and your lover. :-)
— Julia M.
March 4, 2002
Hormonal forms of birth control are UNRELIABLE at this point. While you
are losing so much weight, your body's hormones are unstable, thus making
any form of hormonal birth control UNRELIABLE. Do not count on this to
prevent pregnancy. Those who say that they took "the pill" or
got the "depo shot" and didn't get pregnant were LUCKY. I would
use some other method of birth control. In fact, I DO use other methods of
birth control. I would talk to a gynecologist or midwife regarding this
issue. As well educated as surgeons are, they are surgeons, and do not
specialize or necessarily research in this area. My surgeon's PA gave me
lots of information regarding this issue. Refereed research articles that
prove hormonal birth control is UNRELIABLE. Hate to sound preachy, but
this issue comes up a lot and people need to be accurately informed. Sorry
if condoms ruin the mood, but so does an unwanted pregnancy and we do not
need more unwanted babies in this world. OK, done now, off my soapbox. If
you want some more specific information, please feel free to email me.
:-)
— Kierstin C.
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