Question:
Weight plateau and birth control. Related???

I'm about 7 months post-op and have lost 80 pounds or so. I've noticed the last several months that I go 3 or 4 weeks without losing anything, and then in the 4 or 5 days after my period ends, I lose 5 or 6 pounds. Strange. For the next 3 weeks before my period starts again, it doesn't seem to matter what I do - I can drink tons of water, do straight protein for days, excercise my a** off, take Metabolife, etc. and my weight doesn't budge. Then my period rolls around, and a couple days later I lose 5 pounds, even if I've been eating badly that day. I'm wondering if this is connected at all to my birth control, Ortho Tri Cyclen. I take it for 3 weeks, and then off for a week, take for 3 weeks, off for a week, and so on and so forth. And during the week I'm off the pill, my weight loss kicks in. Then I start the cycle again and don't lose a pound 'til weeks later during my next "week off" the pills. I realize this could be tied more to natural menstrual cycle than pill cycle, but I'm wondering if anyone has noticed the same thing, and if I might continue my weight loss more regularly and consistently by switching to another method of birth control. Maybe Depo Provera, an IUD, something like that... Any ideas? I'd like to be losing more that 4 pounds a month at this point.    — Tiffany J. (posted on February 9, 2004)

February 9, 2004
i work for a group of midwives and from what i have learned from them, just about any hormonal birth control has the unfortunate side effect of causing weight gain. if you choose depo-provera, the result may even be worse. i would opt for a non-hormonal type of birth control. i personally have an iud (Paraguard) and love it. it is non-hormonal and lasts for 10 years. there is a new iud on the market called Mirena, that does have hormones in it but it is suppose to help lessen menstrual flow, not sure about the weight gain issue with it though. there are so many different types of birth control on the market. if you have any questions feel free to email me or call your doctor. also, if you haven't already, get your thyroid levels checked. this is just a simple blood draw. best of luck -keri
   — Keri P.

February 10, 2004
I have sworn off all forms of hormonal birth control for this very reason. I had these issues (weight loss not budging) with a few different brands of birth control pills (BCPs) <b>prior</b> to surgery, and after surgery, didn't start the BCPs again for fear of the absorption=pregnancy issue. I decided to try the NuvaRing, which is inserted intravaginally. For the two months I was on this method, I lost only 5-7 lbs. the <b>entire time.</b> On a hunch, I stopped using the NuvaRing, and within 2 weeks had lost 10 lbs. I briefly considered trying the patch, and even applied it for about an hour, but (being so afraid) I took it off and threw it away, fearing that my weight loss would again stall.<br> <br> My fiance and I have switched to condoms since then, and I have been trying to convince him to get a vasectomy (which I have now figured out he won't do because he's so afraid of needles and doctors). Once I get completely fed up with the condoms (and the day is fastly approaching), my next step is the Paraguard IUD, because the Mirena IUD is hormonal. I refuse to get my tubes tied, because i hear that can throw you into early menopause, and I'm not ready to go there! Good luck with whatever you decide. (Open PROXIMAL Rny, 7/7/03, 227/155/127)
   — sweetmana

February 10, 2004
Whatever you decide to do I would stay away from Depo Provera shots. They are very controversial. Go to www.Google.com & search for depo provera side effects.
   — squeejlueej

February 10, 2004
I too only lose weight once a month..the month I don't use my patch! I've always lost weight like that though so it didn't worry me at all. I like my patch and can handle a slower weight loss so I don't worry about it. If you really don't want to use birth control, consider Natural Family Planning. You can search for this on Google, or you can ask one of your Catholic friends as that is what they use as birth control. It also depends on the person! Every situation effects different people differently. Godd Luck
   — Carol S.

Click Here to Return