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
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