Does anyone know if it safe to have the lap band w/the IUD implanted? I haven't got a chance to spk w/the Dr yet, my gyno thought it would be okay, but today I was reading that birth control is much less effective within the first 18mths post op. I do not want anymore children for a few more years and I am not sure I want anymore even then. Me and my husband have 3 together and we are happy with them. Please if anyone has any info on birth control effectiveness w/the lap band let me know....

Why would birth control be less effective after surgery? Most birth controls are more effective if you weigh less, arent' they?

I was on depo when I had my surgery and I recently switched to the pill. I haven't had a problem with either one, and I haven't had my doctors say anything about them being less effective.

The IUD implanted may become displaced if you lose a lot of weight. Mine did and I had to have it surgically removed. This wasn't while I was banded but during one of my many weight losses. They told me it was because I had lost weight and lost it rapidly. I had lost 40 lbs in 6 months. I don't call that "rapid". So I would be careful.

Hi,

I would rather go for the 3 month injectable birth controll.

They are able to dose it very well, you don't have to worry about anything for - 3 months.

And no problems about it not fitting with more weightloss or any infections.

Or go for the patch.

I would not get the IUD on the grounds that it's painful, causes heavy bleeding problems, and you can still get pregnant. The egg does not implant, and it will abort itself. I don't mean to be preachy here, but I would not feel comfortable knowing that every month I might be aborting. I just wouldn't do it.

I had a girlfriend who got pregnant with an IUD, when she delivered the baby the OB/GYN took out the IUD and told her that was what was keeping her from getting pregnant..... I guess it was suppose to be the doctor's way of making light of the situation. She was happy to have another baby, but not with the circumstances since she was trying not to get pregnant.

The injectable BC (Depo) is the one I was on. It works very well, you don't have to worry about it, BUT weight gain is a very common side effect. I switched from it because I was having trouble losing. I couldn't tell you whether it helped, lol

Major side effect of the Depro provera birth control shot is WEIGHT GAIN!!! Unfortunatly the weight that you gain from the shot isn't as easy to get off as it is to put on. I gained 85 lbs in 7 months. They didn't tell me that was a major side effect and it was well before I was a nurse. But, I at that time had decided I would rather be fat then pregnant as I had just had two babies back to back. Think very long and hard if you decide to do the shot, Very few %of people don't have weight gain but when you are banded who would want to chance that it hindered what you fought so hard for?

I got one shot of Depo back in like 1998. I got my shot at 9am, by 6pm I was crying my eyes out for no apparent reason. I had two moods during that time period either very mad or very emotional (crying). I also gained about 40lbs in the 3 months. My period went away for about 9 months and I felt like I was menopausal because I had no interest in sex. I had many of the symptoms women complain about with menopause.

Personally I don't do the IUD because of the fear of abortive action. But like I said it is a personal thing. I have never heard of it causing a problem with the band, but I admit I haven't looked into it.

Best of luck to ya!

I have the IUD, and have had it for 4 years, I have not had any pregnancy's. The periods are a little heavier but not unbearable, the first few months you have cramps that dont feel like your typical cramps. Its best for me because i cant remember to take pills, the depro made me skip my period and although nice, I always thought I was pregnant lol.

It primarily prevents pregnancy by interfering with the movement of sperm thus preventing fertilization of the egg. The copper IUD prevents fertilization as well as affecting the lining of the uterus so implantation will not occur.

I have NEVER had a problem, and they say it is more then 98 percent effective, and does not increase possiblities of pregnancy.

It was uncomfortable when inserted but no worse then the exam they do when they are checking to see if you are dialated when pregnant. I also have three kids and doctor told me that thats what makes it so much easier for us is because our cervix is used to it :-) Good luck in your decision!!!

Oh, yeah, I have it in now its been almost 2yrs and I have not had any problems, I actually never have a period, I might spot but that's it, so I am loving it. I just didn't know if the lap band and the iud together would work.....

i've had an IUD for 5 years. No problems since banding, but i'm going to make an appointment here soon to make sure it hasn't moved or anything, but i wasn't told it was a problem for surgery.

I've had the new IUD (murena?) for 3 years and it has caused me no problems with the lap-band. Contrary to the previous posts about heavier periods, I rarely have one at all. Other than occasionally feeling like the bionic woman because of all devices implanted in me, I have no issues.