Birth Control?... Possibly Tmi

[keldolbeth 262]

I am almost 7 weeks post-op and on the pill (orthocyclen). Unlike many others, both my PCP and surgeon told me it was ok to continue during and after surgery, despite minor risk of blood clots. Neither ever warned me of reduced absorption. However, since surgery I've been on my period for a total of 3.5 weeks. I know it's normal to have wacky periods after surgery. Plus, I tried to skip the placebos one month because I was due to start the day before surgery. I think those issues, combined with rapid weight loss, have made me irregular (not to mention, my face is totally broken out). I've been told I will start to regulate soon.

However, I've been curious about an IUD for a while (haven't checked with insurance yet). BUT I've heard that most OBGYNs will only allow it for women who have already had children. Does anyone know this to be true or untrue? I'm 28, no kids and single so I know it will be a few years (at least the DR recommended 2) before I think about getting pregnant. I always use condoms too but I'm getting sick of the pill. Any thoughts?

One option that hasn't been mentioned here but from other posts I've heard good things... Implanon. It's a little plastic (?) patch that gets inserted in your upper arm. I'd consider that too but, again, have to check with insurance. Anyone have any info on Implanon?

[keldolbeth 262]

Oh, one more thing I just remembered... if you go on the Planned Parenthood website they have a short quiz you can take to determine what form of birth control is best for you. That's how I found out about Implanon.

[livelaughlove 4]

I was told by my PCP that the only kind of oral bc that I could use was jolivette the mini pill because it doesn't contain estrogen. The surgeon ok'd it but reading your posts makes me wonder if it's effective. Is anyone else on it?

[SensationallySassyT 80]

I don't want to have another IUD so I am leaning toward the nuvaring or the patch! Anyone have any experience with either of these forms of birth control?

T~

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

I used the nuvaring but did not like it. It thru my cycle off and gave me a yucky discharge. Of course this is all presurgery. My hubs and I use the old fashion condom route. I just never liked to take BC. I haven't used it since I was 23. Except for me trying the nurvaring in 2008.

[Jesser 295]

I was on Depo for 5 years before, and I had no problems with it. I completely stopped having periods, and even when I finally got off of the shot, it took another full year for it to come back. It did lower my sex drive and increases your appetite somewhat. I recommend it! You just get the shot every 3 months and no more worrying!

[NOELEVON 8]

So those of you who are post op and are using birth control have you had any weight gain or has your weight loss slowed at all? What type are you taking?

[Sannah 258]

Hey!!

I had the IUD before ever having kids. I had the merina removed becauae I could not kick the nausea. I could also not tolerate the acne that came along with it. It was so embarrassing for me.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[SunnyCox 245]

BUT I've heard that most OBGYNs will only allow it for women who have already had children. Does anyone know this to be true or untrue? I'm 28, no kids and single so I know it will be a few years (at least the DR recommended 2) before I think about getting pregnant. I always use condoms too but I'm getting sick of the pill. Any thoughts?

I got the Mirenda when I was 25, and I have had no pregnancies. When I was 30, I had my second one placed with no issues. When you have children, an IUD is easier to place because the cervix is slightly more open than when you don't have children. Find an OBGYN that is comfortable inserting one for you.

I can honestly say that I have never been more happy with a form of birth control. I haven't had a full period since I had it placed. I usually have enough spotting to wear a pantyliner a few days a month. I have no cramps, no period symptoms.

I have tried the Depo shot. I gained 15lbs with each one. It was the reason that I switched to the IUD.

I got the Mirena also. I got it a week to my surgery. I have to say that I'm still debating on whether to keep it or switch to a copper IUD, since the Mirena has hormones in them. The reason I say this is because on July 3rd (last day of my period) it was inserted at my obgyn's office. By July 14th, 4 days after my surgery and 11days after the last day of my cycle I got my period AGAIN! What was different this time was that it lasted a good 2.5weeks! I called my surgeon and as suspected he said it has nothing to do with my VSG surgery. Then I called my Obgyn and sure enough the said it was normal. I was so glad when it was over.

Some people do have abnormal bleeding with the Mirena, but if you talk to a lot of people on the forum, you can find that many of us had more than one period at abnormal times immediately after surgery. I've had 3 since I was sleeved on 6/28. I have had a Mirena IUDs over the last seven years, and I have never had a period that lasted longer than 2-3 days. Since surgery, I had one that lasted a week. It is the hormone flux that occurs after surgery. Consider giving the Mirena a little more time.

[SunnyCox 245]

Hey!!

I had the IUD before ever having kids. I had the merina removed becauae I could not kick the nausea. I could also not tolerate the acne that came along with it. It was so embarrassing for me.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

I've noticed that I've had a lot more acne over the years than I had as a teen. I never thought the Mirena would be the cause??

[TiredOfChubRub 21]

I have mirena. I love it. Best part is, after 6 months I stopped getting my pd all together. I have heard weight loss can cause them to all out so I would be careful.

[keldolbeth 262]

Interesting... good information. Thanks, ladies! Another concern of mine is what I've heard about having the string hanging down. Aren't you supposed to check it every so often? I'm just thinking physically that would be a challenge for me at this weight... I know it will be easier eventually. Anyone have comments on this?

[jennrus 176]

Yes, you need to check it. At this size I can barely wipe forget check strings! This will get easier every day. I do like not having to think about it. I used to have very heavy periods and only spot for a fee days now.

One thing I do know is that I intend to be a heck of a lot more sexually active as the weight falls off so want to make darn sure nothing happens.

[NOELEVON 8]

Has anyone's partner been able to feel the strings?

[jennrus 176]

Lol I told mine that is his job from now on. He offers up that service daily so never an issue! Lol.