Birth control

[Ljones1 48]

Thank you all.

[ScottsGirl 106]

Why no birth control? There have been several pregnancies on here recently, you should do a forum search for "pregnancy" to see how their experiences can help you with your questions. I personally would not invite pregnancy in the early stages after the sleeve as it could be counterproductive and/or could cause major problems with getting enough nutrients. Just too dangerous for a baby's health if you think about it.

Good luck!

[Cocopuff88 61]

Not a good idea early out. I agree with the above poster. You wouldn't want to put the baby at risk because you're not getting proper nutrition in the beginning. My surgeons office actually wants us to wait 2 years out. Some are shorter but I would never try while my body is recovering from something so major. Pregnancy is very major to your body as well.

[marfar7 1,528]

I'm 46 and on bcp's. I was married from 21 - 40 and we tried to get pregnant that whole time, never used birth control once. My husband had make factor infertility + I think I had a little (as we did IVF and it didn't work either). My 1st husband died 6 yrs ago.

Fast forward: I'm now remarried to a man with 2 grown kids. Now I'm on birth control cuz I figure God has a sense of humor. Now would be the time I'd get pregnant (46 and not really wanting any more kids).

Had to stop my bcp's a month before surgery (to prevent blood clots) and I started retaking them about a week into it. We used condoms till I was on them for 4 weeks. My husband is really strict about using birth control. he wants no accidents. If it were up to me, I'd say what the heck...but alas I'm now waiting on my 27 yr old step son to create some grandbabies for me to play with...

[ScottsGirl 106]

I'm 46 and on bcp's. I was married from 21 - 40 and we tried to get pregnant that whole time, never used birth control once. My husband had make factor infertility + I think I had a little (as we did IVF and it didn't work either). My 1st husband died 6 yrs ago.

Fast forward: I'm now remarried to a man with 2 grown kids. Now I'm on birth control cuz I figure God has a sense of humor. Now would be the time I'd get pregnant (46 and not really wanting any more kids).

Had to stop my bcp's a month before surgery (to prevent blood clots) and I started retaking them about a week into it. We used condoms till I was on them for 4 weeks. My husband is really strict about using birth control. he wants no accidents. If it were up to me, I'd say what the heck...but alas I'm now waiting on my 27 yr old step son to create some grandbabies for me to play with...

I am 46 as well and not interested in any more children. Although we haven't used birth control in the seven years we've been together, I opted to have the Novasure procedure done in July; THE best thing I've ever done! NO chance of getting preggers and almost NO periods (only spotting for a few days!) If you're interested, talk to your GYN to see if you're a candidate. Here's some info on it ... http://www.novasure.com/

With the sleeve, it's ALWAYS best to discuss the consequences of pregnancy with your surgeon.

[Ljones1 48]

Just was looking for other people's options. I don't plan to start trying to conceive intil 4-6 months post sleeve.I will listen to my body but refuse birth control and I choose what God Wills for me.

[Missylaneous 27]

I often wonder about this. I desperately want children. Fertility was a major part of my decision making for the sleeve. I have PCOS and do not ovulate. I've been with my husband for almost 12 years, married for 6. We have not been able to conceive. I have to be on birth control because if I am not I get my period and it doesn't stop and I need high hormone doses or a D&C procedure to stop it. I am excited to see if the sleeve will help me conceive naturally--either way--I was told many times fertility specialists would want me to lose weight before they would help me.

That said, I want what is best for the health of my future unborn child. I am not healthy now and would put a baby in danger at this weight. Post surgery--I would put the baby in danger (and myself). My doctor recommends 18 months. I am going to weight a year and then start my research/endo appointments to check my fertility before I proceed.

If you do not want to use birth control (believe me I never did and if I didn't need them for PCOS I wouldn't be on them) you can practice natural family planning. Amazon sells ovulation strips in bulk for cheap (some 50 count for around 20 bucks) I used these monthly to see if I was ovulating. I understand your want to conceive and your reasons for not wanting birth control. But that beautiful unborn baby needs nutrition from you and you cannot provide it that early on. If so---you are defeating the purpose of getting the sleeve.

Either way---good luck and I wish the best for you.

[Arts137 1,811]

Umm, I hope I'm not in the powder Room, but oh well. Listen talk to the team. You DO NOT want to get preggo right after the sleeve since you will be losing so much weight...

[DeniseM 238]

Just was looking for other people's options. I don't plan to start trying to conceive intil 4-6 months post sleeve.I will listen to my body but refuse birth control and I choose what God Wills for me.

As a Christian I understand what you are saying, but I can tell you that God's will would be for you to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and by refusing to follow your doctor's advice and not use birth control you could put both yourself and your baby at serious risk. After surgery your body needs time to heal and for your weight to stabilize. Please talk to your surgeon about this. My surgeon wouldn't do my surgery unless I signed a contract stating I would use birth control for 18 months. I am on birth control now (Nuvaring) for the first time in 12 years. As much as I want a baby, I want a healthy and well nourished baby. I would never forgive myself if I caused harm to my baby due to my nutritional status after surgery.