Birth Control/Hormone Questions!

Daisalana · April 4, 2007

My doctor said to stop taking hormones, birth control, and anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS I think I've heard it referred to) 7 days prior to surgery.

I'm on birth control, and have been since 12 to regulate my periods, and I'm wishy-washy with it, I've never gotten pregnant, and my gyno's said that I would likely need glycerin shots or something to get pregnant due to my size. That will be a thing of the past!

However, I take my birth control, with 2 gynocologists telling me it's ok, back-to-back so that I do not have periods at all. Normally if I stop my birth control for a day or two I will get my period.

I'm suppose to stop taking them on April 9th, for April 16th surgery but have a couple concerns. 1. Don't want AF to come for my surgery 2. When can I start taking them again? During clear liquid phase can I have them..or does this mean I will be a month off? That means I would have my period for a month straight.. no thanks

Is there a.. liquid form of BC that can be obtained? Hrm.. if anyone has gone through this or knows any info, please share!

Crishell · April 4, 2007

Never heard of that. I have been on birth control pills for 12 years. Was banded 1/19. Was not told to stop taking my birth control pills. Only Aleve. I think there is some issue with people on insulin/blood sugar meds where they had to stop a day before or something. Did your doc tell you why?

travelgirl · April 4, 2007

I had to stop my birth control 30 days prior to surgery. They said it's because it could possibly cause bleeding problems. The day of surgery when they sent me home, they said it's fine to start taking it again.

I was also told that I should stay away from nsaids from now on, because they can cause ulcers, and that can really complicate things with a lap-band.

If Aunt Flo will be visiting the day of surgery, talk to the surgeon (or someone on his staff if you're not comfortable talking with him directly) about whether they want you to wear a pad or tampon. I've learned through reading the posts on here about this issue that every surgeon has a different preference about this.

Good luck! You'll do fine, and keep us updated on your progress!

Welcome to LBT!

Daisalana · April 4, 2007

travelgirl, so you were able to take the pill when you went home during the clear liquid phase? I'm going to ask my doctors when I go for the pre-op what I should do if I'm bleeding to see what they prefer.

Afrykanvyolet · April 4, 2007

Hey Lauraj,

I was told to stop also, a week before my surgery. BC pills run a risk of blood clots. Also, when a person has surgery, blood clots are also a risk (the reason why you're told to walk after surgery. I guess that's why they tell you to stop. Since blood clots in the legs usually happen a few weeks after surgery, I was informed not to take my pills for one month.

Because I got off the pill, my cycle was messed up and I had it during my surgery. I do think it was beneficial though, because it deters yeast infection from the antibiotics. I am actually due for that time of the month but I'm not sure it will happen. I'm gonna have to start all over again to get back on track.

But you what????? IT'S WELL WORTH IT. ONCE WE GET DOWN TO A DESCENT WEIGHT FOR OUR BODIES, WE PROBABLY WON'T NEED THE PILL TO REGULATE OUR CYCLES. !!!

travelgirl · April 4, 2007

They're small enough, and they dissolve quickly, so I had NO problems with them right after surgery.

Also, they told me, as far as pills go, if it's smaller than a PLAIN M&M, (and it's not an nsaid, stay away from them...) that it should pass through ok. My BCP's are MUCH smaller than that...

dotofoz · April 5, 2007

I had to stop 6 weeks before surgery and can't resume 'til Sunday, which will be first Sunday after my 6 week post op date. I was told same thing w/NSAIDs. I was told that the bc and nsaids was due to bleeding/blood clot issues.

ghettofarm24 · April 5, 2007

I was banded 7-06 and my doc didnt even mention getting off bcp. The day of my surg I was on my period-of course- and I just wore a pad like 3 feet long(the hospital kind). I have had no problems with taking the pill-if your worried it might cause problems you could try the Nuva ring-my friend does that you put one ring in for 3 wk then remove it 1 for your cycle.

Daisalana · April 5, 2007

Nuva ring doesn't sound very appealing

Well he told me to stop taking them a week before surgery due to blood clots, NSADS due to ulcers. My BCP are tiny tiny, much smaller than an M&M, so when I have my pre-op on April 11th, I will just ask if I can start taking it right away. Thanks for all your info!!