Post-op Birth Control pill question-another one.

[KatieD6982 68]

Ok, ladies, for those of you who use the "pill" what were you advised to do after surgery?

Were you told to increase the dose, also use condoms? (If condoms, how long did you have to use the double-up method?)

Thanks for any advice!

-K

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I continued taking my pill straight through surgery. Didn't take it the morning of my surgery, because I wasn't allowed anything by mouth for 12 hours pre-op, but took it later that evening after my surgery. My husband and I also used condoms for the first 2 months or so post-op, because I had been on antibiotics and I had heard SO MANY stories of increased fertility post-op, so I was terrified of getting pregnant!

[Kiba 47]

I was supposed to get prescribed some for PCOS but my PCP and Surgeon felt it would be best I start them a month or two after surgery. When I asked why, they said it is something new to introduce to the body and it is better to wait once I've healed a bit, they also said it could interfere with weight loss, so I should be careful with my intake when I do get on them. I will be starting them soon, until then been very cautious with condoms and using the calendar method to avoid an oops. I too was informed the increased fertility is an issue.

[KatieD6982 68]

I just got back from my doctor's office where I talked this through with her at length. She said because the sleeve is a restrictive procedure only, you don't have to worry about it not getting absorbed by the body. She does recommend using a barrier method (condoms, or switch to nuva-ring) for 3 months. Gastric bypass patients are told to use the barrier method for good because of the absorption issues.