Birth control after gastric bypass...

[Ready2LoseIt213 34]

So I have a question.. What type of birth control are you ladies on after surgery? Pill, shot, implant etc? I asked my doctor about what would be better and if the pill would be absorbed since I have had gastric bypass . I was just curious as to what methods other people are using and if they had any side effects such as weight gain, headaches, high blood pressure etc? Thanks for the help!

[Cervidae 2,389]

hello!

I have PCOS so I really must always be on birth control or suffer the numerous consequences (namely intense pain during my periods and sometimes no period at all, which damages my body). I had surgery in August of last year, and have been on it again since about week 2. My surgeon told me to wait to take it becuase the blood thinners we take during surgery can react poorly with birth control.

I've been on two different ones within the past year. Orsythia was the first one, which is a "seasonal period" kind of pill that makes it so you only get your period 4 times a year. This is mainly for people with hormonal issues (like me). I switched to a different one in December, called Apri, and I prefer this one. It's just a normal birth control. I've had no real side effects, though it can be hard to tell. Since I started this one, I stall whenever I get my period. It's hard to know whether that's an issue within my own body because of my disorder or if it's from the birth control. Most likely, it's my body.

The point here is, it's definitely being absorbed. None of my surgeons/doctors/pcos specialists were in any way concerned that it wouldn't be. So if taking a pill is something you're used to or would like to do, don't worry about it at all and just talk to your doctor or gyno.

[nicky2221 11]

Random question but what was your first period like after surgery? I'm in so much pain :-( I'm usually in pain as I have endometriosis and PCOS so time of the month is never pleasent but this time it's worst!

[carmar23 10]

If you're concerned about absorption you could consider NuvaRing

[CHM 1,011]

I am currently using a NuvaRing, but I'm going to call and make an appointment to have a Mirena inserted. Even with the once a month dosing of the ring, I'm having a hard time remembering to pick up my refill, remove, and replace it in a timely manner. I haven't been on BC in 14 years (haven't needed it), so I'm just not in the habit. I can't imagine me on daily pills! Lol. Haven't had any side effects with it though.

As for the first period after surgery, mine was extra long (3 weeks, arriving a week after surgery), and normal on the heaviness and discomfort scale (though I have neither endo nor PCOS). I did stall for a couple weeks as soon as it finished though.

[Ready2LoseIt213 34]

I started my period while in the hospital. One day after surgery! Fun! Lol ... I haven't been on birth control in a very long time. It took many years for me to get pregnant for my daughter but I do not want to get pregnant any time soon so I'm trying to figure out which would be best. I have considered the Nexplanon which is a tiny implant in your arm that is good for 3 years. My best friend is on that one but seems to have a period 2-3 times a month and I'm not all about that life! Lol...

Cervidae--- did you have any raises in your blood pressure with the pills? I do like the idea of seasonal periods hahah

[alishams86 12]

I've got the nexplanon (implant) and I love it! Before surgery I was on the pill but worried about after surgery and being able to swallow pills and absorption so I got the nexplanon inserted about two months prior to surgery. My first period after surgery dragged on for weeks! It was nuts. The first week of my period I had bad cramping but after that it was just an annoyance to have to deal with.

[Cervidae 2,389]

@@Ready2LoseIt213 it's hard to tell, because my blood pressure was always kind of unstable. I also used to be on a medication to stabilize it, and have since gone off that medication because I no longer need it.

[amishamaree 11]

I've been on the Depo shot and I've had no problems. No periods in fact. I actually just get the kits and give them to myself in my thigh at home every three months according the schedule. Makes it 10 times easier. I have a horrible time remembering to take pills and the IUD gave me horrible cramps 3 days a month. Once I was able to give myself the blood thinner shots after my surgery, I just decided to do the Depo shots too.

[wendilin 29]

I'm pre op but I have pcos and have been on all types of BC? Started with pills but had to stop when I went on blood pressure meds, did depo for years, loved it but the weight gain was over 60 pounds. I have a mirena IUD put in last year, have had maybe 10 days of cycle in the 10 months I've had it. Love that I don't have to think about it, but it really doesn't do much for my hormone level fluctuations. I can't get pregnant so I don't worry about that, it's more to control bad bleeds for me.

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[baconsher 9]

I've got the nexplanon (implant) and I love it! Before surgery I was on the pill but worried about after surgery and being able to swallow pills and absorption so I got the nexplanon inserted about two months prior to surgery. My first period after surgery dragged on for weeks! It was nuts. The first week of my period I had bad cramping but after that it was just an annoyance to have to deal with.

Hey @@alishams86, I too have the nexplanon implant (this year in November will be my 3 year mark), but I was wondering if you have been noticing significant weight loss with it? I'm losing weight but not as fast as I thought being a bypass patient (and compared to others). I also felt like the implant had alot to do with my weight gain prior to surgery and after having my first child, but I have kept it because I like it's convenience and I just said I would work at trying to eat better and being more active. With that being said, have you noticed any weight changes or are you losing weight at a slower pace, or is it just me?

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[milpreve 38]

I have Nexplanon. I had it placed October 2014, and I had surgery with it implanted. I love it! I'm having a period from the shock of surgery, but not enough that I even need a pad. I'm planning on getting a new one placed when this one comes out in 2017, unless my husband and I change our minds and decide to try for a child.

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[alishams86 12]

Hi baconsher, I did have great weight loss with the nexplanon. However I unfortunately had to have it removed due to severe bleeding issues with it. I've moved on to the Nuva ring and so far am still losing at a steady pace with that. How far out from surgery are you? I'm slightly over seven months and have noticed a bit of a slow down in my weight loss, but it's really hard to compare to other people as everyone is so different. I did have a brief period where I didn't have any weight loss for a month while I still had the nexplanon in but it was a side effect of a medication my surgeon put me on for persistent nausea. I had the nexplanon removed mid June and feel like I am still losing at about the same pace as I was before so I haven't really noticed a difference from before to after. I hope this rambling helps some. It's so hard to say. But don't get discouraged! Everyone loses differently. As long as you are feeling good and have energy and are still losing I think you will be fine. I think I'm losing about 10 pounds a month now. Although I can honestly say I have no idea what the average is supposed to be. I had to stop comparing myself to others because I was driving myself batty. I had to realize this is my journey and I need to follow it in a way that works for me. I figure as long as my labs numbers are good and I feel good as long as I eat healthy and can exercise I'm not going to focus too much on the scale and worry about what the "normal" is. This my my new normal and some days it's a real trial but I'm getting it worked out. Again sorry for the long winded post. I hope it helps some! Good luck and I am sure you are doing great on your journey!

[Moogle 116]

I've had Nexplanon for a few months now. They let me keep it for my surgery. I didn't notice any weight gain or loss after starting it. I had some spotting issues immediately after surgery, but nothing in that department from the day it went in. I love it and will probably never use anything else again.