today i had my annual physical with my PCP and when she reviewed my medication list she was surprised that I was back on birth control already (i’m one month post op) because she said she’s used to waiting 3 months before starting it back up due the risk of blood clots. But i’m unsure what to do, because a) my surgeon gave me the OK to start BC again after one month and b) i’m sexually active and i would prefer to be on it. and as much as i like my pcp i feel as though i should listen to my surgeon as it’s her specialty. what would you guys do? should i ask my surgeon what she thinks or just continue with it? I won’t see my PCP again for another 3 months, if that matters

I don’t know what to tell you, I would be conflicted too, because you trust both of them... I have a non hormonal, copper IUD and it’s worked out great, if you want to try another method.

On 08/28/2018 at 01:36, baribetty said:

I don’t know what to tell you, I would be conflicted too, because you trust both of them... I have a non hormonal, copper IUD and it’s worked out great, if you want to try another method.

i am open to other methods, IUDs freak me out just from hearing stories but I know my mom has one and does well with it so i’m sure i would too. maybe it’s the best option?

On 08/28/2018 at 01:46, saygrace said:

i am open to other methods, IUDs freak me out just from hearing stories but I know my mom has one and does well with it so i’m sure i would too. maybe it’s the best option?

I would trust your surgeon on this one, as I’m sure your surgeon is aware of the blood clot risk associated with some birth control medications and likely feels you are not at risk for them any longer.

That said, I went ahead and got the Kyleena iud prior to surgery. I had RNY surgery and was worried that my body wouldn’t absorb enough of the pill form of birth control, which would thus make it ineffective. I haven’t had too many issues with Kyleena- except longer periods for the first three months (they are lighter, though). Also, insertion was pretty uncomfortable, but it was over with quickly.

The one thing I wouldn't trust after bariatric surgery is....

dunh dunh dunh.....

the birth control pill

I think it's pretty well-known to be unreliable in preventing conception cuz of our new anatomy. But I had a hyster many years ago so don't really follow this stuff so closely.

On 08/28/2018 at 07:57, FluffyChix said:

The one thing I wouldn't trust after bariatric surgery is....

dunh dunh dunh.....

the birth control pill

I think it's pretty well-known to be unreliable in preventing conception cuz of our new anatomy. But I had a hyster many years ago so don't really follow this stuff so closely.

i got the sleeve so there shouldn’t be an absorption issue but i def don’t want to be pregnant so i’m just going to ask around about what’s best

Careful careful with IUDs (all BC) do your research and looking into pending lawsuits against them...

I got an iud prior to surgery (mirena) and it was almost as traumatic as this damn surgery. I literally passed out. They told me it would be more uncomfortable because my cervix has never been dilated. That was definitely an understatement. During my one year check up I plan to have it removed. I was in pain weeks later after insertion. NEVER AGAIN. I am on a blood thinner now and unfortunately My body is still having a period while on the iud so I’m bleeding like crazy. I thought I was dying when I stood up and blood ran down my leg. Maybe hold off on the birth control. Your body may need to rest in between. Trust Your DR more than us!!!

On 08/28/2018 at 10:51, kaleeshab said:

I got an iud prior to surgery (mirena) and it was almost as traumatic as this damn surgery. I literally passed out. They told me it would be more uncomfortable because my cervix has never been dilated. That was definitely an understatement. During my one year check up I plan to have it removed. I was in pain weeks later after insertion. NEVER AGAIN. I am on a blood thinner now and unfortunately My body is still having a period while on the iud so I’m bleeding like crazy. I thought I was dying when I stood up and blood ran down my leg. Maybe hold off on the birth control. Your body may need to rest in between. Trust Your DR more than us!!!

While my experience with the IUD hasn’t been as traumatic as yours, I agree with the sentiment that I wouldn’t have one put in again because of how uncomfortable insertion was. However, I chose the iud, because my other option was the nuvaring and uhhh the mechanics of inserting and removing those when you’re 300+ lbs just seemed a bit impossible to me. Also- I just wanted one less worry throughout this process and the iud has given me that.

That said, I plan to keep this sucker until my surgeon says it’s okay for us to try to conceive.

@saygrace have you looked into nuvaring? May be a less troublesome option for you.

4 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Careful careful with IUDs (all BC) do your research and looking into pending lawsuits against them...

^^^ I agree. I've heard too many stories of people I know who've had complications.

@saygrace I did the Nuva Ring because I had RNY, and the doctor says it bypasses the digestive system. No problems and I actually love the ring. I started wearing the ring mid Feb, one month after surgery.

12 minutes ago, insta_adventurer said:

However, I chose the iud, because my other option was the nuvaring and uhhh the mechanics of inserting and removing those when you’re 300+ lbs just seemed a bit impossible to me.

@saygrace have you looked into nuvaring? May be a less troublesome option for you.

I wore tampons at my highest weight, and never had a problem inserting them, in the right position of course. If you can wear tampons, you can do the Nuva Ring. There is zero difference in difficulty level or comfort. In fact, I can't feel the ring, at all.

Worth a shot @saygrace.

6 hours ago, kaleeshab said:

I got an iud prior to surgery (mirena) and it was almost as traumatic as this damn surgery. I literally passed out. They told me it would be more uncomfortable because my cervix has never been dilated. That was definitely an understatement. During my one year check up I plan to have it removed. I was in pain weeks later after insertion. NEVER AGAIN. I am on a blood thinner now and unfortunately My body is still having a period while on the iud so I’m bleeding like crazy. I thought I was dying when I stood up and blood ran down my leg. Maybe hold off on the birth control. Your body may need to rest in between. Trust Your DR more than us!!!

IUDs are usually placed while you're on your period because your cervix is softer, open, it's easier, etc. But things don't always go to plan...

@saygrace do what you are most comfortable with after researching, each method has pros and cons

Oh my....so no one has even discussed this with me in any way. I’m so glad to have stumbled onto this one. Ok, so I’m on the depo shot. I get the shot once every 3 months. And upon looking at my calendar after reading this, just realized my next shot is scheduled the day before my surgery. Now obviously I will ask about this at my next appt, but anyone else on depo? They plan to have me on the meds for about 6 weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots because they run in my family really bad. How long after surgery do u have to wait to have sex anyway? Lordy, I never thought to ask this ?

Heck all birth control has risks, NuvaRing had lawsuits as well as the Ortho Evra skin patch and the birth control skin implant. Then folks complain about the depo shot making them fat, or forgetting to take their pills. I hope you are able to find something that works for you. The only way you are going to find what works for you is by picking one and trying it out. They all have their lawsuits and adverse reactions at the end of the day. I had Implanon for a year and only took it out because it made my period come more often than it was supposed to and HEAVIER. I have the Mirena now and haven’t had anything major happen other than a little discomfort the 1st week of insertion and light, irregular periods.

On 08/28/2018 at 20:57, feathery318 said:

Oh my....so no one has even discussed this with me in any way. I’m so glad to have stumbled onto this one. Ok, so I’m on the depo shot. I get the shot once every 3 months. And upon looking at my calendar after reading this, just realized my next shot is scheduled the day before my surgery. Now obviously I will ask about this at my next appt, but anyone else on depo? They plan to have me on the meds for about 6 weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots because they run in my family really bad. How long after surgery do u have to wait to have sex anyway? Lordy, I never thought to ask this ?

i’m not sure about the info for being on the shot, but as far as how long to wait, my surgical team told me whenever i felt ready (as in the day i went home was fine if i wanted to). but obviously nothing crazy lol

okay so update:
i called my surgeons office and spoke with the head nurse (who talked to my surgeon) and they said they “don’t override PCP but they’re fine with my taking it”. so they kind of left it up to me and i’m going to continue taking it. i’m active enough right now that i’m not worried about blood clots, and my surgeon says it’s okay so that’s really my number one. i think it’s just because different programs have different standards.


as far as methods go, i think i’m going to stick with the pill. i’ve never had a problem remembering to take it, and i’ve been on it since i was 14 (for PCOS that young) and i’m 22 now. there’s so many scary stories out there about IUDs, so it’s hard to consider. I think if i were to do anything else it would be the nuvaring, but as far as my PCP is concerned, the ring and the pill put me at equal risk for clots. so long story short, i’m going to stick with the pill.