Hello, Can I use any kind of Birth Control or do i need a specific one.

There was no requirement to use a specific one, but just that we needed to use one as we become super fertile with dramatic weight loss.

I never had a problem swallowing the pills. The doctor said I could take them as normal but to be sure to drink a full glass of Water afterwards.

i was told that it didn't matter what (pills, shots, patches, rings, etc.) just as long as it was something.

You should check with your surgeon...for the surgery...pills with hormones (and/or shots etc) can increase the risk of blood clots. Depending on your blood work and risk factors, your doctor may prefer that you not take that type of birth control so that it won't be in your blood stream during surgery. It isn't a major risk factor for everyone and your surgeon would be the one to make the call.

Post op I agree 100% with the other posters...my doc said don't get pregnant for the 1st year. We had to sign that we understood and would comply with that! :thumbup: (you need to heal etc)

My doctor has said no hormonal birth control methods for a month before and a month after because of the risk of blood clots. I haven't asked about anything else after that. I've been married for 8 1/2 years and never used anything and I only have 1 daughter that was conceived after endometriosis surgery, glucophage, and clomid. I'm not used to worrying about it....

I have never heard anything about birth control. I was not on it before, nor will I take it after. My surgeon never mentioned it to me. I don't think its mandatory...I'm Catholic and wouldn't have had the surgery if it was.

They just don't want you to get pregnant within the first year of having the band because of the healing process and the fact that you are losing a lot of weight and that's not the best environment for a pregnancy. My doctor has "strongly suggested" the use of some contraception during this time period, but you could always abstain....:thumbup: