Girls: Depo Provera and the Lapband

[rock_bottom_enthusiast 0]

Heya folks. I've been on Depo provera for six months. I neglected to get my last shot because of some of my concerns (side effects and wanting to conceive eventually). Last shot was due on 2/15/11, which I skipped so I can get off it. My question - I've been banded since March 2010, and my weight loss basically slowed and then stopped in the time I've been on Depo. I've still lost a lot of weight, but most all of it was in the months before I got on depo.

Back history - I was on depo a few years ago, gained a little weight, but then, I was already fat. When I stopped it, my periods came back after about 3-4 monnts. I'm hoping this time around is the same because I want to start trying to conceive in about 2 years from now, and I know depo is long acting and I want to clear it from my body long before I start TTC. My age is also a concern (26 now, I was 19-20 during my first depo experience).

Can anyone share their experiences with depo, both with how it relates to being banded/weight loss and in general (especially concerning periods/ovulation and TTC)? Thanks

[stateofzen 46]

I haven't been on Depo in about 10 years. I too took it for six months and it took a year for my periods to return, so it's good you're going off now if you want to conceive in 2 years, just in case it takes you as long as it took me.

I take BCP now (Apri is the brand name) and I have had no problems losing on it. In fact, one of the weird things about me compared to the other ladies is that where some people gain or stall around their period, I can count on losing 4-5 lbs when I start (and it's a permanent loss). I have no idea why it works that way, but I'm not complaining. Knowing what I know about the Depo side effects (and how it works by storing in your fat), I would not be at all surprised if you see weight loss after it cycles out of your system (though again, because it is stored in fat, the more you have, the longer it seems to take to disappear).

I don't think this was probably helpful, but it's all I can offer!

[crzyfry 0]

Well I had major side effects I gained 100lbs in 9 months with Depo that is what started my weight gain for me and I have never been able to loose more that 50-60lbs since. I am praying that with lapband I will get below 200 agian!

The other problem is that my Blood pressure shot out of control and since depo have not been able to use any other birth conrol because my BP shoots up. I had been on BC for 5 years before depo an never had a problem.

I think people on Depo should really read the research and see all the problems it has caused for many people!

[rock_bottom_enthusiast 0]

Thanks ladies! I will see how it goes. Hopefully well.

[TracyNYC 4]

I know I packed on a lot after being on Depo, but was off it for 2 years and did not lose much. I am back on it and BOTH the surgeon and Gyno said it has very little to do with weight gain/retention. My loss has been good with band, but I wonder if it would be better without it.

I want to switch BC methods, but neither doc wants me on the pill because I am 42. The Gyno and I have discussed some permanent things, but I don't know about going that route either. I have no kids, and probably won't have any, but am just unsure about taking a permanent step.

Good job to stop the Depo now and let it cycle out. It takes a long time to regulate after wards.

Best of luck,