Birth Control

[irishcailin68 9]

The information my mom received said birth control medication needed to be stopped 3 weeks prior to surgery. Is that the case for everyone? I'd really like to be able to keep taking mine all the way through.

[Molly2180 8]

I had to stop mine 1 month before, too high of a risk for blood clots & stroke. Have to talk to my gyn soon about hormone free alternatives like a copper IUD.

[spraine 14]

There are some docs who would like you to stop any estrogen containing medications due to risk of blood clots. Not all docs will recommend it, but women who are morbidly obese are at higher risk for blood clots at baseline...surgery and birth control just add to it. Your physician will give you some type anti-embolism measures--compression stockings, sequential compression devices, lovenox, all of the above--but still want you off the pills. Don't be too upset if you have to stop it. Surgery and weight loss will play havoc with your cycles anyway. Just be sure to use an alternative form of birth control!

Of note, the Mirena IUD is a wonderful alternative to OCPs (oral contraceptives). They release a small daily dose of progesterone to the uterus and are fabulous for controlling heavy menstrual cycles. There are also non-hormonal alternatives, such as the Copper IUD, but your cycles will likely be heavier. Off course, even if you never have a cycle on your Mirena IUD, you will likely get one due to surgery and rapid weight loss.

Hope that helps.

[erp 2,016]

I had no restrictions. I only didn't take it for the two days I was in the hospital.

[Paige23 2]

My doc told me no BC for 3 weeks prior and 8 weeks after.