Birth Control

[AlamoTeacher 2]

Hello everyone!

I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share?

Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

[ByeFelicia 22]

22 minutes ago, AlamoTeacher said:

Hello everyone!

I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share?

Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

I have an IUD, and it's a love/hate relationship. I love the fact that it's a type of birth control that I don't really have to think about and it's good for 5 years.

The downside, in 2 months I've had to have 3 IUD's put in because yes, your uterus can expell them. Each time they were inserted they did an ultrasound to check for positioning and they were fine. My uterus is just angry and doesn't like them. If you get one in, make sure you take some type of pain reliever, because it does hurt going in. TMI they do the speculum, then clean your uterus and vagina, and then they insert it. It feels weird for a little bit, but after a day or two you get used to it. The other downside is you either bleed/spot for a few days and you're done. Or you can be like me and bleed for 60 days (my gyno said the bleeding can last for up to 6 months). I don't get my period anymore, but I do get random cramps like my period is coming but it doesn't show up.

So it has its good and bad, it's all dependent on you. Have you thought about the Depo shot? A shot in your arm that you get every month?

[wowerinreally 22]

I had an IUD (the Mirena) for almost five years, which is how long they are supposed to be safe and effective. At that point mine was lodged in my uterus. It couldn’t be removed in the office and I had to have it removed surgically. HOWEVER, with all that said, I love it. I had another one inserted. With each time, I spotted a bit here and there and then don’t have periods at all. It has been wonderful not worrying about remembering to take a contraceptive or plan my life around when I might be bleeding. It was overall a good choice for me.


HW: 360
CW: 330

RNY 4/16/18

[FingersCrossed18 19]

I have a friend who's body is very very sensitive to BC, and even after her sleeve it hasn't changed. She just uses condoms with her husband and is very careful! It's been something like 6 years and no unplanned pregnancy! However, if you know yourself and that's cutting it too close, go ahead with the pill, obviously lol. Good luck

[wowerinreally 22]

Of course everyone is different, but I had horrible experiences with oral contraceptives and the depo shot. I gained 40 pounds on the depo shot (and this was before I was obese). I had intense mood swings with all oral contraceptives I tried. And then ultimately I got pregnant TWICE on oral contraceptives using them faithfully and exactly as directed.


HW: 360
CW: 330

RNY 4/16/18

[Bryn910 519]

I scheduled a gyn. Appointment shortly after my surgery for this reason.

But I do not want an IUD. I don’t like the idea of having that in my uterus and I have heard too many horror stories from friends/families. I hope to continue with the good ole pill form of bc.

[istytehcrawk 256]

I have the Nexplanon implant in my left arm. It's good for three years, and aside from a nearly two-month-long period at first as my body got used to it (I've always had horrible, hemorrhage-like periods, so this wasn't a surprise even though it was super inconvenient), I've only spotted here and there since then. I'm due to get mine replaced in early August.