To anyone in the medical field...

[FlaLMT 0]

I refilled my prescription for birth control over the weekend. Took 2 pills for sunday and monday. I happened to read the folded instruction insert and found that I should stop taking these pills a MONTH BEFORE elective surgery! :omg:

What should I do?? My surgery is set for the 23rd. I called my doc's office; explained my situation. When I asked when I'll hear from them, she says this is not considered an emergency so probably late afternoon tomorrow. (I can understand its not life or death, but I do need an immediate answer..)

Can anyone help??

Thank you. :confused:

[faithmd 14]

Unfortunately no one here can tell you for certain what the office will say, tomorrow is fine to hear what they say. One more day likely won't make a huge difference.

Some surgeon's do not want you taking them, others say it's fine. The concern is the BCP increases your risk for bloodclots, so sometimes you'll end up with a few more blood-thinner medication shots, sometimes not. The key is to WALK WALK WALK. Get up and MOVE.<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[FlaLMT 0]

faithmd,

Thank you for a quick response! Just as I clicked the submit thread button, I realized I should contact my surgeon! haha. (Im just so nervous.)

Well, he says if my cycle ends before surgery, I should just stop taking them and restart after. I probably wont restart til january. What do you think??

Are you a doc? Sorry, Im new here. :confused:

[mcgreen 0]

Don't worry- I'm a doctor and I took my birth control pills the entire time preop/post op. There is a theoretical risk of blood clots with birth control pills in particular for overweight women or women > 35 but for a surgery like this, the risk is low. Check with your surgeon but I wouldn't stress about it.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Most surgeons will give you Heparin or Lovenox before surgery to prevent blood clots. As for BCPs, it is surgeon preference. Some require you stop them, some don't.

[mrsjiggles 4]

I'm really glad you asked that question! I was thinking about getting back on BCP because I think my hormones are a little out of whack but never thought about how it would or would not affect my surgery. I have my first consultation coming up in about 2 weeks and now I have something else to add to my list of questions. My mother has had some issues with blood clots in her legs and she is a gastric bypass patient. Knowing that causes some extra concern on my part. I'll post again when I find out what my doc has to say about the issue. Thank you!

[FlaLMT 0]

mcgreen - thank you for the advice. being stressed out is the last thing i want to be!

wasabubblebutt - after realizing that I should be contacting my surgeon, I emailed Nina and she responded immediately! :confused:

mrsjiggles - please keep us updated! when do you think youll get banded?? are you excited?? im more nervous than excited... thank God for this forum and everyone here!!! good luck!

[mrsjiggles 4]

I'm hoping that I will be banded by the first week of January. I'm self pay and I have to come up with the rest of the money. I know I'm probably going to have some pre-op testing but the lady I spoke to at the clinic told me that she has had self pay people have a surgery date 2 weeks after their consult.:clap2:(fingers crossed) If I have to wait later than that, it's likley I wont be getting the surgery until next summer. I'm a full time student.

I AM really excited about the surgery. I'm not getting much support from my family so these boards have helped me to not be so fearful. I have a lot of questions to ask at that consultation but I pretty much have my heart set on it now. I'll be sure to let everyone know what I find out. I'm going to the South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center.

Any suggestions from anyone on how to prepare for this surgery? Is it easier if I start an excersise plan now? Should I try to eat as if I already have the band? ANY suggestions would be helpful. Thanks again everyone..I lOVE YOU GUYS!!!