Patients considering weight loss surgery often have many questions about the best way to control their weight after surgery. One of the most critical questions is: what is the best birth control method after weight loss surgery?
Excess weight increases the risk of fertility problems and pregnancy complications. In addition, hormonal changes associated with obesity can make it more difficult to become pregnant. For these reasons, patients considering weight loss surgery should discuss their contraception options with their surgeon before having the procedure.
Read more: Weight Loss Surgery and Reproductive Health.
There are many types of birth control available, and the best method for each patient will depend on her personal medical history and lifestyle.
How Does Surgery Affect the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is one of the common concerns for women considering weight loss surgery. Most bariatric procedures will cause changes to a woman’s natural hormone levels, which can, in turn, impact her menstrual cycle. While some women may experience no change, others may find that their periods become irregular or even stop after surgery.
Several factors can affect the menstrual cycle after weight loss surgery, including the type of procedure performed, the patient’s age, and her pre-surgery hormone levels. In general, however, most women with weight loss surgery will experience changes to their menstrual cycle.
Types of Birth Control for Bariatric Patients
1) Oral contraceptives: Also known as “the pill,” this type of birth control is taken daily and contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of pills on the market, so you must speak with the doctor to see which is right for you. If you have undergone gastric bypass surgery, taking a pill with a lower dose of estrogen is essential, as the surgery can decrease the amount of this hormone that your body absorbs.
2) Patches: These are thin adhesive patches on the skin (usually on the buttocks, abdomen, upper arm, or upper body) and are changed weekly. The patch has the same hormones as the pill and works similarly to prevent pregnancy.
3) Shots: Depo-Provera is a progesterone hormone injection every three months. It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most reliable forms of birth control. The main side effect of Depo-Provera is irregular bleeding, which can be a nuisance for some women. However, this side effect usually goes away after the first few shots.
Effects of Birth Control on Weight Loss Surgery
It is safe to use birth control after weight loss surgery, but discussing this with your doctor or bariatric surgeon is essential. There are some things to know when choosing a birth control method, such as:
-The type of weight loss surgery you have had
-Your current weight and BMI
-The amount of weight you have lost
-Your current medications
-Any other medical conditions you have
Call Dr. Jalil’s hospital if you want to choose bariatric surgery in Mexico. We offer a full range of services to make your surgery as successful as possible. We will also help you choose the right type of birth control after your surgery.
