Hey chickies! Well, as I'm reviewing my overall weight loss this month, I'm actually a little disappointed. I was 153 on August 29, and stayed there for a long time (since I was stalled). I just started losing weight again 2.5 weeks ago, when I switched from Atkins to South Beach. However, it's not encouraging to see that you've only lost 4 lbs in an entire month. I just scheduled my Depo shot with the doctor, but now I'm wondering if that's contributing to my SLOOOOOW weight loss, and maybe if I should skip it? I hear from a lot of people that Depo makes them gain weight. Does anyone know of any (effective) birth control that doesn't cause this problem? Thanks so much, gals!

Sorry I can't offer much help as dh got a vasectomy (sp?).

I don't know how Depo affects weight loss, but for birth control pills, I have read that the amount of estrogen can have an effect, and part of it is due to water retention. I can't remember whether it was the high or low estrogen that was better, sorry. If you do a search on Google, you'll probably find some good info.

By the way, 4 pounds in a month isn't slow, especially for your weight. Look at weight loss in terms of percentages instead of pounds, and that will put it more in perspective. You're doing much better than you think!

Harmony, I was stumped with the same problem just last week. I post on the 20 something board also and asked the same question, but after careful consideration and taking to my dr. I decided to go ahead and get my shot again. I have had to fight with my weight for a long time. My dr. made an interesting corrolation between the shot and weight gain, the shot does increase your app. but she also said a lot of times if you are in a relationship you slow do. Meaning you eat out more, workout less, etc., etc. when I looked back on my situation that was part true so I went head again. She also said that if you have been able to lose even a small amout on depo that you will be able to continue to lose, but not without effort. As for water retention, I'm not sure I drink a lot of water daily so I'm not sure how much it makes me retain, plus everyone is so different. Hope this helps, check the 20something forum if you want to see some other peoples experience with it. Take care!

*duh* What a short memory I have. I must have alzheimer's -- I went to that thread in twenty somethings and realized that not only had I read it, but I even responded! LOL, well, I suppose the alternative is to get pregnant and gain a LOT of weight (since I could never remember to take the pill), so I'll keep my appointment. Thanks for the input! :-D

Two of my friends who have always been stick thin started using Depo provera, one gained 30 lbs and the other 20ish. Both have since switched to alternate birth control methods.

I'm very protective of my Depo... however, my previous doctor (back in Ohio) told me to get off the Depo to help me lose weight. BUT, he said it was because it increased appetite, not because it slowed weight loss or because caused water retention.

I've been on Depo for 8 years (obviously I did not take the doctor's advice). I love it. When I first started Depo, I had already gained 25 pounds before I started using it. So, technically, because I continued to gain weight after starting it, I guess I gained weight on it. But, I've also lost 50 pounds while still being on it.

I lost 15 lbs. on Depo. I gain weight when I'm on the pill. Some people gain with different hormones. For me, it's the estrogen. But if your body gains with progesterone, then Depo might not be the solution.