Okay....have a question and I figure I might as well ask it. I was told that the Pill isn't as dependable once you've had RNY. I was put on it due to being poly cystic and I'm wondering if anyone else has the same problem. Is it still as effective? Yeah, I know not to count on it for birth control either once I've had the surg. Just trying to figure out my options.

Any advice would be great. Have an appointment for my annual and just trying to gather information so I can ask the right questions. I also wonder if the change in nutritional intake could effect hormones in the long run. Anyone notice any difference? I mean, surg. is a big change....can it effect your brain chemistry as well? I really worry about this....I had an aunt go through major depression after pregnancy and she's never recovered. I asked the shrink when I had my intake for surg...he said it'd make a good topic for a thesis but he had no idea.

Sorry to ramble...just want to cover all bases prior to surg. And even if it could happen it's not a big deal to me....it is, but sometimes just knowing the cause can make something more manageble...you know?

Thanks for any advice.

Deb

wow - you've been thinking HARD!!!!!

i can only tell you based on my own experience... so here goes. fat stores estrogen. so as you lose fat, the estrogen is released, leading to that <in>famous increase in fertility. but as your weight drops and that extra estrogen is used up, your cycle normalizes. like so-called 'normal' people's cycles.

as for the brain chemistry. yes it does change. and GENERALLY for the better. BUT, if a person has some compulsive habits or addictions, food is no longer an option. so if a person has been using food instead of <fill in the blank: some choices are sex, alcohol, smoking, drugs, anger management...> these issues need to be addressed BIG TIME.

there's nothing that can't be managed, as you pointed out, but it's extremely important that you be aware of why you might be looking for food, and that you work on being able to recognize your feelings instead of swallowing them...

does this help? you've opened up a HUGE area here... i hope everyone else will jump in.. .

Thanks for the answer Jiffy....it helps some. Didn't know about the increased estrogen thing. Good to know. Will see the doc tomorrow so if there's any info I'll report it. Yeah, thinking ALOT...just want to cover all my bases.

Well, the doc today was a little disappointing....she hadn't heard about the whole not using the Pill deal after surg. Said if I was concerned I could use the patch but I'd have to be under 200lbs for that...decisions decisions. She hadn't heard anything regarding change is brain chemistry and whatnot. Felt kind of "yes'd" to death. Guess I'll have to do some more research and if a problem arises ask for help then....

At the very least this might make a good discussion group question post op.

Deb

Hi Deb,

I don't know if this will help but here goes. I have not had surgery but in the past I have lost 150 lbs and was on Ortho 777. I stayed on it for a good 15 years and never had any problems (no weight gain, no side effects). As far as I'm concerned (for me now) it worked just fine even during my weight loss. I did lose my weight with in 2 years so it was fairly fast. I'm a firm believe that if you do not miss dosages you should be ok. But thats JMHO.

Everyone is different, you could always take the pill at the advice of your doctor and use other means as a back up

Thanks Leenie....