Comments on: Getting pregnant

By: bond20

bond20 — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 08:31:09 +0000

In a message dated 02/03/2005 1:20:48 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
msgardenia@… writes:
Does this help?
I think so…. SO you are saying that I am probably ovulating, just maybe
not every month? THanks!
Nicole

By: Elvin Lesia

Elvin Lesia — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:46:31 +0000

I have been on this list for over 4 years and have *never* had anyone ask
about NFP (Natural Family Planning) after WLS. It is something I address in
articles, but am pretty darn sure I haven’t here.
Several things, and mind you, I am a midwife, but I am not *your midwife*,
so always seek outside help if you think you want/need it.
First, your age puts you at possible perimenopause. I am 43 and believe me,
the thought of perimenopause is just bizarre, but irregular periods
starting about 35 and up isn’t unusual at all. Of course, typically, with
periods, comes ovulation (not always) and if the ovulation is funky, then
periods can be, too. Ovulation seems to stutter in perimenopause… some
cycles spotting, some flowing hard and heavy… all normal.
Then, add on top of that, WLS and the estrogen flowing through you even if
you didn’t have PCOS, you are still releasing hormones long stored inside
the fat. What I find interesting is that you are just now experiencing
these changes (well, at 6 months out when they started); usually they begin

the first couple of months. But, every body is different, so why shouldn’t
yours be, too, eh?
So, I am willing to guess that the combo deal you are working with are just
tweaking with your cycles some. I believe you know your body well enough to
know when you are ovulating, so just keep keeping track and you will find a
new pattern for awhile or, hopefully, things will even out and return to
what you were used to. My guess is they might not and you will want to be
extra diligent about your observations.
Does this help?
Barb Herrera
4 years post-RNY in April

By: bond20

bond20 — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 08:21:34 +0000

Sorry guys but I thought I would go ahead and ask about this so just delete
if you want…
I know that everyone says to be extra diligent with birth control for your
first year or more out because wl patients tend to become more fertile after
they lose weight. I am one of the people that before surgery was very fertile.
No pcos etc. I have always used the natural family planning method of birth
control to prevent and achieve pregnancy. Now I have noticed in the past 4
months or so (I am 10 mos out and 38 years old) that I no longer have the signs
of ovulation that I always used to have . The egg white discharge that used
to be very easy to detect is no longer there. This has me concerned because I
do not want to become pregnant right now (all though I would maybe like one
more in the next year or so-getting old so I dont know). Anyway, a friend
recommended I use a ovulation predictor kit for a few months just to see
if/when
I am ovulating and I have not been able to detect a surge even though I have

tested starting on day 9 on to day 15. These kits are expensive. Doing the
whole temperature thing is not good for me because I can never remember to do
it before I am already up and moving in the morning and then it is too
late. Oh and FYI for years and years I have had a 28 day cycle and now (for the
past 4 months) it has been 26 days. I would go see my doc but couldn’t get an
appt before my yearly in May so any info help any of you ladies may have to
offer would be greatly appreciate. Oh and one more thing, it is against our
religion to use birth control so this isn’t an option. Thanks!
Nic