How to control increased appetite while on "Depo" shot?

Question

I just got my first shot about 3 weeks ago, and have noticed that my appetite has increased significantly. I don't have a lot of time to eat, because I am a single mom, and spend most of the day taking care of my 2 month old son! That's all great, but I have also noticed some weight gain, I don't eat the same amount of food I did while I was pregnant, neither do I get a chance to eat as much as I did waiting for my preemie son to get out of the nursery. I am breastfeeding, at least 8-10, 25 to 30 minute intervals, so I was instructed to eat a little more of certain foods like fish, and protein. What am I doing to make myself gain weight and how do I eat enough OF the RIGHT kinds off foods with a 12 hour work day and 45 minute drive to work? Can you prevent weight gain while using Depo?

Answer 1

As long as you are aware that Depo increases your appetite you should be fine, just be careful what you eat. I gained so much weight when I took Depo, but I was not made aware of this side affect,since you know you should be fine

Answer 2

I've been on Depo for many years now. I've been at my highest and lowest weights while on it. It didn't cause my appetite to increase (I've always had a healthy one of those) but it can make weight loss more difficult, affect your metabolism, and contribute to osteoporosis (so do take a calcium supplement).

Not knowing your daily calorie intake, or expenditure, it's hard to say exactly what is causing you to gain. Definitely eat whatever is needed to provide healthy breast milk for your child. Don't skip meals, and keep what you do eat healthy. Don't reach for fast/junk food because it is convenient (although I LOVE it and would be a junk food junkie if it wouldn't make me enormous).

I topped out at over 230 lbs while on Depo, and have also been down to 135 (slender for me). I know I gain weight because of what I eat. I know I  have to work a little harder to lose weight than the average woman, because of the Depo, but it does come off when I get serious, stop eating "junk" and exercise regularly (at least 5 days a week, from 1 - 2 hrs depending on my motivation and schedule).

I run/walk, trikke, do aerobics, yoga, strength training, etc but I do it all at home or from home, because that is convenient for me (I'm not the gym type). I found South Beach Diet to be effective and reasonable when I was having trouble making myself just try to 'eat right' to lose weight. Once I hit my goal weight I can maintain fairly easily as long as I continue to exercise. As soon as I get lazy or distracted and stop working out, the pounds return (even if I keep my eating reasonable).

It may take time for you to figure out what works for you, while taking the shot. Also, dealing with a baby gives you an extra challenge I've never had to deal with. Some women get off the shot due to weight gain, but I've learned to deal with that, control it, and I love the side effect (no periods) too much to give it up. It's been an effective birth control method for me for a decade. If I can hang on a few more years, I'll go into  menopause anyway and then can get off of it. LOL!

Answer 3

I'm surprised that it has that side effect for you. I'm on the Depo and never experienced increased appetite.

The weight gain is often linked not to increased calorie intake but your body's natural response to the hormones. The appetite could have a number of different causes, perhaps even breast feeding.

Talk to your OB/GYN about the problem to see if she can better determine the cause.