Question:
Do c-sections have any bearing on having WLS?
I'm looking into WLS. I'm 265lbs. BMI-43. My two children were born cesaerean. The first one I was "put under" for. And the second was done with an epidural. Does that decrease my chances for WLS? — Gina L. (posted on November 20, 2000)
November 20, 2000
I had a c- section 12ys ago and weight loss surgery 7 months ago and didn't
have any problems. The cut is not in the same place.
— Sharon T.
November 20, 2000
I had 2 previous C-sections and had a very successful lap RNY. Neither a
lap or open WLS should present a problem because the surgeries are in
different areas of the abdomen.
— Diana T.
November 20, 2000
I would say that my c-section 13 years ago actually prepared me for WLS. I
remembered how to get off a couch and out of bed, and the kind of
restrictions that goes with abdominal surgery. Finally, when I got
anxious, I told my self, "you survived childbirth twice, you can
survive this". Good Luck and God Bless.
— Allie B.
November 20, 2000
I've never had a c-section but I have had two surgeries on my right kidney
and I specifically asked my surgeon if that would be problematic during my
open RNY. He told me that he wouldn't be anywhere near my kidneys so I
should worry. I'm 3 months out and have had no difficulties because of the
previous surgery.
— Nanette T.
November 20, 2000
Hi Gina. Previous C-sections should have no bearing whatsoever on having
wls. I had 4 (count 'em...FOUR) C-sections (my last one 20 years ago) and
I had wls (open RNY) last March. I also had epidurals for 3 of the
sections but was "put under" of one of them. The only thing that
I have to say is that before my wls, I felt I was pretty prepared to
understand the pain and discomfort of abdominal surgery because of my past
experiences with the sections...WRONG! What I seemed to have forgotten was
that I was a tad "younger" 20 years ago when my sons were born
and this "older" (and considerably "larger") body
wouldn't quite bounce back the way it did in 1980. Still in all, I did
eventually "bounce back" altho' it took a little longer this
time. Now, 8 months later, I've given birth again, but this time to a
brand new ME! My sons all average about 180 - 200# and stand 5'11" -
6'4" tall. For the first time since they were born, mom is finally
smaller than them. It's a real hoot and I love it. I'm proud of me and so
are they. Good luck and God bless. You go girl. cj
— cj T.
November 20, 2000
C-Section has nothing at all to do with WLS, different area
of concentration...I have one child delivered by c-section in 1998, on
11/28/00 i will have RNY. C-section was never really a
consideration regarding my pre-op evaluaton. Good Luck
— Tamaria W.
November 20, 2000
I had two toddlers (my first son weighed 10 lb., 1-1/2 oz. at birth, my
second son 9 lb., 13-1/2 oz., at birth) by c-section in 1987 and 1991,
respectively. I had an epidural for both, and my open VBG was a walk in
the park by comparison. Because the incision was vertical between sternum
and navel, instead of horizontal along the pubic bone, I didn't have that
horrible feeling all my guts were going to fall out when I stood up. It
was also easier to sit up, move around, walk, and go to the bathroom -- in
all, a much more positive experience! I'd take WLS over a c-section any
day ... and it shouldn't have any bearing on your chances for WLS. Good
luck and warm thoughts,
— Cheryl Denomy
November 21, 2000
Gina here again....Thank-you to everyone that responded! You have helped me
feel at ease about it. I'm going to see my Dr. tonight to get a referral
letter and I am going to the information meeting next Monday on the 27th.
I'm sooo excited!!! I'm on my way. I'll keep you posted :}
— Gina L.
November 21, 2000
Hi! The only way I can see that it would cause a concern is if you had any
bad reactions to the anesthesia. I had a c-section back in 1991 and was
told it wouldn't be an issue at all for WLS. When I asked this question of
the surgeon he laughed and said he considered it a great thing, because
after I get close to my goal weight I would be considered for a "tummy
tuck" or abdominal wall reconstruction and with that surgery he would
GET RID OF my c-section scar and half the stretch marks left by my BIG
babies. I hate my c-section scar as it changed my whole body shape.
Because the scar is so tight, it caused my belly to "fold" over
which it NEVER did prior to the c-section. To know that I may have a
chance to reverse that problem makes me VERY VERY excited!! Good Luck with
your journey!!
— Laura B.
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