PREGNANT?????????

I am 3 weeks post op!! I went into the ER today because I had a blow up of a urinary tract infection out of nowhere. Thats when I found out, they did an ultrasound, I am 6 weeks along! That means I was 3 weeks pregnant when I had surgery. I did take a test at the hospital the day before, I can only assume it was negative, otherwise, they would not have operated. I have never been pregnant before! And now, I am scared to death!! What about nutrition? What about the damage of surgery to a fetus? I can't believe I have already ruined my WLS! It was doomed before I ever went under the knife. Brandi

Oh Brandi!!! I am so sorry to hear of this complication! I know of a woman this happened to just about 6 months ago or so. She had the same situation. She was pregnant but it didn't show up until afterwards. When you are 3 weeks pregnant what that really means is that the fetus isn't even a week old since they go from the date of your last period (or 2 weeks prior to ovulation). Ovulation is considered 2 weeks. So you were way too early for even a blood test to tell if you were pregnant. I do know from checking groups out that this has happened before and the mother has continued to lose weight while the baby continues to grow and thrive. It is something that is tricky and you have to be extra vigilant about vitamins. The baby will take what it needs first, but that can also mean it leaves you lacking in the vitamins. So you have to push the vitamins and minerals BIG time. I will not lie to you though - this early on may prove to be too difficult for the baby to make it through. The gal I knew who had this happen ended up losing her baby. But likewise, there are others who did not and went on to do fine all ways around. On yahoo groups there is a group for women who get pregnant after wls. I can't remember the name of the group but you should be able to put in that search criteria and get a LOT of information from them. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. I hope things work out as you wish. Dina

Given the previous posts you have made about your living situation and relationships, if this is not a good situation to bring a baby into, you do have the choice not to. You didn't have the requisite support and help for the surbgery and now, a baby? The physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy alone (as in, by yourself) are to be taken into consideration as well as the possible need to be off your feet for a while, inability to exercise and so on. Obviously, I am not one who makes a medical situation into a moral one. I'll leave the moralizing to someone (anyone!) else. best wishes whatever you choose, tee

Brandi, I'm sorry......what a way to find out your pregnant! I don't know your home situation but I'm sure you will make the right decision. Someone I work with got pregnant within a couple months of wls and she had a healthy baby and continued to lose weight. No matter what you decide you should make an appointment with a high risk OB-GYN to see how you should procede. I had my daughter by myself at 19 and have been a single mom ever since. If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to just email me!

Brandi, my name is Robin. I live in Sandy. I had just finished reading your profile, your journal, etc and then checked "urgent posts" and saw yours. So what does this mean for you? I'm sure you have more questions than I. I am just starting the journey of WLS. I just faxed over my application to the institute Friday and started looking at this website everyday since. I will be praying that God will help you carry this child and that your weight loss surgery will not be compromised. God is bigger than any obstacle. Feel free to email me at [email protected] also. Take care and stay calm

Hi Brandi, I truly empathize with you in this new dilemma. Sometimes life sucks! However, that said, take a little time with this and make your decision. Know that whatever you decide to do you will have my total support and that of a lot of the rest of us. I have followed your progress and feel that you can handle this. We love you, sweetie. Kath

Yikes!! I have been thinking of you, and wondering how things were going. Little did I know that everything is upside down for you! I didn't know that a blood test needed time to be positive. You, Dr. Patterson, us..all SHOCKED! We care about you and will be supporting you from all directions in whatever way you need. I know your mom was helpful during your surgery. Is this something you are able to share with her at this point? I don't know what things are like with your closest family or significant other, but be open to allowing them to rise to the occasion. If they are not the ones, know that there are others that will help you in what is ahead. Luckily, our Dina had the solid good advice about what you may face. It certainly isn't the way it was supposed to be, but you will get through this and doom will not be the final outcome. You and your doctors will find the path that is best. If you want to meet for coffee or want someone to take you to any of your test or drive you anywhere please e-mail me. Summer is here and I am very available. Please keep us posted - I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best. Patty

Thank you all for the wonderful advice! I am soo scared right now. My BF is having a very hard time, but wants to try, so he/we are going to go to counseling. I have talked with Dr. Patterson's office and they said no worries, and didn't think it was urgent for me to see her, so I go in NEXT thursday. And my OBGYN is going to call me back to squeeze me in this week. I am happy, I really am, I just really want to know what those pre-op test results were! I wonder if I can get them by going to the hospital! Brandi

Wow Brandy. I just checked onto the Oregon board, because I've not been here for awhile - and was wondering how you are doing! What surprising news. Sounds like you need to have some time with an ob/gyn who has some familiarity with your surgery. My very best thoughts and hopes for you and whatever you decide to do! Gail

Brandi: I'm sure everything will be all right--if Dr. Patterson isn't worried, then that's a good sign. I'm sure after all the time she's been doing this surgery she's seen this before. I'm thinking of you and if you need to talk, give me a holler and I'll get you my phone number. Pam