I have a soapbox....getting pregnant before a year.
OK, and now that everyone has scared the crap out of all of us who got pregnant before a year's time, I'd like to get on my soapbox now.
I got pregnant at 4 months post-op! I NEVER went thru ketosis while pregnant. I DID NOT have a brain damaged baby. I NEVER had any issues with my labs. I HAD NOT lost weight in over a month when I got pregnant. My surgeon was included on a study on post-op pregnancies within the 1st year and told me YOU WILL BE FINE - AND I WAS! I STILL managed to GAIN WEIGHT during my pregnancy. And I had a HEALTHY baby boy.
My baby is fine. The other gals on here who got pregnant surprisingly early will be FINE. I think it's completely uncalled for to scare the crap out of people. Not only is the original poster going to read all your "supporting answers", but the many other women here! Every WEEK we see someone who unplanningly got pregnant before a year, they are freaking out, and THIS is what we have to tell them??? That your baby is going to be brain damaged?? This absolutely bothers me!!!
If you can't answer someone's post and have anything nice to say, why bother? Honestly. It's great that most of you waited your "appointed time" but fact is, it doesn't always happen. That doesn't mean we are idiots (well, maybe) but we are people. We can do what we want, and if you don't like it, just don't respond. Ignore and walk away, is that really so hard to do? Just because we have a "goal" weight doesn't mean we will make it. It's something to strive for but doesn't mean it's obtainable. And it's not fur US to judge people on it.
I NEVER get in on this kind of crap but this one really touched close to home. Please think about ALL the women here (like the ones ALREADY pregnant) before you start trying to scare people. Are we all now supposed to be watching our "early post-op" babies for brain damage that may show up later? UGH....I'm done.
Sandy
I got pregnant at 4 months post-op! I NEVER went thru ketosis while pregnant. I DID NOT have a brain damaged baby. I NEVER had any issues with my labs. I HAD NOT lost weight in over a month when I got pregnant. My surgeon was included on a study on post-op pregnancies within the 1st year and told me YOU WILL BE FINE - AND I WAS! I STILL managed to GAIN WEIGHT during my pregnancy. And I had a HEALTHY baby boy.
My baby is fine. The other gals on here who got pregnant surprisingly early will be FINE. I think it's completely uncalled for to scare the crap out of people. Not only is the original poster going to read all your "supporting answers", but the many other women here! Every WEEK we see someone who unplanningly got pregnant before a year, they are freaking out, and THIS is what we have to tell them??? That your baby is going to be brain damaged?? This absolutely bothers me!!!
If you can't answer someone's post and have anything nice to say, why bother? Honestly. It's great that most of you waited your "appointed time" but fact is, it doesn't always happen. That doesn't mean we are idiots (well, maybe) but we are people. We can do what we want, and if you don't like it, just don't respond. Ignore and walk away, is that really so hard to do? Just because we have a "goal" weight doesn't mean we will make it. It's something to strive for but doesn't mean it's obtainable. And it's not fur US to judge people on it.
I NEVER get in on this kind of crap but this one really touched close to home. Please think about ALL the women here (like the ones ALREADY pregnant) before you start trying to scare people. Are we all now supposed to be watching our "early post-op" babies for brain damage that may show up later? UGH....I'm done.
Sandy
I got pregnant almost two months post RnY. I had lost 90 pounds. I continued to lose another 95 throughout the pregnancy. I too managed to keep out of ketosis as well as give birth to an 8 pound 6 oz baby boy. I also successfully nursed him for 18+ months. Would I have CHOSEN to get pregnant this early post-op? Definitely not but it happened and I embraced it. I would hate to feel responsible for someone choosing to terminate a pregnancy or not fully enjoying the miracle that it is because of something I said or information I conveyed. I too choose to stay out of these sorts of things on this board but decided this was just too close to my heart.
Joyce (Mom to 6 soon to be 7 Blessings)
Joyce (Mom to 6 soon to be 7 Blessings)
Sandy I have to disagree with you on this one. I got pregnant at 8 months post op and I couldn't get out of ketosis for 13 weeks. For 13 long weeks I ate sugared cereal to try and get out of it and the strip would lighten but was always purple. I was eating cheeze its because I couldn't get in enough calories. I had lost over 150 pounds and when I got pregnant could barely get in 500 calories a day.
There have been women on here with IUGR that may or may not have been caused by poor nutrition during pregnancy. For the most part I think our babies will be fine but OUR bodies suffer. The OP in this matter basically said she didn't care anymore she wanted a baby now. That smacks of immaturity and I think that she needed to be told that it isn't wise to get pregnant too early.
I never lost another pound after having Reagan and ended up gaining almost 60 pounds back and now I am having to diet and exercise to lose weight. There is the issues of many of us getting hernias because our abdominal walls have not had time to heal after being cut. The benefits of waiting to TTC far outweigh the risks of getting pregnant too soon. Add in something like hyperemisis or surgical complications and it could be even more dangerous.
There have been women on here with IUGR that may or may not have been caused by poor nutrition during pregnancy. For the most part I think our babies will be fine but OUR bodies suffer. The OP in this matter basically said she didn't care anymore she wanted a baby now. That smacks of immaturity and I think that she needed to be told that it isn't wise to get pregnant too early.
I never lost another pound after having Reagan and ended up gaining almost 60 pounds back and now I am having to diet and exercise to lose weight. There is the issues of many of us getting hernias because our abdominal walls have not had time to heal after being cut. The benefits of waiting to TTC far outweigh the risks of getting pregnant too soon. Add in something like hyperemisis or surgical complications and it could be even more dangerous.
I would agree with Jennifer here. *IF* you happen to get pregnant early out, then it's done. And you have to do whatever you can to make sure you are healthy. But of course it makes sense to wait if you can.
Alot of nutritional deficiencies aren't determined until many months after surgery. Once you are "mostly" done losing and on full foods for awhile, then labs can accurately show what deficiencies there are.
And it's only common sense that those deficiencies should be addressed pre-conception, since babies will take all mommy's nutrients.
Of course it's possible to have a healthy pregnancy early out. But.....it's also possible to have complications.
If someone asks a question, they should be prepared for answers. Whether they like them or not. Answers aren't always about glitter and rainbows........
It's getting REAL LIFE experiences from people who have been there. That's all.
Alot of nutritional deficiencies aren't determined until many months after surgery. Once you are "mostly" done losing and on full foods for awhile, then labs can accurately show what deficiencies there are.
And it's only common sense that those deficiencies should be addressed pre-conception, since babies will take all mommy's nutrients.
Of course it's possible to have a healthy pregnancy early out. But.....it's also possible to have complications.
If someone asks a question, they should be prepared for answers. Whether they like them or not. Answers aren't always about glitter and rainbows........
It's getting REAL LIFE experiences from people who have been there. That's all.
When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila & salt and give me a call!
Sandy -
I just responded to you re this matter in Erika's post. I will repeat here a little of what I said just to keep the post together.
I don't think it was the intentions of anyone to 'scare' or worry any of the women who got pg early out...I believe (hope?) their intention was only to inform of possible - not guaranteed- problems w/TTC.
I'm truly glad that you and so many others have had healthy pregnancies and healthy babies after getting pg so early out - but unfortunately, it doesn't appear that that's the case with everyone...so if it can be avoided, it's best to avoid it until your body's ready. If your dr OKs trying earlier than the 'normal' recommended time...more power to you...but it's strongly suggested to have your dr on board to ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.
If someone's looking for only 'supporting answers' in the form of answers that agree w/what they're indicating they want to do...why bother to come here if you don't want to hear it all? Having all the facts to make an informed decision is better than half the facts to justify what you want to do regardless of possible 'consequences.'
As I'd indicated earlier...maybe it's just me and my crazy logic...I'd rather have the truth - all of it - than have smoke blown up my ass to make me feel good about serious, partially informed, decisions like it appears Erika is making. Decisions that could have possible life long consequences for herself and her baby.
I just responded to you re this matter in Erika's post. I will repeat here a little of what I said just to keep the post together.
I don't think it was the intentions of anyone to 'scare' or worry any of the women who got pg early out...I believe (hope?) their intention was only to inform of possible - not guaranteed- problems w/TTC.
I'm truly glad that you and so many others have had healthy pregnancies and healthy babies after getting pg so early out - but unfortunately, it doesn't appear that that's the case with everyone...so if it can be avoided, it's best to avoid it until your body's ready. If your dr OKs trying earlier than the 'normal' recommended time...more power to you...but it's strongly suggested to have your dr on board to ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.
If someone's looking for only 'supporting answers' in the form of answers that agree w/what they're indicating they want to do...why bother to come here if you don't want to hear it all? Having all the facts to make an informed decision is better than half the facts to justify what you want to do regardless of possible 'consequences.'
As I'd indicated earlier...maybe it's just me and my crazy logic...I'd rather have the truth - all of it - than have smoke blown up my ass to make me feel good about serious, partially informed, decisions like it appears Erika is making. Decisions that could have possible life long consequences for herself and her baby.
Holly
January 2008,
July 2008
December 2008
July 2009
September 2010
July 2011
Mom to Khaled
I don't get why we tell EVERY person on this board that gets pregnant early unexpectedly "oh, it'll be FINE! It happens all the time! Just up your vitamins...Blah, blah, blah" but the moment a woman WANTS to get pregnant a little early (which is likely she WON'T get pregnant before a year's time) all of a sudden it's NOT ok and it's going to cause her baby BRAIN DAMAGE.
I understand people were giving her "insight" but she's not the only person reading these posts. The women that DID get pregnant early and are freaked out and who were told "oh, it'll be fine" by all of us are now hearing contradicting info....as if smoke is being blown up OUR asses. If you get what I'm saying. If you are still losing weight, then by all means, you shouldn't TRY to get pregnant. I of course get that. I wasn't TRYING to get pregnant with Kellen, but now i need to watch him closely until Kindergarten to see if he is brain damaged? Ugh!
The woman didn't ask if she was too early out. And I understand some people were just saying "hey, maybe you should wait a bit" But some of it was just HORRIBLE. She had the ok by her PCP so she probably felt comfortable trying - not my place to judge. I think the BRAIN DAMAGE issues happens A LOT LESS than HEALTHY pregnancies. It's just all very contradicting depending on WHO is asking for the support.
By Accident = we'll be fine, just up our vitamins and calories. On Purpose = stupid idiot and will cause harm. I understand everyone has their oppinion,but this doesn't seem right to me.
Sandy
I understand people were giving her "insight" but she's not the only person reading these posts. The women that DID get pregnant early and are freaked out and who were told "oh, it'll be fine" by all of us are now hearing contradicting info....as if smoke is being blown up OUR asses. If you get what I'm saying. If you are still losing weight, then by all means, you shouldn't TRY to get pregnant. I of course get that. I wasn't TRYING to get pregnant with Kellen, but now i need to watch him closely until Kindergarten to see if he is brain damaged? Ugh!
The woman didn't ask if she was too early out. And I understand some people were just saying "hey, maybe you should wait a bit" But some of it was just HORRIBLE. She had the ok by her PCP so she probably felt comfortable trying - not my place to judge. I think the BRAIN DAMAGE issues happens A LOT LESS than HEALTHY pregnancies. It's just all very contradicting depending on WHO is asking for the support.
By Accident = we'll be fine, just up our vitamins and calories. On Purpose = stupid idiot and will cause harm. I understand everyone has their oppinion,but this doesn't seem right to me.
Sandy
Self-censorship, that's why.
If an accident happens, there's not much that can be done about it. There's abortion, and god forbid anyone even mention that word on this board -- last time someone came in here asking for advice, I got hatemail for not telling the girl how horrible abortions are and how against god they are. Then there's making the best of a situation.
If you notice, if we get early outs and I see them, I tell them to immediately up their carbs. This is to help stop any ketosis they could be in. Also tell them to up their water significantly. This helps lower the amount of ketones in the system if there are any (and well, it helps the inevitable constipation). Then the recommendation is to make appts for blood draws and with a dietician to figure out how to care for baby and mama.
After conception, there is little that can be done.
If someone comes in, is not pregnant, and looking for advice, then yes, I'm going to give *medical* facts. It is a medical fact that high ketones CAN have adverse effects on fetal brain development, some of which will not be noticed until the child is older. It is a medical fact that the baby can strip mom's vitamin stores to absolutely nothing, and if proper precautions are not made then mama could suffer irreversible damage to her body and neurological system. These are medical facts -- not things pulled out of the air to scare people. It's along the same lines of saying "If you use meth while pregnant, you are hurting your unborn child."
And let's face it -- my PCP know squat about my surgery. She orders the tests I give her the list for. She attempts to figure out what I need, but ultimately relies on me to know what to do. It's a great deal of responsibility to care for myself, but was an even greater responsibility to try and protect my unborn children -- ones that I loved from the first positive HPT. It is the ultimate responsibility, to care for our children. Why do it half-assed?
Am I sorry we told Erica (sp) about the potential risks to her child and to herself? No. Am I sorry that she got pissy, took her toys and went home? Yes. Because now, if she does end up pregnant, she won't come back and get the support that she may need. Many of us have idiotic OB's, surgeons that refuse to do anything concerning pregnancy, and PCPs that barely know their ass from their elbow.
I think you're a cool woman, Sandy, but this is not something we agree on. And I do not place your situation in the same situation as someone who comes in asking for advice about getting pregnant before most experts agree it is safe. There's a difference between someone who gets dosed with LSD accidently and must deal with the fallout, versus someone asking their doc "Hey, is LSD safe for me?" get told "no way", then goes out and gets high as a freaking kite deliberately and has problems for life because of it.
If an accident happens, there's not much that can be done about it. There's abortion, and god forbid anyone even mention that word on this board -- last time someone came in here asking for advice, I got hatemail for not telling the girl how horrible abortions are and how against god they are. Then there's making the best of a situation.
If you notice, if we get early outs and I see them, I tell them to immediately up their carbs. This is to help stop any ketosis they could be in. Also tell them to up their water significantly. This helps lower the amount of ketones in the system if there are any (and well, it helps the inevitable constipation). Then the recommendation is to make appts for blood draws and with a dietician to figure out how to care for baby and mama.
After conception, there is little that can be done.
If someone comes in, is not pregnant, and looking for advice, then yes, I'm going to give *medical* facts. It is a medical fact that high ketones CAN have adverse effects on fetal brain development, some of which will not be noticed until the child is older. It is a medical fact that the baby can strip mom's vitamin stores to absolutely nothing, and if proper precautions are not made then mama could suffer irreversible damage to her body and neurological system. These are medical facts -- not things pulled out of the air to scare people. It's along the same lines of saying "If you use meth while pregnant, you are hurting your unborn child."
And let's face it -- my PCP know squat about my surgery. She orders the tests I give her the list for. She attempts to figure out what I need, but ultimately relies on me to know what to do. It's a great deal of responsibility to care for myself, but was an even greater responsibility to try and protect my unborn children -- ones that I loved from the first positive HPT. It is the ultimate responsibility, to care for our children. Why do it half-assed?
Am I sorry we told Erica (sp) about the potential risks to her child and to herself? No. Am I sorry that she got pissy, took her toys and went home? Yes. Because now, if she does end up pregnant, she won't come back and get the support that she may need. Many of us have idiotic OB's, surgeons that refuse to do anything concerning pregnancy, and PCPs that barely know their ass from their elbow.
I think you're a cool woman, Sandy, but this is not something we agree on. And I do not place your situation in the same situation as someone who comes in asking for advice about getting pregnant before most experts agree it is safe. There's a difference between someone who gets dosed with LSD accidently and must deal with the fallout, versus someone asking their doc "Hey, is LSD safe for me?" get told "no way", then goes out and gets high as a freaking kite deliberately and has problems for life because of it.
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