All kinds of questions

I am 2.5 years post op from my DS.  I got married in Oct of last year.  That seams to be a really good month for me.  I had my DS in Oct and my hubby and I eloped in Oct due to his medical issues and the VA & Tricare not willing to release info to me when he would be having heart surgery.  Well anyway we got that taken care of and now since we have settled down we both want to start a family.  

We will be going on our honeymoon in May to Jamaica so we want to start TTC after that.  He said he doesn't want the nuke the baby since the sun is so extreme down there. 

So I have absolutely no clue about pregnancy other that what my friends have told me and none of them have had WLS.  I was just curious how much different it is for us.  What is different if anything.  Really I have no idea what to ask because I really don't know where to start.

I have an appointment with my doctor at the base hospital in two weeks for my yearly exam.  When I go in I was going to let her know that we would like to start TTC and see what all she says.  But I like to be prepared when I see a doctor (probably comes from having had WLS). 

Has any one had a hernia either before or during pregnancy and how does that effect things?  About a year ago my DS surgeon told me I have a small hernia right above my belly button at the bottom of my insecion (had open DS).  Well the insurance that I had at the time would not pay for that to be fixed.  Since I got married I have tricare the better plan (forget what it's called).  Any way is that something that would be a big issue if I were to get pregnant before I got that fixed?  I also have a panni it doesn't hang dangerously low but it is there and in the way of normal waist line. Would it be better/safer if I tried to get the panni removal & hernia repaired before TTC?

Any info that you guys can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kimber

Welcome!  I am in Bellevue.  I have had 2 post op WLS babies in the last 2 1/2 years!  If you need anyone local to "talk" to, just PM me and I will give you my number.  As far as the hernia, I would recommend getting it fixed beforehand.  From everything I have heard, they can be very painful, especially when you have baby pressing/stretching it out further!  As far as the panni removal, is it something that insurance would cover?  Or is this something that would be self pay?  Unless it is something that is inhibiting you, I would probably wait.  I have a large panni myself, baby "fills in" the spaces of the panni.  Once you are done with babies, then you can get the panni removal/tummy tuck! 

Just a thought....

Debbie

Thank you so much for the info.  My hubby is from Bellevue.  We just moved to Millard a little while ago. That is so great having some one so close that I can talk to.  Thanks for the offer.  I am sure that I will bug you more later when I have more questions. 

Thanks again,
Kimber

Hi Kimber...Not sure I can help with all your questions, but a few thoughts to help you.  One as far as the panni removal; I will note that Tricare paid for my TummyTuck because I had a hernia, sounds similar to your situation there.  I can't tell you whether to get it fixed or not before TTC; however, if you are trying in May, you may want to talk to a plastic to determine if there is a suggested waiting period before getting preggo.  I will say my TT, I beleive plays a role in how much room I have in my tummy area; most people don't even realize I am preganant and I am near 32 weeks.  I do believe it also contributes to some of the discomfort during some of my stretching of my stomach.  As far as the before WLS and after, this is my first child, so I am not sure if there is much of one.  I did have to take Vit D and B12 shots that I didn't before WLS, so that might be really the added differences.  I would recommend start taking pre-natal vit now if you haven't already started them. 

Good luck....and enjoy the honeymoon! Stacey

Thanks for the info Stacey!  I really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Kimber