TOO soon after Surgery ???

I am only 4 months post-op VSG & just had a positive pregnancy test. I have lost 90lbs, but have not been very healthy during these 4 months. I honestly thought I missed my period due to malnutrition. I am VERY concerned about the health of this baby. I have two year old twins (boy/girl) that we conceived with the assistance of a fertility specialist via IUI. SO, I didn't think I could conceive on my own. I am very disappointed in myself for not being more cautious. I am a mother, a nurse, & an educated weight loss surgery patient. I should've known better. I want so badly to be excited because I definitely want more children, but I feel so guilty for not being more prepared. Does anyone have any similar story or information good or bad ?  

For what it's worth, take comfort in the fact that you don't have malabsorbtion to be working against at this point.   As I don't have children, I can't really speak as a mom, but I can contribute as a VSG patient.  As I'm sure someone more knowledgeable and experienced will chime in soon, make sure you add carbs back into your diet if you've been restricting them, as I've gathered from this board that ketosis is NOT healthy while pregnant.

And as far as the food goes: the good news at 4 month out from a VSG is that you can eat a pretty wide variety of foods by then.  Just not a lot at any given time (my portions were TINY those first 6 months or so...while the stomach tissue was still swollen and healing up - my sleeve hardly held more than a few solid bites at that point).  Just make the best nutritionally packed choices as you can by choosing foods that are nutritionally and calorically dense, like peanut butter and regular fat cottage cheese (skip the low-fat, low-carb stuff for now).  IMHO, given the amount you can eat right now, the more nutrition and calories per a bite, the better.  And "graze" a bit if you have to get in enough nutrition.

And obviously, if you haven't been real religious about vitamins at this point (I know I wasn't really great with my vitamins those first few months after surgery...I know, shame on me, but I think it's common for lots of folks), you should probably start immediately (consulting with your surgeon and OB to see what they specifically recommend).  At 4 months out a tablet probably isn't an issue for you anymore, but there are prenatal chewables available by prescription if you have trouble with pills (the one I took for a while was called PreCare Chewables - it tasted like candy).  Or I'm particularly partial to the OTC NatureMade liquid softgels...my personal theory is that they dissolve better in our little tummies than the hard tablets.  And they do make a liquid softgel prenatal with DHA - it's available for a fair price at Costco (both in the stores and online).

Anyhow, I wish you much luck...after all, things always happen for a reason...

Cheers!

~Katherine

Katherine, Thank you so much for the vitamin suggestions! I still CANNOT tolerate a tablet. They cause horrible pain and vomiting. My nausea has been so bad, since my surgery, that it has been almost impossible for me to keep down a chewable vitamin. I have had to receive IV fluids 5 times during this 4 month post-op period due to dehydration among other things. So, I am excited to try your suggestions. I completely agree with you.  I do well with soft-gels & capsules. I am still @ the point where my pouch only holds about 4 bites. So, I have to choose my bites wisely. It is so great to hear from another VSG patient. Thank You for your input

I got pregnant only 3 months after my RNY and I am 30 weeks pregnant and have had a healthy pregnancy. I was having issues with getting enough protein and everything prior to getting pregnant and even during my first trimester. Call your surgeon, find the right OB who knows about gastric bypass and work with your nutritionist...listening to the team will help you and your baby be healthy. Congrats on getting pregnant without help of fertility doctor. I had done IUI and failed prior to surgery, so just think of what a joy it is to conceive on your own!


CONGRATS!

Thank You for sharing your story with me  I have had issues with getting enough protein, since surgery. My pouch does not tolerate protein at all, but i keep trying. I have an appt with my doctor today. I have a wonderful nutritionist in the hospital where i work who is actually affiliated with our bariatric surgeon. So, I am going to be seeing her very soon. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. It definitely gives me hope !!!

Ya know, everything you have mentioned is why I am glad I MADE my hubby talk to my surgeon about waiting. My first year was hell. Couldn't eat much and I was in the ER more that I wasn't (it felt like) to get re-hydrated. I am still having hydration problems and issues getting protein in. That's cause I have sever morning, noon, and night sickness. Well, I had it bad. It is starting to ease up TONS now that I have hit 12 weeks. I still don't want to eat and have to force myself to eat and drink.

I don't have any advice since I didn't get the VSG. Like someone already said tho, add some good carbs in and call your surgeon. I think someone already said to find an OB with WLS experience. Good luck with all of this.

ETA: I just reread this and I just want to say this isn't meant to be a flame. I guess I should add a little more about the hubby. My surgeon always says the pill and condoms together. Hubby HATES condoms (don't really know a man that loves them tho) and wouldn't listen to me when I said we had to use both. Surgeon told him he HAD to use them cause if I got pregnant he would have to answer to him. LOL Sound a little nicer now? Hope so. Just letting you know I was sick my first year and I am here for ya.

 I'm six months out and I think i might be pregnant myself! I don't yet but I hope I find out soon! Also i want to know did you have any things that made you know before the test are the symptoms the same?