Pregnancy Post-DS

Hi ladies.  I'm considering a revision of my VBG to the DS and will have a consult in May.  DH and I have been married a year in May and he's ready for a baby.  We've been trying unsuccessfully since June 09.  I've been on Clomid to increase my Ovulation since Jan and it hasn't worked.  I'm sure the excess weight is a factor and I'm ready to put ttc on hold for a year to have my revision.

DH is not happy about me undergoing surgery and I'm concerned about the affects of malabsorption on a growing baby. 

I'd like to hear from some post DS moms and their experiences.

Thanks!

Hi Alysia,

Welcome! 

I am almost 5 years post-DS and I have a beautiful baby boy who was born last year very healthy.

I had asked my surgeon prior to DS about having babies.... and he said that while he hadn't seen as many DS babies born (this was 6+ years ago) as he had post-RNY babies he had seen healthy babies. 

He saw no problems as long as:

1.  I waited at least 18 months after surgery (for my weight to stablize because losing weight rapidly while pregnant is not good).
2.  I made sure my vitamin levels were good prior to trying.
3.  I committed to getting my levels checked while pregnant and tweaking vitamins when needed

Well I did 1 & 3 --- but Cooper was conceived without trying so I didn't really do a baseline prior to trying.  (However, I did always do a yearly check on my levels, so I knew they were pretty good).

My surgeon was awesome!  He did monthly blood checks on my levels.  I had to raise up my vitamin D and K and add in some A during pregnancy. 

I also saw a high-risk OB just because I am a worry-wort and my OB wanted to make me happy.  So I got an ultrasound every month to check the growth.

I gained almost 30 lbs (at my highest) during pregnancy -- so it wasn't a problem to gain for me. 
My son was born 7lbs 1oz. 

I don't think I would have been able to get pregnant at my highest weight of 412lbs . . so the DS gave me the oppurtunity to have my baby!! 

Good Luck to you!

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

Thanks so much for post.  I'll have show it to DH and hopefully, he'll feel better about the whole thing. 

 

I am 4 1/2 years post-op DS. Hubby & I are having our first baby (a surprise!) and we are due in July.

So far I have had a very healthy normal pregnancy. I do have to eat a lot of protein every day (at least 100-150 grams) and I do have to take a lot of vitamins and get my blood levels checked every 3 months.

My surgeon said the same thing as Cindy's about post-DS babies. As long as I wait 18 months, and as long as I keep up on my vitamins & lab work, I should be okay.

So far he was right!

Yahoo groups also has a group called DS post-op pregnancy that you could join to ask questions. It is not very active, but they will answer if you post!

Good luck!

PS) At 364 pounds, I was not having regular ovulation or periods. After I lost the weight, getting pregnant was, well a joy and didn't take long at all! (this was the case for me, I know it's not the case for everyone)

Congrats on the baby!  I know the weight is a issue with irregular menstration.  My RE said losing 10% of my weight could help. 

So, for anyone....what was your vitamin regime before baby and what is it now with baby? 

Also, how are you able to get so much protein in? 

I've joined the yahoo group.  Thanks!

Can't wait for you to post pics of the little one.

I think getting a DS will probably help you conceive!  I had PCOS before my surgery--irregular periods and all that jazz--but it disappeared after surgery and a year later I got surprise pregnant!  I've heard at lots of support meetings that women who don't think they can get pregnant have their DSes and then they "accidentally" get pregnant!  I think it's pretty common.

All you have to be concerned about is waiting an acceptable amount of time after your surgery to get pregnant.  Don't want to be in ketosis or still losing weight rapidly while you've got a baby in you.

My pregnancy was not planned but I was about a year out and my weight loss had slowed significantly.  I am a little worried about my vitamin levels and all that, but as far as I know, everything is going alright so far.

I'd just recommend you take your vitamins regularly and have good levels on everything when the time comes.

Good luck!