pregnancy and the band

Hi

Been looking at this board time to time but finally settled on the fact that I want a third baby.  First two were before lap band (realize band) so this pg will be different.  Different b/c I will be 100 pounds lighter, way healthier and will have a band.

So I am not ready to concieve just yet.  Waiting the recommended 18 mo post op, currently am 13 months.  But preparing.  I will have lost (I will, I will, I will ... positive thinking :) ) all the weight I wanted to lose (just have 15 or so more to go) and am healthy and very fit.

So, just wanted to hear from the banded mommies as to what to expect with pg and the band.  Unsure if I will have fluid taken out, will base that on an as needed thing.  But how do unfills work while pg, is it safe and if so till what week.  Will ask my surgeon as well but won't see her for another month or so and have this on my mind now.  my ob is experienced with banded mommies so that is good.

So....just looking to see what to expect.  Thanks. 

I have two band babies.  Both times I kept all the fluid in my band.  I don't keep a tight fill to start with so that may make the difference.  

Congrats on your weight loss and good luck getting pregnant when the time comes!
Amy

I don't keep my band tight either. I am hoping to not have to have an unfill because of this. I certainly could have it tighter but choose not to.

did you have pg before the band (amyc)?

No pregancy before both of mine were post op.   Hannah was born almost 3 years after the band and Noah almost 5 years after.  With Hannah I gained 19.5 pounds and with Noah I gained 6 pounds.   I didn't have any trouble getting the weight back off either time (esp. with Noah lol).  Hannah weighed 6lbs 13oz and Noah weighed 7lbs 3oz.   Both are healthy and keep me on my toes.   Noah just turned one Saturday and Hannah will 3 in less than two weeks. 
Where has the time gone!

I guess everyone is different my doc took all my fluid out and there are others on the board that are the same. With the risk of reflux, vomiting, and the baby putting pressure on your stomach some docs do it just in case so there is no emergencies. I have also hear of ladies who, becuse of the stress of labor had to have emergency unfills right after. Talk with your doc, they are all different. Good luck!

You don't have to unfill, but if you need to do it, it is safe to do so.
I had a little taken out around week 8 because my nausea was pretty bad, but then had most of it put back around week 14.
I gained around 20 lbs, but was only 4 lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight the day I got home from the hospital.
Don't let your surgeon talk you into a total unfill! It seems that most of have done that had a really hard time managing their weight gain.

I have a two week old baby and had the band this go-round. I think it depends on how you are doing. I think ultimately as long as you are getting in enough calories in the right portions (protein, carbs, fats) then let your stomach be your guide. I didn't get an unfill until a few weeks ago and my band was pretty tight. I had to unfill due to a medical procedure. I am waiting until I am done nursing before I get completely filled back up. 

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies everyone. More who want to reply please do. I have no problems with any foods at the moments and have had no problems with band ie stuck or any other. I attribute it to the band not being very tight. I understand the nauseau and am nervous about that but hopefully it will be okay.

I just didn't know if a fill or unfill was safe late in the pregnancy??? Seems scary when you are so big. I mean, I know they are shooting a needle through the membrane but still seems like mistakes could happen??

im 36 wks pg with twin and have not gotten a unfill, and hoping to lose the 35 pds asap once these babies are out!!