5 years post Lap Band & TTC

Today was a big day, I got my IUD out! I am super excited but also a little scared because I haven't seen a doctor for my lap band in several years (although I am currently looking for a dr). Is there anything that I should be concerned about. Or any other advice you would like to offer would be great!

Thanks,
Carrie

Hi Carrie (great name!)

If I were you, I'd look for an OB/GYN and get some pre-conception counseling so you have good advice that considers your entire health picture.  If you can find an OB/GYN who has had gastric bypass or lap band patients before, that's the best.  Hopefully, you're in a large enough city that you could find one.  Also, as you look for a bariatric doctor, see if you can find one who has had patients get pregnant and have successful pregnancies.  Just a few thoughts for you. :)  Congratulations on being IUD free and open to life!  I hope you have LOTS of fun TTC. ;)

- Another Carrie from Atlanta

Hi. Congrats on your WL and getting your IUD out. They are both big milestones :)
Before TTC, you should have a full lab panel done to be sure all your vitamin levels are ok. Make sure you are taking calcium and a multi, plus extra folic acid. Since you have lapband, you don't have any malabsorbtion issues. I think this site actually has lists of Bariatic surgeons listed by state, or look in the phone book. It is becoming a popular practice. Good luck.

I would say it is pretty important to have a lap band doc in place before you get pregnant. Being pregnant can wreck havoc on things like water retention, which can make your band feel tighter. It is also good to be especially careful in managing any nausea that you have, as a lot of vomiting is not good for your band. Many of us around here have also found it helpful to have a small unfill during the morning sickness phase. Most of us haven't found it necessary to unfill totally, and those that have done so have usually gained more weight than they want, so be sure to look for a doc that doesn't insist on emptying your band when you get pregnant. There are chewable pre-natal vitamins (available by prescription) or you can ask your OB/GYN what would be best for you to use, mine was OK with me using children's chewables and taking extra iron and folic acid.