Next Steps
This is my first post on this board and I'm looking forward to making the doctors appointment - 9 lbs to go - for assistance in getting pregnant.
When I met with the doc a year or so ago, the tests for myself and my husband came back as normal, and the doc said it was unexplainable (and probably atributed to my weight). We have been unable to get pregnant for 5.5 years, so I believe that (and we finally had insurance to pay for the surgery) pushed us towards the lap-band surgery which I had in early October 2010.
I hit 309 this weekend and once I am under 300 (and BMI under 40) he said that he can start helping us - so probably in the next month or so, I'll make the appointment.
Most of what I've ready about recommendations for pregnancy after surgery says to wait for a year, but that also applies to the RNY - which is more in depth than the Lap band. Is there any information about this out there? My family doctor says 3 months should be fine - since this form is just about restriction, but my bariatric holds by the year -same as RNY.
Does anyone have any other information on this as I tend to believe my family doctor on this (not just because it aligns with what I want, but based on the response of the body). I believe that the bariatric doctor says this because the body is still becoming used to the amount of food. I would ask him again on this, but his practice stopped accepting my insurance as of January.. :( I am in the process of locating a new bariatric doc, but not there yet.
Thanks in advance for the information and just wanted to say Hi!
Kim
When I met with the doc a year or so ago, the tests for myself and my husband came back as normal, and the doc said it was unexplainable (and probably atributed to my weight). We have been unable to get pregnant for 5.5 years, so I believe that (and we finally had insurance to pay for the surgery) pushed us towards the lap-band surgery which I had in early October 2010.
I hit 309 this weekend and once I am under 300 (and BMI under 40) he said that he can start helping us - so probably in the next month or so, I'll make the appointment.
Most of what I've ready about recommendations for pregnancy after surgery says to wait for a year, but that also applies to the RNY - which is more in depth than the Lap band. Is there any information about this out there? My family doctor says 3 months should be fine - since this form is just about restriction, but my bariatric holds by the year -same as RNY.
Does anyone have any other information on this as I tend to believe my family doctor on this (not just because it aligns with what I want, but based on the response of the body). I believe that the bariatric doctor says this because the body is still becoming used to the amount of food. I would ask him again on this, but his practice stopped accepting my insurance as of January.. :( I am in the process of locating a new bariatric doc, but not there yet.
Thanks in advance for the information and just wanted to say Hi!
Kim
FIrst, I want to say congratulations on your weight loss. You've come a long way and I believe you'll have continued success in the future.
I am post-op 3 years from RNY. I was told my Bariatric Surgeon and OB (they were friends) to wait 12 to 18 months minimum before TTC. They were both concerened about adequate nutrition getting to the baby while keeping me healthy as well.
I know some other post-op banders will chime in and you'll be in good hands with them.
Welcome to the board and best of luck in the future.
I am post-op 3 years from RNY. I was told my Bariatric Surgeon and OB (they were friends) to wait 12 to 18 months minimum before TTC. They were both concerened about adequate nutrition getting to the baby while keeping me healthy as well.
I know some other post-op banders will chime in and you'll be in good hands with them.
Welcome to the board and best of luck in the future.
Proud Mom of Brantley Alexander, 6 1/2 years old .
"CoCo" 
November 2009, July 2010
I'm an RNY'er also. I was asked not to try till at least 12 months and then to make sure all my levels were good.
Now on the grounds of having a baby at plus size. I was about 260 when i got pregnant with my son and gained about 20 lbs. He was healthy and happy but I did get gestational Diabeties so had to be careful in food. Don't know how the band will be in trying to mitigate that concern.
AND I agree with the previous post on Woohoo on the weightloss!! Great job!
Now on the grounds of having a baby at plus size. I was about 260 when i got pregnant with my son and gained about 20 lbs. He was healthy and happy but I did get gestational Diabeties so had to be careful in food. Don't know how the band will be in trying to mitigate that concern.
AND I agree with the previous post on Woohoo on the weightloss!! Great job!
Sandra 
There is a reason your WLS told you no for at least a year. It is hard to mantain a healthy pregnancy while you are losing weight. The ketones in your blood can affect the fetal brain development. Why would you put yourself through WLS just to loose a small amount of weight? I cannot believe a medical professional would even consider seeing an obese woman for fertility issues at only 5 months post op. Are you being honest with all of them?
If you were to get pregnant now, you would need to stop eating the way your band surgeon recommended. I know they stress high protien, low carb but that is dangerous for pregnancy. Throw in the carbs now and your WL will slow down.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for 5 years, then what is the harm of waiting another 7 months or so? Especially when it means you will be healthier and a much lower BMI. I personally would NOT want to be pregnant at 300 lbs. It sounds very uncomfortable, not to mention your risk of developing gestational diabetes will be higher. Your WLS is the one to listen to in this matter. Sorry this isn't what you wanted to hear.
If you were to get pregnant now, you would need to stop eating the way your band surgeon recommended. I know they stress high protien, low carb but that is dangerous for pregnancy. Throw in the carbs now and your WL will slow down.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for 5 years, then what is the harm of waiting another 7 months or so? Especially when it means you will be healthier and a much lower BMI. I personally would NOT want to be pregnant at 300 lbs. It sounds very uncomfortable, not to mention your risk of developing gestational diabetes will be higher. Your WLS is the one to listen to in this matter. Sorry this isn't what you wanted to hear.
M/C 10/18/10 9w2d...forever loved
It's a boy!
I've been wondering the same thing myself! Why is that it seems so many are claiming their doctor is ok with them trying to conceive when they are still so overweight to begin with. My weight in the beginning was not ideal at 185 for my height, but I can't understadn why even at 6'1" you would be ok with wanting to get pregnant at 300. Don't you want to wait until your're at the goal weight you have listed in your tracker? To be honest, if you think getting pregnant this quick out of the gate is going to allow you to get to your goal I would have to think this is NOT going to happen for you. I'm trying not to be rude in any way here, but you're sabotoging your surgery to try and get pregnant at this stage of the game.
Chelle,
Yes, protein is stresed and I do get 60-80 grams each day, but am not at Ketosis as I'm still getting about 100 grams each day and sufficient fat for normal body processing. My current weight loss is 6-8 lbs a month - not higher.
I have been open and honest with my family doctor and my OBGYN and fertility specialist - who all believe that I'm in good health other than the extra weight - all tests (blood and heart) come back within the normal range and all are supportive of this more now than waiting till I'm at my goal weight since by that time I'll be over 40.
Even thought I'm 300 lbs, I'm still in good shape and can run a mile or so and lift weights as I'm very muscular.
Thank you for your concern and I am all set for my weight loss to slow down now and then after I have kids will pick it back up - I was looking for information and experiences specifically related to the band.
Kim
Yes, protein is stresed and I do get 60-80 grams each day, but am not at Ketosis as I'm still getting about 100 grams each day and sufficient fat for normal body processing. My current weight loss is 6-8 lbs a month - not higher.
I have been open and honest with my family doctor and my OBGYN and fertility specialist - who all believe that I'm in good health other than the extra weight - all tests (blood and heart) come back within the normal range and all are supportive of this more now than waiting till I'm at my goal weight since by that time I'll be over 40.
Even thought I'm 300 lbs, I'm still in good shape and can run a mile or so and lift weights as I'm very muscular.
Thank you for your concern and I am all set for my weight loss to slow down now and then after I have kids will pick it back up - I was looking for information and experiences specifically related to the band.
Kim
I had a band for 9 years and I could see why it would be safe 3 to 4 months after surgery to get pregnant IF you can handle stopping your weight loss for the pregnancy. It may mean having less restriction in your band so you can eat an appropriate amount of calories to maintain your weight or adding something like a high calorie smoothie for breakfast to your current diet regimen. Its really important not to LOSE weight during pregnancy, but there is nothing wrong with not gaining a pound.
However, if you're losing 15 to 20 pounds a month without (or with very little) fill you may want to make sure you are able to stop your weight loss before you try to get pregnant. Weight loss releases toxins into the blood stream and those will go right to baby, which is why maintaining a steady weight is important regardless of the size you start at. I hope hat makes sense and isn't confusing! :)
Whatever you choose to do, good luck!
Edited to add: unlike RNY and other similar surgeries there is not a "time limit" for weight loss with the band so you could continue your weight loss journey once the baby is born. However, keep in mind that it if you have weight issues prior to pregnancy it will be a lot harder to lose weight after pregnancy then before pregnancy. Pregnancy can slow your metabolism even more. But I understand why you don't want to wait until you reach goal. It can take a lot longer with the band than other WLSs.
However, the BIG advantages to waiting until you're closer to your goal weight are that 1) you'll have an easier pregnancy with less strain on your heart and other organs 2) it's better for the baby if you are a healthy weight (the baby is less likely to grow up with weight problems) 3) your battle with fatigue will be less if you weigh less 4) you're less likely to suffer breathing issues during pregnancy 5) after baby is born you'll have a LOT more energy if you are closer to goal weight than if you are not. I know you didn't ask for that list and I hope mentioning it didn't offend you, certainly wasn't my intention. I just thought I'd mention it so you know what you're getting yourself into! LOL Being pregnant and having a newborn is HARD at any weight. My friend who is pregnant is about your weight and she's having a hard time because of weight related problems ch is the biggest reason I am so sensitive to the problems it can cause right now.
Best of luck to you though!
However, if you're losing 15 to 20 pounds a month without (or with very little) fill you may want to make sure you are able to stop your weight loss before you try to get pregnant. Weight loss releases toxins into the blood stream and those will go right to baby, which is why maintaining a steady weight is important regardless of the size you start at. I hope hat makes sense and isn't confusing! :)
Whatever you choose to do, good luck!
Edited to add: unlike RNY and other similar surgeries there is not a "time limit" for weight loss with the band so you could continue your weight loss journey once the baby is born. However, keep in mind that it if you have weight issues prior to pregnancy it will be a lot harder to lose weight after pregnancy then before pregnancy. Pregnancy can slow your metabolism even more. But I understand why you don't want to wait until you reach goal. It can take a lot longer with the band than other WLSs.
However, the BIG advantages to waiting until you're closer to your goal weight are that 1) you'll have an easier pregnancy with less strain on your heart and other organs 2) it's better for the baby if you are a healthy weight (the baby is less likely to grow up with weight problems) 3) your battle with fatigue will be less if you weigh less 4) you're less likely to suffer breathing issues during pregnancy 5) after baby is born you'll have a LOT more energy if you are closer to goal weight than if you are not. I know you didn't ask for that list and I hope mentioning it didn't offend you, certainly wasn't my intention. I just thought I'd mention it so you know what you're getting yourself into! LOL Being pregnant and having a newborn is HARD at any weight. My friend who is pregnant is about your weight and she's having a hard time because of weight related problems ch is the biggest reason I am so sensitive to the problems it can cause right now.
Best of luck to you though!
Thank you for writing - i am only losing 6-8 lbs per month and am perfectly fine stopping my weight loss now (or as soon as I get pregnant) and will work with my docs to ensure I'm eating the correct things and since I've only had 1 fill, it will not be as difficult if the saline is taken out to increase calories for the baby.
For the other items - thank you for including the list and I have thought about this and have talked about it with my husband (it will go on the list to talk with the docs about). From my view (but will confirm with the docs) my heart and other organs were in good health prior to surgery (almost 40 lbs ago) so the addition of a pregnancy (while maintaining my weight) shouldn't be that much extra strain on my body - but again, will talk with the docs.
I appreciate the feedback!
Kim
For the other items - thank you for including the list and I have thought about this and have talked about it with my husband (it will go on the list to talk with the docs about). From my view (but will confirm with the docs) my heart and other organs were in good health prior to surgery (almost 40 lbs ago) so the addition of a pregnancy (while maintaining my weight) shouldn't be that much extra strain on my body - but again, will talk with the docs.
I appreciate the feedback!
Kim
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