It's Been 18 Months and I'm SO Ready! Lots of questions...

Hi!

I am celebrating 18 months post op on the 16th and cannot wait to TTC. One of the primary reasons I had the RNY was to have a healthier pregnancy than I would when I was pushing 340 lbs. I am now in the 190's and 20 lbs from goal. 

I have been talking with my docs for months (years?) about this month when we would start trying. I have met with my PCP and OB GYN in the past two weeks and everyone has given me the green light. I did move cross country since my surgery and very much miss my old bariatric group. I don't feel like I get the same support from the new team although they are in the top rated in the country but I don't feel quite as much personal attention. Regardless, my docs are all in the same hospital system. 

So, here are some of my questions...

What do you drink!? I am going to sorely miss splenda/ crystal light, etc. I am a dumper so sugar is off limits. I am dreading 9 months of water. 

How have you combated weight gain during pregnancy?

So, this one is unrelated to WLS but did anyone try any methods to try for one gender over another? How did it work? I am hoping for a girl.

Thanks everyone! I am happy to be back on the boards!

Holly

 

Congrats on your weightloss and being ready to TTC! You don't have to give up artificial sweeteners. The American Academy of Pediatrics says they are ok in moderation. Not all types, but nutrasweet and splenda are. I know some people prefer to go all natural during pregnancy and I think thats great, but for some people it is perfectly fine and acceptable to have a little of it. I was borderline gestational diabetic so I relied on those things in moderation. Plus drinking fluids was always a chore for me, so using crystal light etc made it bearable! Good luck to you!

amen nikki!

My OB said Splenda was okay in moderation but I just stay away from it. I drink water, milk, and the occasional juice. I'm 22 weeks and I've gained 15 lbs. my OB said she wanted me to gain a total of 25-35 lbs throughout pregnancy. I did not do anything to try for one sex or the other but I've heard you're supposed to time intercourse around ovulation. You can google it and see when to have intercourse to better chances for a certain gender. I waited until 18 months post op to ttc and DH and I got pregnant on our first try! I'm wishing you the same! Good luck!!!

Hi, first off, I'm hoping you get your long awaited BFP.  I was about 18 months out when I got mine, but can't say we really were trying because I suffered for years before surgery with infertility and DH and I gave up hope. 

In my practice, some Splenda in moderation is fine, so I do take advantage of Crystle Light and also decaf Red Rose Tea with Splenda.  Be very careful with sugars even more now, as not only do you dump, but you may find you will have higher issues with reactive hypoglycemia. 

I still watch what I eat and maximize proteins, but at 38 weeks I am up 35 pounds.  Not the happiest camper about that, but best word of advice is don't give into all cravings.

 

you'll find that when it comes to pregnancy there's no shortage of opinions coming from EVERYWHERE. alot of them contradict each other. in the end you have to take things with a grain of salt and figure out what works best for you. i have continued drinking crystal light and splenda all throughout pregnancy and i honestly don't think thats gonna harm my baby. my docs would prefer i just drank plain water but when all you drink is water, you gotta change it up. the important thing is that you get your waters in.

 

as far as weight gain, its gonna happen. its supposed to. but lucky for me i didn't get too big and thats because of my tiny pouch. if i had been pregnant before surgery i surely would have ballooned up. bc as much as i had every intention of being the perfect pregnant woman and living off fruits and veggies, i didn't. i didn't deprive myself but i had small portions of everything which really has been the key. also try to be active. i haven't been. but if you have the energy, go for a walk or just do some activities. if you have RNY you'll be fine. trust me. you've lost so much already. you know how to work your tool. in fact you might have trouble putting weight on. don't worry about the weight. it will all come off after. you'll be fine! good luck!!!!!

Hi Holly, congrats on your surgery and on getting ready to ttc. I am going to be 3 years post op in March and I am 26 weeks and 4 days preggo with twin boys :0 )   I have only gained 18 pounds so far and I have just been eating normally and keeping up with my vitamins. . .I actually want to gain more becuase I am supposed to with twins on the way but it is actually HARD. . .lol. It feels so so weird to say that, that its hard to gain weight. . .lol but I'm glad that I haven't gained any more. As far as splenda goes, my ob says its perfectly fine in moderation and crystal light too. . .the only reason why I can see not drinking crystal light is becuase of the constipation but if your going to continue to drink it then just try to add more fiber in your diet. I drink milk like a little baby cow. Me and my 8 yr old can go through 3 gallons a week!! maybe more sometimes. ..lol! And orange juice since its good to drink with iron. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get preggo soon!!

Thanks so much, everyone! I am so excited. I am sure you will be seeing lots more of me here on the boards over the next nine months or so!