Question:
At 5 months post op, 43 years old, and a BMI of 57 I find myself pregnant!
Unexpected for sure, I have an OB appt for next week but really would like info on my situation. I know the age, surgery and weight are against me I also realize this may be my last chance. Anyone Ive told feels I should terminate, but not such an easy decision. I tried the pregnant after WLS site and didnt really find much about pregnancies so early. Any chances I could have a normal baby and not harm myself in the process? Thanks. — Sue T. (posted on January 2, 2002)
January 2, 2002
YES! Pregnancy can successful for mother and baby! Our support group has
some WONDEFUL children conceived after weight loss surgery. You will need
to be followed carefully by doctors, and take extra vitamins and such. You
are SO lucky!!! A WLS baby. I sincerly hope you give this baby a chance for
a full life, and if not there are LOTS of folks who want a baby and are
unable to concieve. You could provide them a wonderful gift!
— bob-haller
January 2, 2002
WOW! I've heard that we turn into estrogen machines when the fat starts to
go! My advice is to NOT listen to anyone who tells you a quick keep it or
loose it answer. You are doing the right thing for you. Find out all you
can. Is it safe for you and the fetus? Is this something you want to do or
can do right now? And for the next 18 - 30 years? Ask all the questions,
get all the answers, and make the best choice for you and your family. If
there is a God to reckon with after all is said and done, then that day
will come as well. We cannot be perfect. Good LUCK!
— Carolynn J.
January 2, 2002
Sue, nobody can tell you what to do on the moral front... you will do what
seems right to you and that IS the right thing. I am sure that if you have
good prenatal care that you will have a healthy baby and that you will not
harm yourself, though you will of course greatly slow your weight loss for
now. The Yahoo! groups OSSG-pregnant and OSSG-breastfeeding will probably
be good resources to you as you think about how to proceed. Just curious,
what birth control were you using? I wish the owners of this site would do
some post-op birth control polling so that people could make more informed
decisions regarding this important issue. Good luck no matter what you
decide!
— Julia M.
January 2, 2002
I am not sure that I understand your statement about "my last
chance". Is that your last chance to have a baby? If so, I find your
decision a very easy one. Babies are wonderful and grow into wonderful
children!! Anyway, I am answering actually to give you the name of someone
that posted to this board just a few days ago. Her name is Carey Watkins
and is from San Diego. She, too is 5 months post op and is newly pregnant.
Maybe you could share similar circumstances/feelings/stories? (Or just
commiserate! LOL) Best of luck to you! Shelley
— Shelley.
January 2, 2002
Congratulations!
— [Anonymous]
January 2, 2002
Sue... congratulations!! I would give anything to be in your condition!!!
You have to make your own decision, but the best thing to do is get a
REALLY GOOD baby doctor and then decide.
Personally, I don't think being pregnant would hurt you or the baby. You
will be able to eat enough, you have enough stored fats to help, and you
will be taking great vitamin supplements. Just keep an eye on things, and
drink your protien and water. I would be willing to bet you lose weight
through the whole pregnancy, but the baby will be fine!! If I were you...
that's what I would do.
But... like I said, it is your decision. My 2cents is coming from a person
who has never been able to get pregnant, so keep that in mind! :)
Good Luck! Hugs!
— Sharon H.
January 2, 2002
congratulations,
i am an obstetrician and should have known better but i got pregnant only
six months after my surgery. i am thirty five years old and just gave
birth to a beautiful baby boy one month ago.
do have a couple of risks but they can all be worked though. first of all
your age. you have an increased risk of hyertension adn diabetes if you do
not already have problems with these. these are all manageable,
fortunately. secondly there is the increased risk of down's syndrome but
if you would like there is testing for this.
also with the recent surgery there can be problems with nutrition. with my
first pregnancy i gained 60 lbs but with this pregnancy i only gained 7.
it will be very important to get hooked up with a nutritionist right away
if you aren't already. i pretty much existed on instant breakfast.
bottom line there are risks but there are always risks just make sure you
find an obstetrician who understands the ramifications of the surgery and
good luck!
y
— kristen N.
January 2, 2002
If you want this baby, find an obstetrician who specializes in
high risk pregnancies, preferably one who has some knowledge of
wls and wls pregnancies. And please don't feel that things are
automatically hopeless. STATISTICALY you're prenancy is at a
higher risk...but....those are just numbers. With proper care,
you'll probably have a successful pregnancy and healthy baby.
— [Anonymous]
January 3, 2002
Congrats!!!!! Get a good OB and let it go from there! Let me know how you
are doing, I cannot wait to have another, but I am only 3months post op and
know that time will come. Birth control is VERY tricky post op, with all
the estrogen pumping our bodies are doing. There are few, very reliable
methods of birth control out there that aren't being interfered with by the
estrogen pumping. (And Lord knows that we are feeling so good about
ourselves, we are enjoying some activities much more these days) :-) Good
luck!
Kierstin
— Kierstin C.
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