Question:
Had surgery 1/17/02 and I'm 2 months pregnant now.
I emailed my doctor and he mentioned questions have been raised recently about increased risk for birth defects in recent post-op patients. I am so upset. What should I do? Beg for an amnio (SPELLING ?) test? Does any one have experience with this? — Janice P. (posted on June 11, 2002)
June 10, 2002
My doctor told me that in absolutely no certain terms could I get pregnant
in the first year because of birth defects and danger to your new stomach
and yourself. I know this is not good news to you but I wanted you to know
the dangers. Take care and God Bless you in this tough time.
— Crystal D.
June 11, 2002
Hi Janice! I had surgery on 4/10/01 and found out I was pregnant in
December. At the time, I was 21 weeks pregnant. I had a healthy baby girl
on 5/9/02. She weighed 7 lbs 4 ozs. I weighed 380 pre-op. I weighed 250
before I gave birth. I am now at about 210-215 and still losing. If you
have any questions you can e-mail me at [email protected]
— cyndip
June 11, 2002
Everybody's different. I couldn't eat 600+ calories until the 4th month
after my surgery and wasn't eating 1200+ until a year out. Others progress
to "normal eating" much more quickly. My humble opinion: it
takes at least 1200 cal/day to support a pregnancy. If you're not there
yet, consider an abortion. Otherwise, your chances of birth defects are
high due to malnutrition.
— Terissa R.
June 11, 2002
I guess I am confused. My doctor told me to wait at least 2 years before
getting pregnant. Did your doctor not tell you anything? or are you just
not being careful with protection. Condoms work well.!!
— Kate D.
June 11, 2002
NO I DONT HAVE ANY ANSWERS FOR YOU BUT TO THE PREVIOUS POSTER:
CONDOMS DONT ALWAYS WORK WELL, I MISCARRIED TWINS AND WAS TOLD TO USE
CONDOMS FOR 3 MONTHS, THE DOCTOR DIDNT WANT ANY PREGNANCIES UNTIL THEN,
WELL I BECAME PREGNANT 2 WEEKS AFTER MY MISCARRIAGE, AND USED CONDOMS
FAITHFULLY!! HIS NAME IS JOSH, WE JUST LOVE HIM SO MUCH!
— rebecca N.
June 11, 2002
Janice,
Every doctor's recommendations are different, and can vary dramically as
can peoples opinions. You do not have to abort the pregnacy, unless you
choose to do so. Post ops of every stage have HEALTHY babies EVERYDAY, and
so can you. Just get informed on what types of things you will need to do
to insure you and you're baby are healthy such as vitamins, and food
intack. Don't be scared...there are plenty of ladies on this site that
would be happy to help you get through this that have been in your shoes
themselves. I wish you the best of luck, and Congratulations to you! Hang
in there girl! Emily
— Emily P.
June 11, 2002
You need to consult a high risk pregnancy OB/GYN. I don't think there's a
single person qualified on this board to be suggesting things like abortion
to this woman. And birth control, no matter what type, does not always
work. This woman is asking for help in an extremely serious situation, not
chastising. Best wishes...find a good doctor so you can make informed
decisions. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
June 11, 2002
Your doctor is the best person to answer these questions. You might also
join OSSG-Pregnant, a Yahoo listserv of women who have been pregnant after
WLS (some sooner than you!) All of the women I've read about on that
listserv have delivered healthy, happy babies. Granted, it's not ideal to
get pregnant in the first year or two, but people shouldn't be trying to
scare you. Listen to what people who have gone through it have to say and
talk to your surgeon and perhaps a high risk OB/GYN. Good luck and
congratulations!
— PT LawMom
June 11, 2002
Well I must agree on the last post see a high risk obgyn that will work
with your surgeon to help in all ways possible. What ever happens I wish
you best wishes for now and in the future. Just remember we are never
alone in this journey
— Jennifer E.
June 11, 2002
I would consult with 2 or 3 high risk ob/gyns and get all their opinions -
have them speak with your wls surgeon. Then I'd make a decision based on
their collective recommendations and what was best for my health and the
health of the baby. The only form of birth control that is 100% effective
is abstinence. Even those who use more effective birth control devices
(the pill, for example) can become pregnant. I did twice. Please don't
feel guilty and try not to be upset. Just know that you are supported and
thought about here, and whatever decision you make is ok. Best wishes,
— [Deactivated Member]
June 11, 2002
I don't have any experience, but your situation is so tough I couldn't
leave without giving you some words of encouragement and a little
inspirational story I fondly call"my nephew Marcus" my sister had
lost over 40lbs about 21/2 years ago and she was 26 years old with no
children. Four months after she became pregnant, she thought she nevr could
pregnant since she had been with the same person since the age os nineteen
and well no children, she was shocked, scared, happy and overwhelmed. See
she stop eating to lose all the weight and after she lost she took up the
habit of smoking. So her body was not prepared for a baby. Well
Marcus(pumpkin face) came 31/2 months early and when he was born he weighed
less than 2lbs, had a hole in his heart and his lungs and esophagus was not
formed. Of course to be truthful we all thought the worst the first time
we seen his tiny little self, I mean the little hat on his head was bigger
than him. To date he has been through over 25 surgeries and numerous
different procedures that are too many to count and he is the most
beautiful and normal and healthy (inside and out) child you've ever seen,
when he smiles he lights the whole room up and he's smart and a little
fighter. My whole point here is God gave you that child and no matter what
the odds say and what other's say he will see you through, it may not be
easy and there will be times when you feel all alone as if noone
understands. God never gives us more than we can handle and this baby just
may be your blessing in disguise. Keep Faith
God Bless you and your child! Janice
— Janice C.
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