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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