Question:
1AM can't sleep again...I have another question...thanks so much...

Hello, first of all thank you to everyone for answering..I don't think I've ever found a more caring group of people...It's 1AM here in Cleveland, OH and I woke up out of a sound sleep with another question... (I just received my approval in the mail on appeal, LAP RNY will be second week of January.) Has anyone out there had any problems with pregnancy post-op? I'm 24, engaged and this is a very big deal for me. I spoke to the dietician at the Cleveland Clinic and she said "Gee, I don't see how you could support a baby on only a cup of food 3 times a day." But I must qualify he statement with the fact that she doesn't come off as the brightest crayon in the box. The Endocrinologist and the Surgeon say that there should be no problem just notify the OBGYN that I'm a WLS patient. AND... does the leak risk lessen as we heal, or do I walk around waiting for something to pop on the inside for ever and ever??? Thanks again!!!    — Leah S. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 10, 2002
Leah- I just met a lady yesterday who had the surgery four years ago and she has two healthy children since. I asked her what she did about the lack of nutrient and she said that she just increased the amount of small meals she ate from 4 to six. There appeared to be no problems. I know on Yahoo there is a support group for WLS patients and preg. I hope this helps.
   — Cheryl S.

September 10, 2002
I forgot to mention she as kept all her weight off after having the children.
   — Cheryl S.

September 11, 2002
Leah, your Nutrionist sounds like an IDIOT...I would investigate getting another one post-op...She is obviously a dietician that is either clueless or has no experience with WLS patients. You can get pregnant from 18-24 months post-op...Not recommended prior. You will be a high risk pregnancy, but, as compared to be an OBESE high risk pregnant women, one is definitly different than the other. I too have a friend who had surgery and 2 1/2 yrs later she got pregnant and now has a beautiful baby girl. You should also address your concerns with your dtr. Good Luck. Heather (I am 31, had surgery 8/15 and my hubby & I are going to start trying for a baby the summer of 2004)
   — heathercross

September 11, 2002
Hi leah, Yes you can get pregnant after you have surgery. But Majority of surgeons will tell you to make sure its after 2 years because of the rapid weight loss and it subsides after the first 2 years. Also after wards you may need to up your vitamin intake and other things make sure you get your food and everything in. I have talked to a few women that have either had children or pregnant right now after surgery. And they all have had healthy babies and or are having a healthy pregnancy. Im not saying things can't go wrong. But that can happen in any pregnancy. Also your prenancy should always be payed more attention to and closly evaluated because of the surgery just to make sure everything is going smoothly. I am in the same boat as you are I am engaged and love children and would love to have 2 in the future. And I hope this suregery helps me with my pcos because of today in time I have been told, I probably wouldn't be able to have kids or atleast it would be very difficult. Seeing that I can't even have a period with out birth control. I hope this helped a little. Best of luck Ps: I believe you can only havea leak in the beginning. They run test on you b4 you leave go home from the hospital to make sure you do not have a leak, or atleast thats what they do here.
   — Starla W.