Question:
four months post-op and 7 weeks pregnant, any risks?

I was told told in my past I would never be able to have another child..I am four months post-op and just found out today that I am 7 weeks pregnant. I phones my surgeon to tell him the good news and they seemed disappointed, and asked for me to come into the office on Jan 5- for a talk with the doctor. I have been very scared what he might say. Is there a problem? Is the baby at risk? Am I in danger being so close to just having the surgery done? Should I just relax and be excited?    — Tosha C. (posted on December 23, 2003)

December 22, 2003
yes, there are risks but many happy post-ops have healthy babies. It is best to use a high risk pregnancy doc for your care and one that has had wls patients before. I am not surprised that your surgeon was disappointed in your 'good" news. Most surgeons in your initial meetings will tell you that this surgery makes you more fertile and if you are of childbearing age to use birth contol and not get pregnant for two years after surgery so I am not surprised at all at his reaction. Congrats on your little bundle of joy and I truly hope everything goes well for you.
   — Delores S.

December 22, 2003
I'm so glad for you and your happy news! I am not surprised that your doctor is disappointed though, and honestly, I don't believe that you are surprised either, if you know about what your body is going through right now. You and the baby are at an increased risk for complication, having a pregnancy this close to your surgery. To tell you otherwise would just be silly. However, there is no iminent danger! So try not to freak out. You must take EXTRA good care of yourself and the baby. Seek nutritional counciling and make sure you see a OBGYN who is versed in high risk pregnancy. Your surgeon may be able to refer you to one. Best of luck to you!!! and congrats again!
   — LMCLILLY

December 22, 2003
Hi Tosha, while it's not ideal to get pregnant so soon, it has happened and both baby and mom have done great. I suspect the dr. is disappointed because it will mess up his stats - not because they think something will go wrong. Depending on your body, where you are in your weight loss, you may continue to lose weight (maybe a little slower), stay the same or gain some. All of these will skew his stats. Find a good OB/GYN, one who is at least familiar with WLS. My current GYN is not a high risk dr., but I have used her for a long time, so I'm comfortable with her care during my pregnany. (I was a year post-op when I got pregnant) Please check out the Yahoo group that adriene T posted, there are many women on that board that found themselves pregnant before their dr wanted them to be, so you really are not alone. <p> http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-pregnant/
   — Ali M

December 23, 2003
Hi there...I was 6 months post-op when I found out that I was 4 weeks pregnant. While it is not idea to be pregnant so soon, everything will be ok. I will be 20 weeks Thursday and everything is GREAT with me and my little fellow!! Yep, I am having a boy and it is such a joy. I have not gained ANY weight!!! Matter of fact, I started the journey (according to the doctor scales) at 184 and to date am weighing in at 176. I have had 2 ultrasounds and this little booger is healthy and a little big for his age. Anyway, good luck and if you have any questions, feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]. Hugs :)
   — Michelle M.

December 25, 2003
First of all...Congratulations! Obviously after surgery we are at a high nutritional risk,the body is recooperating from major surgery and rapid weightloss is draining on the body.So of course that could affect a baby if it's not monitored carefully. I'm really surprised though that your surgeon did not stress to you the importance of not getting pregnant and using birth control for at least the first year. Because the weightloss usually does increase your fertility, my surgeon brings this subject up several times during consultations prior to and after surgery.
   — jennifer A.

December 25, 2003
"They seemed Dissappointed" may not be what they were. More likely concerned. It is recommended that you not get pregnant too soon after any surgery, let alone ours. However, nature is a wonderful thing. The baby gets theirs first. Your baby should be safe, you will just have to be extra dilligent on keeping yourself nourished and supplemented. Be excited, this is truly good news. And do joing the Yahoo site as recommended here. I met the most wonderful, healthy mom and baby at my surgeons office.
   — faybay

December 26, 2003
Congratulations! Definately check out the yahoo WLS/pregnancy group. They helped me a lot! I got pregnant 4 months post op also and gave birth to a healthy baby boy on June 30, 2003. You should relax and be excited. Your OB might just keep a closer eye on you. I lost weight throughout the pregnancy, but they continued to monitor his size via ultrasound which was always fine. Good luck!!
   — emilyfink