Question:
Can I still have a baby after having weight loss surgery?

I am 38 and my life has been on hold because of my weight. I want to have the surgery and then hopefully meet someone, get married and have kids. I want to know if I will be able to get pregnant and safely carry and deliver my own baby after having weight loss surgery.    — Mickey C. (posted on August 29, 2000)

August 29, 2000
I haven't done it, but I've been reading up on wls for months now, and as long as you wait until your body completely heals, there is no reason you cannot have a healthy baby. You may need extra vitamin shots or whatever, but lots of women who've had surgery went on to have babies. Best wishes to you.
   — Linda J.

August 30, 2000
I am 31 and had open RNY on 6/23/00. Many people in my support group have gone on to have healthy children after WLS. My surgeon just says not to get pregnant for a least 18 months after surgery because this gives your body a chance to level off and better utilize the nutrients you give it, so in turn after at least 18 months the growing baby can get all the nutrients it needs. Good Luck and I hope this helps.
   — Andrea P.

August 30, 2000
Mickey, your post really got to me because I think we're twins!!!!!!!! I am 36, and my love life has also been put on hold because of my weight. While I did have the surgery for health reasons, the "social" ones are also important and I consider those results to be extra perks. I, too, want to find Mr. Right, get married and have kids, and I, too, was concerned about having children afterwards. And, in fact, being able to have healthy children safely was a major reason why I decided to have WLS. With my ever increasing health problems along with the fact that obesity aften causes infertility in women, I knew I had to take a major step to turn that around. There is no problem with doing so although I was told I should wait 1 year after WLS. First, your body needs time to heal, and second, you need to be sure your body is getting all of its nutritional requirements. A woman in my support group who had infertility problems told us how easy (and unexpected) it was for her to get pregnant once the weight started coming off, so be careful! (smiles) I am 3 1/2 months post op, down at least 65 pounds, off my CPAP machine, and off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds completely. I haven't started dating yet, but I feel wonderful and healthy. I believe all will fall into place in its own time. Good luck!!!
   — Paula G.

August 30, 2000
I have a 5 month old baby. I got pregnant 2 months after my vbg surgery. I was told I would not get pregnant ( mostly because of the weight) I was very worried that the baby would not get enough to eat.Well he did! He was 7 pounds 2 oz. I still have lost around 100 pounds.I have about 100 more to loose. Good luck to you! Kristin
   — Kristin H.

August 30, 2000
Just my two cents, but if anything, your chances of getting pregnant increases because of the weight, you don't have the estrogen needed to like ovulate, and be fertile, etc. At least that's what I've heard, once you have surgery and recover, and get it a year or so, you will be able to have some healthy, beautiful babies. Don't sweat it, this will not stop you from having any children, and you'll be healthier for your babies, too!!! Good Luck!!
   — Daphne P.