Question:
CAN I STILL HAVE CHILDREN?

I have had my period about 10 times in the last 3 years. My GYN said it is my weight, and wants me to get on the pill, but I wont because that makes me gain weitht, (how ironic that I gained it anyway), and makes me fell funky. Anyway, I am 38, and wondered if anyone lost there period for an extended amount of time, then had the WLS, lost weight and was able to get pregnant after a couple of years when it was safe. I am almost scared of the answer, somtimes I feel that by being fat, I have killed the chance of being a mother. SIGNED LOOKING FOR HOPE    — Tica G. (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 25, 2001
I really don't know because I am only six months post op but my gyno told me it was my weight causing the problems with my periods. I went on birth control a year ago and now have perfect periods. I also got pregnant twice VERY easily and I have been heavy for years so I have a hard time believing it's just weight that makes people infirtle.
   — Vel K.

July 25, 2001
I have had the same experience, a doctor told me that I couldn't get pregnant years ago because I was fat. I was tormented by this and almost gave up but everyone told me he was a jerk! I finally went to a great fertility specialist who discovered I not only had a hyperthyroid but also Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which makes getting pregnant very difficult, never mind makes you gain weight and grow facial hair! Supposedly it is one of the most overlooked conditions women suffer from but is not all that uncommon! After several fertility treatments, I gave birth to beautiful triplet boys in 1991 and in 1994 gave birth to another beautiful son! (Since then I have "closed up shop!")I will never forget that doctor that told me that fat people have a hard time getting pregnant, I still get enraged every time I think about him. He almost ruined my chances of trying to get pregnant. Also, like you, I was told to go on the pill to regulate my periods.I did for a time and sure enough my periods were suddenly there and regulated. Since then, my GYN said that the reason people with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are regulated on the pill is that it regulates the hormones that are so off balance with this condition. It sounds like maybe you need to go to a doctor who knows about PCOS and at least get tested to see if you could possibly have it. Also, have you ever had your thyroid checked? Been checked for diabetes? These can also reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Please, don't blame yourself, there are so many reasons that people don't get pregnant, being fat in and of itself is not one of them, it is just an easy way for doctors who don't know anything to blow you off and discriminate against you because of what they see. They should be testing you for the same conditions as they would for any thin person that came in with the same problem. I, for one, pray that you stop blaming yourself, I don't belevie that you have done anything to cause infertility, your weight is likely a symptom of what is really going on. I wish you all the luck in the world. When you get down and are thinking about that baby and how much you want it, think good thoughts, be proactive and don't settle for being blown off...and think about me and my "population explosion!!!" Best of luck to you.
   — Vicki K.

July 25, 2001
I just want to correct where I stated that I had a hyperthyroid...it is a hypothyroid...there is a big difference!...Vicki
   — Vicki K.

July 26, 2001
I don't really know, but being healthy one always has a much better chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby, remember a baby grows in the uterus not in the stomach/pouch. Good Luck
   — [Anonymous]

July 26, 2001
All kinds of people have had children after surgery. Actually most people who hjave had fertility problems find they go away after the weight loss. and being fat does not make you infertile,but It can cause problems,I have been over weight my whole life and have 3 kids,My first I had at 15 and at 17 I lost my left ovary and got pregnant again at 19,the dr that Removed my ovary told me I would not get pregnant again,Yeah right! I had my second son almost 3 months early,he has no lasting problems from it,and when he was 7 months old I got pregnant again with my daughter. So drs don't always know what they are talking about. If I can get pregnant with only one ovary and being fat on top of it,I guess just about anything can happen. Good luck....Brandy
   — Brandy P.

July 26, 2001
Hi, I have heard that being overweight can affect your periods, I never had this problem, but have had friends that did. But, I'm living proof that being fat does not make you infertile. I have four kids, and except for the first one, I weighed 297 at the time I got pregnant and I'm 5'4. Pretty big. If I were you I would get a second opinion. Best wishes!
   — [Anonymous]