Question:
Has anyone carried twins successfully after WLS?

I've been seeing a fertility doctor and because of the WLS that I had over 5 years ago she will only implant one embryo at a time because she fears nutritional problems. I've had two unsuccessful attempts with IVF the second that ended with a tubal pregnancy. i suggested to her that I would like to try to implant 2 embryos the next time and she basically told me that she was afraid that if they both took and I got pregnant with twins I would have kids with severe birth defects twin to twin transfusion etc..if I carried to term at all. I got the feeling that my WLS scared her and I feel that she is not taking into account that I have not had any problems with my labs in years and have stayed within 10 pounds of my goal weight for 5 years. I have been trying to look up more info but have not found anything stating that I am at more risk of having a deformed child. All I see is advice that people like me would have to be monitored more closely about nutrition which I don't have a problem doing? I don't think my doctor knows alot about WLS.    — citygirl1971 (posted on September 22, 2008)

September 22, 2008
A friend of mine is currently pregnant with twins after her WLS. She has had some issues with her nutrition and has started supplementing shakes throughout the day. She said it is really hard for her to get the nutrition she needs for her and the babies but she is doing it. She has never mentioned any concern about deformities to me.....thats not to say her Dr hasnt mentioned it to her. I would speak to your surgeon and see what their thoughts are on the situation. Perhaps your surgeon could speak to your fertility DR? Just a thought...I wish you the best in your journey.
   — krlynn

September 22, 2008
I don't know where you live or your situation... but I'd see if I could get a second opinion. I was overweight with pcos and diabetes and all sorts of issues, I needed fertility treatments and had one dr flat out refuse to help because she stated I would never carry a baby to term... but I kept looking for the right dr that would help me and I have a 7 year old now. Some people in my opinion just have their own prejudices and let that guide their actions. Maybe you could find a high risk fertility specialist. I wish you the best of luck.
   — munchiesmama

September 22, 2008
Have you tried asking on the "Pregnancy Post-Op" forum? I lurk there sometimes just because I love babies hehehe but, I believe there is at least one there who just had twins and another who is pg right now. Go check it out and post your question there maybe? Good luck with everything!
   — txsweits73

September 22, 2008
There are a few women in the pregnancy after WLS forum who have had twins...one just gave birth last week to two health babies. I'd check over on that forum...and consider finding a new dr...
   — Hollywog

September 23, 2008
I work in labor and delivery and have had several girls with singles and twins with perfectly ok babies. Get a second opinion or have a long talk with her about getting a second opinion. That may change her mind, IVF is expensive and the more times you try the more money she makes. So if you have attempted the one implantation already its time for two. Hope this helps.
   — Nurse343

September 23, 2008
As a mom, a nurse and post-RNY, I would recommend you get a second opinion....I could understand a doctor telling you to see a nutritionist and supplement nutritionally if you would end up pregnant at all, especially with twins, but not the deformities, etc... Also, what are the odds? We have several friends who implanted three or even four eggs and ended up with only one or none at all taking.... I would definitely get a second opinion before I let this particular doctor make me stick to something I didn't feel was right.... Good luck and keep us all posted!!! andi
   — andrealej

September 23, 2008
With WLS on the rise, and one of the reasons being infertility issues, there must be a Fertility Specialist out there dealing with the high risk of WLS pts. I would look into that. Nothing against your current Dr. but it does sound like she is being overly protective. I wouldn't risk your own life to get pregnant, but maybe with a specialist you would accept the reasoning more. I wish you all the luck in the world!
   — imaswtgrl

September 24, 2008
You need to find a new doctor... neither she nor you sound very confident with her ability to provide you with adequate medical care. Also, fraternal twins (twins that develop from two separate fertilized eggs) are not at risk for twin-to-twin transfusion. You would have to have identical (monozygotic--a single egg that splits) twins for this to happen. Good luck!
   — mrsidknee