Question:
Is it safe to get pregnant after surgery?

I want a baby but in a year or two I don't think I can wait that long to do the surgery is it safe post-op to get pregnant?    — Jasmine S. (posted on June 6, 2004)

June 6, 2004
Most doctor will ask you to wait a year before getting pregnant.once you start loosing weight your hormons have a surge and it can be very easy to get pregnent so be careful. your dr might put you on birth control to prevent this. Tracey
   — traceybubbles

June 6, 2004
Many women have had successful pregnancies following WLS. Yes, wait at least 1 year post op and you may not be able to use hormone based birth control (pills, patch) due to the surge in hormones while you lose the weight the quickest. Also, you might want to hold off on plastic surgery (if required) until you've finished your pregnancies.
   — Yolanda J.

June 6, 2004
Yep, it is safe. Here is proof: <p> www.ghettokidzracing.com/mckenzie.htm (pic of my baby born 2 weeks ago) <p> I waited the year my dr. required and had a pretty easy pregnancy, my OB had me double up on the iron and switch to a prenatal, but other that that, I did not have to do anything different just because I had WLS.
   — Ali M

June 6, 2004
There is a Yahoo OSSG-Pregnancy list. I don't have the link, but if do a search, you should be able to find it. There are many posties who have had very healthy babies, not to worry.
   — Leslie F.

June 7, 2004
I "accidentally" got pregnant 4.5 months post op. You wouldn't believe how fertile you can become just by losing a few pounds. My husband and I had unprotected sex for more than 3 years and nothing. I thought I couldn't have children. Then after 50 lbs gone I was pregnant. Quite a surprise. I didn't have a difficult pregnancy, but experienced more morning sickness than the average pregnancy. I was sick everyday up until delivery. I continued to lose weight throughout my pregnancy, but it did not affect the baby. My doctors watched me very closely and I had ultrasounds every month. Marcella was born on 12/31/03 at 7lbs and 8 oz and very healthy. I am not advocating getting pregnant this early. I think it's important for your health and the health of your baby to follow your doctors instructions about waiting, but would I change a thing?? : ) Of course not!! Then my little girl would not be here. Good luck. (320 lbs to 180lbs in 18 months)
   — J. W.

June 7, 2004
I had my surgery 7/14/03 and was pregnant (a surprise) by Sept 03. My daughter is now 2 weeks old and is doing just great. I gained 24lbs during my pregnancy and have already lost it all plus a few pounds. The only thing different my doctor did was have me double up on my prenatal vitamins and I had to graze through out the day. My daughter weighed 6lbs 11oz.
   — badkidzmom

June 8, 2004
I HAD SURGERY ON 11/20/03 AND I FOUND OUT I WAS 6 WEEKS PREGNANT ON 3/1/04. I AM CURRENTLY 20 WEEKS PREGNANT AND THE BABY IS DOING GREAT AND MEASURING IN NORMAL.
   — Jessica P.

June 8, 2004
Most surgeons suggest waiting a year or two however people have gotten pregnant alot sooner than that and have had zero problems.However, rapid weightloss is so hard on the body and personally I don't understand why anyone would on purpose, want to chance getting pregnant during that time and risk complications. I'm just now a year out and still fight to get in enough food,water and vitamins to keep myself healthy let alone a growing baby.A few months ago I read that there was some research going on to find out if there are any long term effects on babies born to mothers with a nutritional risk, including gastric bypass patients.They were suggesting that nutritional deficiencies in the womb could cause neurological and or learning disabilities in later childhood.
   — jennifer A.