Question:
Found out I was approved Wednesday.....found out I was pregnant Thursday...

One week after my initial consult, I was approved, and directed to get all medical records in, and prepare for testing, and pay the copayment part of my insurance. The very next day I found out I was pregnant. We haven't been able to get pregnant for 4 years, so I didn't think birth control before surgery was a necessity. I am so confused. Happy but sad at the same time. Has anyone had to postpone their surgery because of pregnancy and breastfeeding? If so, please let me know how you felt, and dealt with it! Thanks!    — Tammy P. (posted on July 28, 2000)

July 28, 2000
Oh Tammy! My heart goes out to you! I haven't been in that same situation but a very similar one that probably provoked the same stong emotion and mood swings! Almost two years ago my husband and I had problems conceiving. We both received testing and it was discovered that I was no longer ovulating. Then started the heart-breaking rounds of testing and medicating and poking and prodding for months with no results. When the doctors couldn't tell me anything, I took up the cause on my own and discovered that my infertility and recent depression and other problems are most likely caused by my wildly fluctuating hormone and blood sugar levels, exacerbated (or caused?) by obesity. In what was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, my husband and I prayed and fasted before we decided to stop the infertility treatments to concentrate on treatment for obesity. If I had known then that it would be NINE MONTHS of appeals and stress and attorney meetings before even being approved, then I probably wouldn't have done it. When we hit the nine month mark, I whispered to my husband one night, "We could have had a baby by now." But that's not the end of the story. I have too many things in my life that I regret, and I am not about to start having second thoughts about this surgery decision! I DID make the correct choice and am on the verge of a new life, one that will be so much healthier for me and future babies. Tammy, you don't have to regret your choice, it was made for you by Someone who knows a heck of a lot more than we do! You don't have to diet or worry about cholesterol for the next nine months! You are being blessed with the most precious gift that shows our Heavenly Father's trust in you! Hey, the surgery will always be available and might even get more specialized with less side effects by the time you are ready for it. You aren't missing out on a thing! This way you get to have a beautiful little child to greet you when you come out of the OR in a few years. When I started this obesity thing I was very well researched and thought the surgery would happen within just a few weeks. At the beginning of my trek I thought taking a required four-month dieting class was forever and I couldn't wait one more month! One more month meant one more lost opportunity for conception. Now I can see with perspective and realize that regardless of how much time and money I "wasted" with Kaiser, it will be better for me to wait one more month for new insurance so I can go to my surgeon of choice who is an expert, rather than settle for the poor surgery and surgeon that Kaiser is offering. It'll be two years before we will see if our unique "infertility treatment" worked, but I refuse to regret this decision. One day you will be able to look back at this and say, "I was actually disappointed to be pregnant? I had mixed emotions about such a beautiful miracle? How could I ever have felt that way? My baby is a most precious gift that I would welcome at any time in my life!" God blessed you, Tammy. I hope you are soon able to take a breath, stop those raging hormones, and see with eternal perspective. Sorry for the novel, but your story touched my heart. I will be thinking of you.
   — Jill H.

July 28, 2000
I would have your baby and then have your surgery. Babies are hard to come by. SHIRLEY C.
   — Shirley C.

July 28, 2000
Dear Tammy, Congratulations on becoming a "Mommy to Be":) I know that you are conflicted because you had your heart set on getting WLS. But knowing that you have been approved for surgery this go 'round, you know what to do next time you seek approval. Just keep copies of all the paperwork you & your Doctors sent in for reference next time and things should go smoothly:) Many a pregnancy has come when people have given up trying:) Congratulations also to your Hubby:) I hope that all goes well with your pregnancy and that you have a Healthy Happy Baby:) Sending Warm Soothing thoughts your way:) ttfn
   — Barbara I.

December 14, 2002
I was approved for surgery January 28, 2002, and had a surgery date set for Febraurty 24, 2002, then the bombshell; found out I was pregnant on February 13,2002! I'm thrilled to be a mom again for the fourth time (last one for sure), but went into depression at the thought of knowing This was going to be a difficult time because my health was already bad. I had complications (first time ever), and she came premature. Looking at her now, it was truly worth it, and also when I look at my girls, ages 8yrs.,4yrs.,22 months, and 3 months, it only re-affirms my commitment to have this surgery, so I can watch them grow up. Trust me when I say that God gives you nothing you cannot handle with him by your side. I have a diet history since January 1988; I know what you're going through. Good luck.
   — Terri R.