Question:
Need help maintaining weight. I'm 10mos post op and 30wks pregnant. Help?

Everything was going fine until 2wks ago. I have not changed anything but now I have diarrhea all of the time. My OB is not very helpful and I need help!!    — Ann S. (posted on April 3, 2001)

April 3, 2001
Wow.. sounds like a new obgyn or another physican should be consulted. You need nutrition to support yourself and a baby and it has got to be very hard so close to after your surgery. I wish you the best of luck.
   — Dawn R.

April 3, 2001
{{{{ANN}}}} THis must be a very difficult time for you. I would never ask if this was 'planned' or not -- that's totally irrelevant. :) I'm glad that everything has been fine up to this point -- just hang in there! :) Unfortunately, you may not be able to switch ob's (although I would seriously consider this as an option if possible). DEFINATELY make him/her see the potential difficulties/problems of having a child after surgery (especially this close after surgery). Have them contact your surgeon pronto to discuss this. I think your surgeon should be notified, too to provide any assistance, information, etc. Wishing you all the best, ([email protected]),
   — Teresa N.

April 3, 2001
Dear Ann - at one of the information sessions I attended my doctor recomended that any of his patients that got pregnant after WLS see an ob specializing in high risk pregnancies. He thinks because of the reduced nutrition for both mom and baby it's a good idea. Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you and for your new addition.
   — georgiacarol

April 3, 2001
Personally, I don't think it's anyone else's business whether the pregnancy was planned or not. My children are 15 months apart, and I was on the pill (taken religiously and correctly) both times. So, you may have very well been trying to prevent a pregnancy. Or it may have been unplanned. Or it may have been intentional. Have you been involved with your bariatric surgeon since your pregnancy? Has he/she discussed your needs with your OB? Perhaps a high-risk OB is in your best-interest. I wish you the very best with your blessed event!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 3, 2001
Don't panic yet. Any Neonatologist would still take you at this point in the pregnancy. That is the fancy word for a high risk OB doctor. You should try to find one in your area ASAP. Many OB-GYN's try to "hold onto" their patients when the high risk doctor is really in order. DO NOT take Imodium. Check with your physician first. There are many drugs that are safe in pregnancy and you want to make sure that is one. I can tell you with absolute certainty that the OB I work for does not allow Pepto-Bismol at all. I would also caution against increasing the vitamins without physician consent as you could face some increased risks. If your current OB cannot or will not face your nutritional restrictions and GI disturbance you should really consider someone more familiar with WLS and pregnancy. Good luck and remember you have made it through 30 weeks doing a great job. Hang in there!
   — Shannon S.

April 3, 2001
I think that being concerned for you child is very important to you and why shouldn't it be? Granted you may have only 10 weeks left, but you should be voicing your concerns to your doctor or get your doctor to refer you to someone whom is knowledgeable. With your doctor involved, I would think things would go a lot smoother for you. This way the doctor won't feel like you are just 'dumping' him/her :) I would explain your fears (during my 2 pregos I kept my doc busy with questions and concerns. She was a great doctor and guess what ladies...she thought it was great that they are close in age 6 and 4 now. She expressed that having them close together let them bond together. Having at least a year was important so that they could get the individual attention. Plus, we get to raise them together and then they are off on their own together. Regardless, it's your decision. I agree with the posts that said that relevance is not important here, rather you getting answers for your questions are. Reasoning is not necessary here... the reason you are asking the question is to get answers to your questions, not judgement, irrelevant comments, or even derogatory statements about your situation!!!! I am appalled by some of the remarks made, but I could have read them wrong. It's been one of those days. I feel for you and hope you get the best of care from your doctor. FYI to those who must validate situations, rather than support those in need of help...I read profiles of some ladies who thought they couldn't get prego since it's been so long and bam, it happened! I was also told today by the Nutrionist (yep the nutritionist) that after rapid weight loss, it is verrrrrry easy and more common than he realized, to get prego. Antibiotics weaken bcp's, etc. Heck, I will go as far as saying that during my 6 wks wait after my 2nd child I was so horny (yes I said horny) shame on me... I nearly attacked my husband, I was literally begging for it! We love each other and we made love so what's wrong with that I ask? Of course, the Dr was right, I should have waited because I was very sore afterwards!!! LOL. In answer to your question...I commend you for your strength in forging ahead and looking out for your child's and your safety. Question, Question, Question your doctor. Explain your fears, concerns, etc. After all, this person is taking on a big responsibility and you want the best for your baby right!!!!! Here's to having a healthy delivery and recovery...
   — Jennifer Lynn J.

April 3, 2001
Ann, I am a grandma and in no way could I concieve now, but my feeling is if this pregnacy wasn't meant to be you wouldn't be this far along, as I haven't had my surgery yet I'm not to sure of what all you need to be taking,but I would check with another OB until I got the answers I needed. Just take good care of yourself and the rest will fall into place, I have read other profiles on this site of others who were preg. sooner than maybe they wanted but God knows when the timing is right not us. and that is what is important, love this child with all your heart and the rest will take care of itself, maybe others might be jealous of your situation,I don't think any child is an "OOPS". Let us know how everthing turns out and all about the baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May God Bless You
   — Jennie D.

April 3, 2001
Ann, I'm glad that everything has gone so well for you so far. I am not going to pass judgement on you, but I am going to congratulate you. I hope everything falls into place and you end up w/ a beautiful healthy baby. Here is something that might make you feel better.... I have a friend who got pregnant a short 6 months after her surgery. She was already down 100 lbs by then and her horomones must have been in an uproar. She was convinced she could not have children and was hoping by having WLS maybe it would better her chances. After the initial shock and the worry she decided her pregnancy must be a gift from God. Everything happens for a reason....It wasn't easy and she was very sick throughout the whole thing. It took a long time to get her OB's attention, but she was persistant and finally was sent to a high risk OB, or neonatologist....I think around 30 weeks along or so.............. Anyway, here we are today and my friend has a beautiful baby girl. She was a little over 5 lbs when she was born, but got to come home after 1 or 2 days. My friend has lost a total of 200 lbs and is very happy and has tons of energy to take care of her baby. If I were you Ann, I would pester, call, and visit your OB's office constantly until they do something about it. I am confident everything will turn out for you. I'll keep you and baby in my prayers.
   — Kim B.