Question:
Pregnancy After Surgery

Hello! I am new to the idea of WLS. I am going to a workshop on the surgery this week. I think the thing that worries me the most about the surgery is how it effects pregnancies. My husband and I will be wanting to have our first in the next 1-2 years, and just want to know what to expect. We have read journals on the subject but would like to talk to people who have gone through a pregnancy after surgery. It would help us so much to hear from someone personally and how it went for them. I appreciate your help!    — jennashinners (posted on July 29, 2003)

July 29, 2003
Hi Jennifer, I am a post-op 12/31/02 open RNY, and my surgeon strictly goes by the 12 month rule after surgery. Your 1-2 year window should work fine. Quite a few woman have a much easier time conceiving after surgery, therefore it is so important to use birth control. My surgeon wants my husband and I to use 2, yes TWO methods at all times. There are women who have become pregnant much sooner than 12 months and have had little trouble. Listen to your doctor and best wishes in your fantastic journey!
   — Margaret H.

July 29, 2003
One of my friends had RNY in October of 2002. She found out this past may that she is pregnant. Realisticly you are supposed to wait at least a year if not up to 18 months. At least thats what the doctor I work for advises. She is doing fine. She has not had any complications. The only problem she has is she can't eat tuna, her main source of protein. What I would do is contact your OB/GYN and see how much experience he/she has with WLS patients that become pregnant. If they don't have any experience with patients after WLS, maybe check around. Or make sure that you supply them with as much information as you can. My friends doctor was not experienced with patients after WLS, but did his own research prior to seeing her. Hope this help! Good luck!
   — Ashley S.

July 29, 2003
My niece had a beautiful healthy baby girl following weight loss surgery. Both mommy and baby did fine. We also have a 6 year post op in our support group who has a beautiful baby girl too. Just be sure to follow doctor's advice on the waiting period. Also remember that you will be a "fertile Myrtle" very soon following surgery so use reliable birth control such as shots, nuveau ring, IUD, etc. Pills are not effectively absorbed and the patch only works if you weigh 180 or less. Best wishes to you!!
   — ronascott

July 29, 2003
Please contact Sharon Brittain. Her profile is on this site. She just learned she was pregnant and you won't find a more helpful, caring person to answer all your questions. She's done GREAT with WLS and has one of the most positive, no b-s attitudes I've seen.
   — antiques55

July 29, 2003
I am not as helpful or caring as Sharon B (oh, heavens I'm just kidding!) but I did have a baby... and what can I say? It went OK; there were some hurdles, but the end result was great! Here is something to consider- there are many pregnant women who cannot eat much during their pregnancies due to morning sickness, they are no different than us! We, who have smaller stomachs could be compared to those who suffer from nausea. We both still must try to eat, period and take plenty of supplements (you can start doing this now!). There are also a zillon women in poor third world countries who have terrible nutrition, and they still can carry to term. Your body will provide for your little one- it knows how to do that (feast or famine- our bodies can and do adapt). It will draw whatever it needs to nourish the CHILD, which is WHY you need to be careful to nourish YOURSELF (once again, pre-WLS, it doesn't hurt to start NOW). Definitely be careful after surgery because you are 10x more fertile, and you don't get much sympathy here when you post a "OOOPS, I don''t know what happened but I'm pregnant and only XX mos. out" as you've been WARNED to use protection (we've heard every excuse!)and to wait at least 1.5 yrs. until after your surgery for your body to "maintain". Usually these woman are referred to a terrific site over at Yahoo Groups called OSSG Pregnancy- since they are designed just for "pregnancy after WLS", it truly is the best place to start. GOOD LUCK on surgery & pregnancy.
   — Karen R.

December 29, 2006
Hello, I am 2 1/2 years post op and i am almost 9 months pregnant. I have not had any complications. Me and my husband had been trying for some years to get pregnant and i could not. but this past May i found out i was. So don't you will be alright i do understand your concerned because we were in the same boat. I am having a wonderful baby girl and am very much excited. I never thought i would become pregnant for as long as we were trying. You will be alright. Just try and wait till at least a year post op before planning for a baby.
   — chinadol262