Question:
How will I be able to get the proper nutrition while I'm pregnant?

I am 1 year post-op, and I have just discovered I am 5 weeks pregnant!!! I still have 50lbs. to lose, and I am worried that I will not be able to get enough nutrition during my pregnancy. Can anyone that has had a baby post-op let me know what their daily food intake was like?    — Pearl B. (posted on June 8, 1999)

June 8, 1999
I had open RNY on 3/31/94. I had a beautiful daughter on 8/26/96. I too was concerned about nutrition. I spoke with the nutritionist at the surgeon's office and we worked out a "do able" plan. Take pre natal vitamins and what ever you are told to do. Eat 5-6 small meals per day and take calcium. I had no problems with my pregnancy and the baby was perfect.
   — vt_rita

June 8, 1999
Be very careful during your pregnancy. It's not how much you eat but the quality of the food. I got pregnant 3 years after I had my surgery and I lost 37 pounds. I was still really big so my doctor thought it was great. My son was normal size at birth but had problems growing afterward. He was thriving - but not growing. At 3 years of age he was wearing size 18 month clothes. I"m proud to say that now at 12 years old he has nearly caught up with the other 12 year old kids in his class as far as size is concerned. Mentally and emotionally, he suffered no problems but he has always been very susceptable to ear infections - he's had 65 of them. Work very closely with your doctor and insist on a nutritionist who can work with you throughout your pregnancy. Even if you lose weight during the pregnancy it's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you are getting all the proper nutrient you and your baby need. Good luck and congratulations.
   — Vicki H.

June 9, 1999
I had a gastric bypass w/ a duodenal switch in June, 1995 and became pregnant 7/96 and just gave birth again on 6/2/99. Make sure when you talk with your OB Dr that (s)he is aware of the exact surgery type you had and what ways that impacts your body. I have a wonderful OB, but she wasn't aware of some of the side effects of my surgery. Once I told her the info I knew and she did some additional research, we decided what changes to make. During both pregnancies I gained less than 15 pounds. I ate many small meals throughout the day and ate a lot of protein. I took my regular vitamins, not prenatals, because my vitamins were stronger and contained the fat-soluble vitamins in a more easily absorbable form. I added additional folic acid, calcium, and iron. My post-op son was slightly underweight at birth, but quickly gained weight and is now an extremely healthy 2-yr-old. My newborn daughter is considered normal birthweight and appears happy and healthy as well. Remember, don't hesitate to voice your concerns and questions to your doctor. Congratulations!
   — Jenna F.

June 10, 1999
I strongly suggest that you discuss this with both your bariatric surgeon and your ob/gyn if you have not done so at this point. I think you need some professional answeres here. Best of luck to you and your new little one. Keep us posted.
   — Peggy W.