Question:
Does the WLS need to be reversed if you become pregnant?
I am 28 and have one child. I have been a single mom all along. Now I am with a wonderful man who will someday want children... After this surgery will I be able to deliver a healthy child without having it reversed? — Linda B. (posted on October 11, 2001)
October 11, 2001
Pregnancy does not require reversal of WLS. Most surgeons encourage
patients to wait 12-18 months after WLS before becoming pregnant, for
several reasons. Regardless of the procedure that you choose to have, this
is a major surgery and you need to give your body an opportunity to fully
recover from one situation before you subject it to another major change.
If your WLS is an "open" procedure, it is important to give that
surgical area time for complete healing before the normal
"stretching" of pregnancy occurs. With RNY or DS surgeries, you
will always be "nutritionally challenged" and will require
supplementation of vitamins and minerals for the rest of your life.
Pregnancy for anyone is "nutritionally challenging" for the
health of the growing baby. Most bariatric surgeons know that it is going
to take several months for patients to be able to expand their diets to
include a variety of foods and be able to get adequate amounts of fluids
and protein. Every obstetrician wants prospective mothers to be in the
best health possible BEFORE pregnancy, nutritionally and otherwise. Follow
your surgeons advice regarding pregnancy, and give both you and your future
child the best opportunity possible for a healthy life.
— Diana T.
October 12, 2001
I would answer your question but it looks like the last post summed it up
better than I could.
— Michelle Y.
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