Question:
Is there anything extra I need to do for a healthy pregnancy & baby?

I am over 7 months post op and want to get pregnant in the future. I have lost a total of 102lbs and I feel great and have no problems. When I get pregnant is there anything extra I need to do? My GYN wants to put me on a prenatal vitamin that you take one formula in the morning and one at night and then he wants me to take folic acid(I think that is what it is called)the first trimester. Is there anything else that your doctors have told you? Do I still take all of my other vitamins too? Any suggestions and help will be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I am doing everything right. Thanks and God Bless!    — Crystal D. (posted on November 12, 2002)

November 12, 2002
crystal, Please do not wait until you get pregnant to start on folic acid. You should start on that now!! Make sure that your labs are watched, and you may need to increase your fat so that your baby gets some of it!! Good Luck to you. Make sure that you have a GYN that knows how to watch your nutrition and nurtients following WLS!!
   — Vicki L.

November 12, 2002
My surgeon has these guidelines: Wait a minimum of one year after your weight is stable, take your regular WLS vitamins/supplements PLUS a prenatal vitamin and folic acid, and DO NOT get a glucose tolerance test. He also says to make sure you get your blood checked throughout your pregnancy because the baby takes what he needs even if it puts mom at a nutritional risk. Good luck on making that baby!
   — cjabates

November 12, 2002
My daughter lost 220 lbs. after her RNY in 2000, then got pregnant last fall. Her OB/GYN had never cared for a post-op WLS patient, so she contacted our bariatric surgeon for advice on how to manage the pregnancy. He recommended doubling the prenatal vitamins to one tablet twice a day, and checking a CBC, and comprehensive metabolic panel every two months during the pregnancy. Her labs were actually better during the pregnancy than before, and she delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl four months ago. Our surgeon told the obstetrician that he didn't expect any problems, and there were none! Best wishes :-)
   — Diana T.

November 12, 2002
My doctor said a WLS patient should wait 18 months before getting pregnant. It gives you time to loose the necessary weight and to begin to stabalize. This will ensure a healthy baby. Good Luck.
   — sandy W.

November 12, 2002
I had surgery in May 2000 and lost approx 150 lbs. I now have a beautiful 4 month old baby boy. I didn't have to do anything differently while I was pregnant. All of my blood work was excellent and I was fine on just the prenatal vitamins. I was able to tolerate the glucose test...My doctor really felt like I needed to have the test, as I tend to have big babies(my first born was 11 lbs. 4 ozs.). But this one was normal sized at 8 lbs. 4 ozs. Good Luck!!!!
   — Shelly S.