Bariatric Surgery and Becoming a Mother

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:59:25 +0000

With bariatric surgery on the rise, more and more people undergo it each year. And with that statistical increase, there will likely be more women of childbearing age receiving the surgery to take them from morbidly obese to a healthy body mass.

Bariatric surgery numbers in the U.S. increased by a stagering 800 percent between the years 1998 and 2005. Women of reproductive age, considered to be those ages 18 to 45, made up 83 percent of these weight loss surgeries.

Many women find their fertility diminished when they become obese. After a gastric bypass, a LAP-BAND or other types of bariatric surgery, their fertility increases as their body fat is reduced. It is advisable that women wait one and a half to two years before trying to get pregnant to allow their bodies to heal and to be sure there are no complications from the surgery.

While some worry that gastric bypass patients will be forced to deliver via c-section, this is not true. Gastric bypass patients who become pregnant are still able to deliver vaginally.

However, many gastric bypass patients do end up undergoing c-sections, which while safe, can pose risks. All Bariatric patients should discuss the possibility of having to undergo a c-section as part of their obstetrical care with their physician.

Bariatric Patients and Pregnancy

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:40:03 +0000

Nutrition is instrumental in ensuring any pregnancy is off to a safe and healthy start and special consideration is paid toward post-surgery bariatric patients who are pregnant. Depending on what type of bariatric surgery you have undergone, your nutritional needs will vary. For most patients, the first step to continue to lose body fat is simply following the Dr. Stewart’s dietary advice to remain healthy throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

In some cases, women who undergo Duodenal Switch (biliopancreatic diversion) or Gastric Bypass may need additional nutrition support during pregnancy in order to be sure they are receiving proper nutrition for the developing fetus. These types of bariatric surgery reroute the intestines which can cause malabsorption and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

All women who are considering becoming pregnant should begin taking prenatal vitamins prior to becoming pregnant and throughout pregnancy. The vitamins should include:

Folate
Vitamin B12
Iron
Calcium
Vitamin D

Because of the special nutrition needs of women that have had weight loss surgery, it is extremely important your obstetrician be familiar with the type of bariatric surgery you have undergone prior to pregnancy. Dr. Stewart or your obstetrician may refer you to a dietician to help set up a special pregnancy nutritional plan for you to follow to ensure both you and the baby are getting enough nutrients during this pivotal developmental time.

If you are considering pregnancy following weight loss surgery, remember that it is best to wait until your weight stabilizes which may mean delaying up to 12 – 18 months. Dr. Stewart is happy to discuss the timing of your pregnancy based on your progress following surgery.

Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas » Pregnancy

Bariatric Surgery and Becoming a Mother

Bariatric Patients and Pregnancy