Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery

Studies show at least half of the weight loss surgeries performed occur on women of childbearing age. While you can have a healthy pregnancy after surgery, it is important to keep in mind your surgeon’s recommendations and your nutritional needs.

Since weight loss has been shown to increase fertility, many patients who find their obesity an obstacle to healthy pregnancy undergo weight loss surgery. Though the weight will come off rapidly in the first 6-12 months following surgery, it is necessary to adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines for pregnancy.

Most doctors recommend bariatric patients avoid pregnancy until 18-24 months post-surgery. This allows your body time to achieve your weight loss goals, as well as stabilize and provide the healthiest situation for you and baby during pregnancy.

When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, you should immediately inform your bariatric surgeon. If you do not already have an OBGYN for prenatal care, ask for recommendations from your surgeon. Good communication between these two doctors will be important during your pregnancy. If you have any other health concerns, inform those specialty doctors as well.

Prior to conception and especially after, make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins as well as your other necessary nutritional supplements. Go over each one specifically with your doctor to determine what you and baby need for healthy growth and development.

Drinking at least 64 ounces of water is recommended for all pregnant women, but you may find you need to increase this based on your dietary needs. If the taste of water becomes unappealing, try decaf unsweetened tea or fruit-infused water. Continue to avoid sugary or carbonated drinks.

Morning sickness is a common complaint of women during the first trimester, and the frequent nausea and/or vomiting can cause dehydration. In some cases, this might be severe enough to require hospitalization. Having undergone weight loss surgery, you are at a greater risk for developing ulcers if you do not remain hydrated. Since an OB may attribute your symptoms to typical pregnancy, make sure they are aware of your previous surgery. Be specific about any abdominal pain you may experience.

Second Trimester and Beyond

During your second trimester, any morning sickness and extreme fatigue should begin to decrease. This is the time you should resume your exercise routine if you had to put it on hold. This is also the time you should focus on eating healthy and making good choices, not only to maintain your own health goals but so your baby will be healthy as well.

It is recommended that 75% of your meals consist of a lean protein such as chicken, fish, beans, or nuts. The remaining 25% should be carbohydrates made up of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Since you’re already familiar with eating frequent, small meals, this is the method you will want to continue throughout your pregnancy. Plan ahead for healthy snacks and meals so you are not caught feeling unwell with few choices.

Weight loss should decrease your chances for other pregnancy complications such as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. However, be aware that your doctor should still monitor you closely for these and any other pregnancy-related issues.

Your weight loss surgery should not impact your delivery. A cesarean section may become necessary for reasons unrelated to your weight at the time of delivery.

In Conclusion

A healthy pregnancy is most impacted by the mother’s health at the time of conception. With this in mind, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and try to stabilize your weight loss before becoming pregnant. Most importantly, maintain your vitamins, remain hydrated, and look forward to parenthood.