Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery

From a physical aspect, it is quite possible to have a healthy pregnancy after weight loss surgery. Recent studies suggests that having a baby after Bariatric surgery may actually be safer than a pregnancy complicated by issues stemming from obesity. Some of these issues include Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia and  Hypertension, all of which can affect both mother and baby. Bariatric surgery has also led to a reduced number of Cesarean births among expectant mothers who are obese.

pregnant bariatric surgery

Having a Baby after Weight Loss Surgery

The most important issue surrounding your choice to have a baby after weight loss surgery is the timing. You should wait until you have met your weight loss goal before deciding to have a baby. When your weight is stable, your body is ready to offer the nutrients your baby will need. becoming pregnant while still undergoing a rapid or consistent weight loss could lead to a low birth weight for your baby.

Most doctors and nutritionists agree that 18 to 24 months is an ideal length of time for Bariatric patients to conceive after any weight loss surgery. If you chose the lap band for your weight loss surgery, some doctors feel that twelve months is an appropriate length of time to wait before having a baby, but you may need to have your band readjusted in order to meet the needs of your body during pregnancy.

It is important to remember that your weight loss after Bariatric surgery will be quite significant in the first year, and gradual in the second year. By the third year, most Bariatric patients will have met their weight loss goals and have learned to maintain their ideal weight. Once the weight has become stable, a healthy pregnancy is not only possible but probable.

 

Consult Your Physician

Once you have decided to have a baby after weight loss surgery, consult your physician. You will need preconception planning and your doctor may want to consider nutritional supplements. Some of the more popular vitamin and mineral supplements for those trying to conceive after rapid weight loss include Calcium, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin D.

It may be a good idea to begin Prenatal Vitamins before conception as well as during the length of the pregnancy. Other professionals can be of great help for those who become pregnant after Bariatric surgery include registered dietitians and nutritionists, offering help in the areas of weight gain and nutrition.

The final decision to have a baby after weight loss surgery should be yours, under the advice of your trusted medical doctor. Because every person’s situation is different, your doctor will best advise you according to your personal health history. This will help you determine whether a healthy pregnancy is possible, and if it is the right choice for you, after any Bariatric surgery procedure.

 

Lap Band Surgery – Post-Op Phase

Lap Band Surgery – About the Post-Op Phase

 

Your Lap Band Surgery is behind you and you are excited to begin what is sure to become your new, healthier life. The level of success you will experience depends on your resolve to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions and seek much needed support from your Bariatric team.

 

Your Doctor Appointments

After you are released from the hospital, your surgeon or physician assistant and dietitian will want to see you following the schedule below:

Two Weeks – This is a follow up appointment to check your incision sites.

Eight Weeks – This is your first adjustment, which is often called a ‘fill’. You will likely return every six weeks until your Lap Band has a sufficient amount of resistance to help you maintain a steady rate of weight loss.

After the correct amount of resistance has been maintained for several appointments, you will only need to visit the Bariatric Clinic every few months or so. Please understand that every doctor is different. This is just a guideline to help you understand what will happen in the months following surgery.

 

Your Post-Op Medications

 When you leave the hospital, you will be advised to take medications and vitamins in liquid form for the first two months post-op. You may be able to crush some medications, depending on your pharmacist’s advice. Another option is to purchase chewable medications and vitamins. This will also be necessary after each adjustment or fill.

Your nutritionist or dietitian will probably advise you regarding the required vitamin and mineral supplements. You can expect to take mineral and vitamin supplements for the remainder of your life. Here are the most common daily instructions given to Bariatric Surgery patients post-op.

One Multi -Vitamin

One or Two Calcium Tablets, Depending on your Dairy Intake

Any Additional Requests by your Doctor or Nutritionist

 

After Lap Band Adjustments

After each Lap Band adjustment or fill, it is important to follow a liquid diet for one or two days. This is due to the occurrence of slight swelling around your Lap Band.

 

How Quickly can You Expect to Lose Weight?

Every Bariatric patient will have slightly different results but on average, the expected weight loss will be one to three pounds per week. Your weight loss journey can take months or years, depending on the amount you weighed when having Lap band Surgery. With a supportive doctor and staff, you will reach your goal weight.

 

Don’t Worry about Weight Plateaus

Weight plateaus often occur when Lap Band patients have lost a significant amount of weight and the weight loss is now at a standstill. Your nutritionist will be able to help find a more effective diet and exercise program when you reach a weight plateau.

 

About Weight Gain

For Lap Band Surgery to be successful, you must change your eating and exercise habits. If you do not eat in moderation and incorporate activity into your days, it is possible to gain your weight back.

 

Do You Have Any Questions Regarding Lap Band Surgery Post-Op? 

 

Recovery after Lap Band Surgery

What to Expect Immediately after Lap Band Surgery

While the Lap Band is considered a minimally invasive procedure compared to other weight loss surgery, there are some important facts that will help speed your recovery process. There are a few websites that will tell you that Lap Band surgery placement does not require an overnight stay at the hospital, most doctors will require at least one night.

 

While the laparoscopic surgery is much less dangerous than an open surgery, there is still a lot of soreness and pain immediately following the procedure. This should not cause you to worry as the doctor will prescribe pain medication to be given through your IV which will keep you comfortable.

 

The Recovery Process

As soon as you feel up to the task, take regular walks around your room or down the hall and back. Doing so will help rid your body of gas pain, a common side effect of any laparoscopic surgery. Commonly, this pain is often felt in the left shoulder. If you feel a little light-headed, consult your nurse before attempting to walk.

 

After surgery, you will have four small surgical incisions and one that is a bit larger. The largest is where your port has been placed and it will take the longest to heal. During the healing process, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s requests not to drive, lift anything that is heavy or bend over to pick things up from the floor.

 

Healing

Your body needs time to heal, at least two to ten days, if not longer. It is very important to follow your recommended diet during this time to avoid any stomach irritation. After the swelling in your stomach goes down, you will probably be ready to eat regular foods. Enjoy modest, healthy meals with plenty of protein to promote maximum weight loss.

 

Time it takes to recover after bariatric surgery
Recovery Time After Bariatric Surgery

Meals including high levels of protein, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide an optimal diet for weight loss and recovery. While you are eating less, remember to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and minerals.

 

The time needed to heal completely will depend upon many factors. You should not expect to return to work for two weeks. If you are not used to sleeping on your back, the first few days may be difficult. Sleeping on your stomach will be very painful and your doctor may warn against it. Sleeping on your side may prove to be somewhat painful but propping pillows around you may ease the discomfort. By the second week, your normal sleep positions should be possible.

 

Your First Fill and Weigh In 

Most doctors do nothing with the Lap Band until five weeks have passed, giving the port site and stomach to properly heal and adjust to the changes. At this time, you will make an appointment to have your first fill. Many Lap Band patients find that they have experienced some weight loss even though their band offered no resistance.

 

Do not listen to horror stories or tales of botched weight loss surgeries but instead, speak to your doctor. Ask questions and get the facts because it is your health that is being compromised by obesity. Most who have undergone weight loss surgery have zero regrets and are now living a healthier, more active life.