Considering about Pregnancy after Weight Loss Surgery

Pregnancy can be a roller-coaster ride but the result is heart-warming. The majority of women get highly anxious during this period. But considering pregnancy after weight loss surgery gives rise to numerous questions related to the safety and the complications. Are you thinking to conceive but worried about the consequences of weight loss surgery that you have undergone already or are planning to go?

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery is a procedure that helps in weight loss when the other methods have failed and the person is left with no other option.

There are three basic ways bariatric surgery works:

1. decrease the stomach size thus reducing the food intake
2. reposition and/or remove portions of the alimentary canal thus containing the number of calories that can be absorbed in the body
3. a combination of both of the above

Different types of weight loss surgery are listed below:

1. Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
2. Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
3. Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass
4. Intra Gastric Balloon
5. Laparoscopic Gastric Band

Can obesity or being over-weight affect pregnancy?

Obese or overweight pregnant women having a BMI of more than 25 are generally prone to have a high-risk pregnancy.

One may experience the following risks:

-Thrombosis (formation of blood clots)
-Hypertension
-Gestational diabetes
-Heavy bleeding after birth
-Premature birth
-Longer labor period
-Risk of miscarriage
-Sleep apnea
-Stillbirth
-High birth weight of the baby
-Risk of obesity and diabetes to the baby in later stages.

When should one conceive after undergoing weight loss surgery?

After undergoing weight loss surgery, there will be a reduction in the obesity-related risks in pregnancy. The top gynecologists in India usually recommend a gap of 12-18 months to conceive after the surgery to wait for the weight to stabilize. Since the body immediately faces depletion in the essential nutrients after bariatric surgery, it is not a good idea to conceive immediately after the surgery. It is important to consult your physician before you plan to conceive so that you will be able to meet the nutritional needs during pregnancy.

Here are certain things one should keep in mind during pregnancy after the weight loss surgery:

1. Regular health checkups at short intervals
2. Active gastric band management
3. A good diet as advised by a dietician
4. Food intake at regular intervals

Is it safe to have a pregnancy after bariatric surgery?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to have pregnancy after bariatric surgery. This is because women who are obese or overweight may have complications like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Weight loss surgery helps you get rid of these risks along with the excess weight. Moreover, many studies suggest that there is a positive effect at the hormonal level. Weight loss surgery causes a decrease in the levels of testosterone and estrogen and increases in the level of LH, FSH, and SHBG. Many women have also reported regular ovulation and spontaneous conception.

It is good to see a healthcare provider before you plan your pregnancy. Your gynecologist and nutritionist would prescribe you essential nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, folic acid, iron, and calcium depending upon your weight loss and specific nutritional needs during the preconception stage.

If you are looking for affordable weight loss surgery abroad with the best bariatric surgeons, you should visit India. India has few of the most renowned and accomplished bariatric surgeons. The country also offers "value for money" treatment abroad.