Weight Loss Surgery, Motherhood, and Infertility

Tuesday, 03 June 2008 18:00

Last week, one of the women that I work with at NewHope Bariatrics, found a cardboard box in the parking lot. Hearing strange cat-like sounds coming from the box, she opened the lid and found a tiny, frightened kitten that was frantically trying to be heard. Outraged by the way this innocent creature was abandoned; she brought her into the office and promptly set into motion a care plan.

Immediately named Bandy, she became everyone’s kitty as we all pitched in. Needless to say, she had me at meow, so Bandy is now mine. I added to her name and call her Bandylion, as she is fearless. She knew just what to do to make my three dogs love her. The veterinarian said she was in good health, weighing in at a whopping 12 ounces, and is about 4 weeks old. She is a fighter.

Bandylion, a sweet, striped Tabby, touched all of our hearts and souls and brought out the natural instinct of motherly love. This brings me to the real story in this month’s blog--motherhood.

There are many women in this world that are desperate for a child, but infertility plays a big role in keeping them from getting pregnant. Unfortunately, obesity contributes to infertility in many ways. Women hear the dreadful news daily that they cannot conceive, therefore, crushing their dreams. However, just like with Bandy, the fight comes out in all of us. When faced with bad news, there are choices that can be made to help reverse the outcome, whether through weight loss surgery, adoption and other avenues.

We, at NewHope Bariatrics, love to hear from our patients following their weight-loss surgery, and we truly appreciate the pregnancy news. We jump up and down and hoot and holler with these wonderful women as we know that they were given not only the gift of health from the LAP-BAND®, but also the gift of motherhood. The LAP-BAND® is not the only answer to infertility, and it doesn’t solve everyone’s problem. It’s always a good idea to work with your physician on your plan of care for infertility and pregnancy after weight loss surgery.

It is recommended that women wait at least 18 months to two years to conceive post weight loss surgery because this is the time period associated with maximum weight loss. But if you do get pregnant during this time period, it’s not the end of the world. It does happen. However, please be informed that the risk of pregnancy might occur without warning after weight loss surgery unless effective birth control is immediately established.

According to research, women that are severely obese, with a BMI greater than 35, can actually lose weight while pregnant and still have a healthy pregnancy and baby. The general guidelines associated with weight gain in pregnancy will not apply.

Obese pregnancies are dangerous pregnancies, so weight loss is important to aid in the health of the mother and child. Gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, large-for-age fetus, preterm labor and antepartum stillbirth (the risk of death in babies was nearly four times greater than in infants born to thin mothers) are all associated with morbidly obese mothers. There is a higher c-section rate as well. Obesity is a nutritional problem and does impact the pregnancy and is considered a high risk pregnancy. That’s why weight loss is so important.

If you are one of the women considering pregnancy, and you have had weight loss surgery such as the LAP-BAND®, you are special. You will have two doctors caring for you during your pregnancy; your surgeon, and your OB/GYN physician. Both are vital to your care plan. You may need to present your OB/GYN physician with information about your surgery and the LAP-BAND®. Be prepared to do that and ask your surgeon for help in this regard. Your surgeon and OB/GYN physician will provide a nutrition plan along with information about when to fill or unfill the band.

Be a success and be informed in all aspects of pregnancy associated with weight loss surgery. Take action and be proactive. Here’s hoping that a new life happens to you as a result of weight-loss surgery—in more ways than one.

I know Bandylion is glad that she has a new life. So am I.