Weight Loss & Important Recommendations
It is recommended for all women of reproductive age to be especially aware of potential complications related to pregnancy during the first 12 – 18 months following weight loss surgery.
Many women consider themselves infertile and may have been unsuccessful in attempting to get pregnant in the past. For many of these women, underlying obesity is a major contributing factor to infertility. Women with severe obesity have about 3 times higher rates of menstrual disturbance. Obesity is associated with lower rates of natural fertility and higher rates of miscarriage.
Obesity is associated with increased risks during pregnancy (high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, urinary infection, Cesarean section), and more complications during and after delivery.
In the obese state, fatty tissue holds onto normal hormones longer, and the body also produces an oestrogen like a hormone that can inhibit ovulation. It is common for the obese female to have scant, irregular or no menstrual cycle at all.
About 1/3 of all infertility cases prescribe weight loss as the only treatment needed to get pregnant. With as little as a 15-20-pound weight loss, the odds of pregnancy are improved, and the miscarriage rate may be reduced by 2/3.
After surgery, you may resume sexual activity when you feel physically and emotionally able, but sexually active women of childbearing age need to use birth control. Preferably a non-oral contraceptive.
We recommend you wait at least 12-18 months after weight loss surgery, and until your weight loss has plateaued before planning a pregnancy. It is unsafe to conceive during the rapid weight loss phase post-surgery as this may harm you and your baby due to potential nutritional deficits.
There are increased risks of birth defects, fetal demise, and other pregnancy-related risks if you become pregnant before your body has metabolically stabilised.
Your menstrual cycle may become more regular, and reduced fertility due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome improves. Pregnancy is also usually a lot easier after weight loss, and the risk of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia is reduced.
Pregnancy & Nutritional Questions after Weight Loss Surgery
Will I be able to get enough nutrition if I fall pregnant after 12 months of Sleeve?
Yes, although the sleeve will only accommodate a small amount of food at each meal, the easy way to increase your calorie intake during pregnancy is by having more frequent meals- between 4- 6 per day. This will ensure you have enough nutrition during pregnancy.
You will need to be on a regular multivitamin but also have regular and frequent blood tests to make sure your iron, B12 and folate levels among others are as normal as possible.
Our physicians and dieticians are expert at managing Womens health and fertility, and will advise you with this.
