Pregnancy after weight loss surgery – Long Term WLS/VSG Tijuana Mexico

Is it safe to get pregnant AFTER Gastric Sleeve Surgery (VSG)?

Yes! Many studies have demonstrated that a weight loss surgery can help to develop a safer and healthier pregnancy (In terms of the baby’s development in the uterus), it also lows down the chance of experiencing a miscarriage… Why? Because pregnancy is highly risked when you’re obese, a patient who already went through a weight loss surgery has the opportunity to achieve a healthier BMI. With a healthier Body Mass Index, bariatric patient can reduce potential complication rates, diabetes and preeclampsia, it also decrease the risk of developing high blood and premature deliveries. In fact, many women find they’re much more fertile after WLS.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW! A weight loss surgery patient should avoid pregnancy on the first months or while they’re still losing weight. A bariatric patient needs to wait to establish a healthier weight to become pregnant and be able to provide the baby with enough nutrition.

Recommended time after WLS to get pregnant…

Like we mentioned before, the patient needs to establish her weight (At least for 3 months) to get a safe pregnancy; after going through weight loss surgery the body experience significant changes and nutritional upheaval, this may have cause problems for the growing baby.

Some experts and studies that the ideal time frame to get pregnant is from 12 to 18 months after weight loss surgery, this reduces the potential risks of developing maternal and fetal malnutrition.

Things to take in consideration during pregnancy after weight loss surgery!

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery

• A bariatric patient must provide her OB-GYNs all the information related from weight loss surgery and recovery process, this will help the obstetrician to realize an accurate monitoring during pregnancy; providing the patient and the baby a greater and appropriate health care.
• The patient may need to start taking additional vitamins supplements.
• Is highly recommended to start monitoring the nutrient intake! Many patients experience nutritional complications associated with bariatric surgery such as deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin D and B12, protein calorie malnutrition and fat malabsorption. In addition to that possible situation, it may be extra difficult to eat and get the nutrients that patient and the baby need because of nausea, lack of appetite or vomit. So, it’s very important to get in contact with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist to get a safe anti-nausea drug or dieting plan during pregnancy that improves nutrient absorption.
• Do not get in to a body image battle with yourself, it’s pretty hard for WLS patient to accept the fact that they may need to start gaining back some weight, or the idea of watching their belly grow leaving some stretching scars while the baby grows… Some patients keep dieting to lose weight even when they don’t really think about it, the key is to get in contact with a doctor or support group to guide the patient through a healthy pregnancy; start thinking and eating about what’s best for the baby and the mom’s health.