How long should I wait after delivery before having WLS?
There's not much information on this subject in the medical literature. It would probably be prudent to wait for a couple of months after delivery or after completion of breast feeding, which ever is later. You would want all hormonal effects that might influence the formation of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism to subside.
How long should I wait after WLS to become pregnant?
Most bariatric surgeons recommend that it is best to wait until your weight has dropped and stabilized before becoming pregnant. In general this takes about 18 to 24 months after gastric bypass and may take 2 to 3 years after lap band.
As a rule, the closer you are to your goal weight, the healthier it will be for you and your baby. You are less likely to need a C section or have other complications, and your baby is more likely to have a normal birth weight and perhaps fewer metabolic issues later in his or her life. By waiting until your weight has stabilized, you will have a better chance of being able to balance your nutritional needs and your baby's.
There are certainly examples of patients who have become pregnant early on, and most have done well. So early pregnancy is a cause for real concern, but not alarm.
When you do become pregnant, be very careful to work with your OB to make sure that your are getting the nutrition that you need. Remember, you can have your vitamin and mineral levels checked in the laboratory. So there is no need to worry that your levels are low if you are careful to take your vitamins and have your levels checked.
Best wishes for this exciting part of your life.
For more information from the medical literature click these links. These abstracts are examples from PubMed, the NIH search engine of medical journal reports.
Pregnancy outcome in patients following different ...[Obes Surg. 2009] - PubMed Result
Reproductive outcome after bariatric surgery: a cr...[Hum Reprod Update. 2009 Mar-Apr] - PubMed Result
Congenital B12 deficiency following maternal gastr...[J Perinatol. 2009] - PubMed Result
Timing of WLS and pregnancy. {How Long After A Baby Should I Wait For Surgery}
Timing of pregnacy and weight loss surgery?
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