Over the course of the past several years, weight loss surgery has grown increasingly prevalent. A number of famous people, like as Carnie Wilson and Al Roker, have addressed the public about their decision to undergo these procedures as well as the reasoning behind it. This procedure is being sought out by an increasing number of women who are still in their reproductive years.
How exactly does the operation take place?
“Gastric bypass” refers to the most popular type of surgical procedure for weight loss. This procedure involves the surgeon stapling the stomach across the top, which results in the formation of a tiny pouch that is only capable of holding a limited quantity of food. After that, the surgeon will remove a portion of the intestine and then sew it onto the pouch that has been created. The patient will have a reduced capacity to take in calories from food as a result of this operation.
After having weight loss surgery, what are the effects on pregnancy?
Early reports from women who had weight loss surgery and then fell pregnant thereafter specifically warned of the common complications. There was a risk of the woman’s stomach or intestines bleeding, as well as anaemia and stunted growth for the baby while it was still in the uterus.
The findings of more recent studies are encouraging. They believe that weight loss surgery may be able to help prevent obese mothers and their kids during pregnancy from the following health problems:
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Cesarean delivery
- Overly large babies
For women who are considering weight loss surgery and a future pregnancy
- There are certain patients who are not good candidates for weight loss surgery. It is for those who are exceedingly obese and who, as a result of their weight, have health problems.
- We know very little about the long term implications of weight loss surgery because this procedure is still quite new. Weight loss surgery is still relatively new. Read about: the long term effects of this surgery.
- Have a discussion with your health care professionals, especially the physician or other medical expert who will deliver your child. Acquaint yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of various weight loss procedures. There is a possibility of developing gallstones, as well as bleeding ulcers and even death. Before you make a choice, ensure that you have all of the relevant information at your disposal.
For women who have had Weight Loss Surgery and are thinking about getting pregnant
- Since you will lose weight quickly right after surgery, you shouldn’t try to get pregnant for 12 to 18 months. A foetus might not get enough of the nutrients it needs to grow and stay healthy if its mother loses weight quickly.
- Talk to your doctor before you try to get pregnant.
- Know what vitamins and minerals you need. Low levels of iron, folate, vitamin B12, and calcium can happen after weight loss surgery. For a healthy pregnancy, you need all of these. Women who are pregnant and have had surgery to lose weight may need to take vitamin pills.
- A gastric band is used in a type of surgery that some women have to lose weight. With this band, a small pouch for food can be made in the upper part of the stomach. Talk to your doctor if you have a gastric band, preferably before you get pregnant. For pregnancy, the surgeon may need to make adjustments to the band.