Question:
Pregnancy before or after?
We have 3 children, and would like at least one more. I am 33 (I know people have babies at older ages). I weigh 307, the most I've weighed when not pregnant - I have weighed around this when I delivered. I've started the 6 month process with my insurance company, but after seeing the OB today, he told me it was 6 of one, half a dozen of the hour - basically it was my choice and either way would be ok. So, my question is - is it better to get pregnant before WLS and be done, or is it better to lose have the surgery THEN get pregnant? I'm so confused about what I want to do now. — fantum (posted on May 12, 2006)
May 12, 2006
Just my opinion, but I think I'd opt for AFTER the wls. Being obese during
pregnancy is hard on your body and puts you and baby at risk, despite
having been there and done that before. Good luck in whatever you decide.
— LauraA
May 12, 2006
I would highly recommend you get yourself as healthy as possible before
putting your body through the trauma of another pregnancy. What if you have
complications from obesity? You are still young and YOU count, too! Get
healthy and then you'll have more energy for another little one around the
house.
— LauraD
May 13, 2006
It is basically your preference. While my doctors told me that they would
not recommend someone having kids after WLS, many do and are perfectly
fine. I myself had a daughter four years after WLS. No problems regarding
the WLS, however, i have an extra 35-40 lbs i am fighting that i did not
have before i had my baby girl 13 months ago. So i suppose that is the
reason they recommend not having kids after WLS, but......... at your
current weight, there are risks involved in having another child, so its a
give and take. Just one reminder, if you decide to have your kids before
WLS, make sure you are PERMANENTLY STERILIZED before your WLS or you may
have a pleasant surprise that you were not expecting or planning. It has
been shown that women are extremely fertile after they lose that extra
weight. So just a heads up on that note. I had my tubes tied and had my
baby girl anyway........ good luck
— Kimberly Felan
May 14, 2006
I think its hard both way and positive and negitives with both. I had 2
kids before WLS and one after. Feel free to check out my profile for more
info. Good luck.
— luckyflowers
May 14, 2006
I got pregnant for the first time after WLS. I wish now I could have
gotten pregnant before...Your body changes, as you know and I was happy
with my body before I got pregnant. I do think I probably had an easier
pregnancy at a lower weight. I guess it is like your doc said...6 of
1...half dozen of another. Think of how your body changes and the
problems, if any, you had during your pregnancy at a higher weight.
— Shelia N.
May 16, 2006
Hi Helen-
After going through infertility for 3 years, I was posed with the same
question. My doctor said the same thing. My last visit with my RE
(infertility doctor) was to ask him if I would have a better chance of
conceiving and also, will it effect my fertility to wait until I am 34 or
35 (I am now 32) to start trying to conceive. So, my husband and I decided
to wait until after surgery. The reasoning is such at that I don't want to
be bigger than I am and having to parent a newborn or chase a toddler
around. Also, I am worried about gestational diabetes and other pregnancy
complications. So, that was my choice. Yours might be different. Whatever
you do, make sure that you think carefully and be comfortable in your
decision. Good luck to you!!!
— amysocko
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