Pregnancy after bariatric surgery- is it a good idea?

November 29, 2019 | No Comments

Categories : Bariatric Surgery , Blog , Weight Loss

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Obesity is one of the leading causes for infertility in both men and women. Obesity leads to insulin resistance and also to polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) in women. Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss and that in turn improves insulin sensitivity and reduces PCOD. The topic of this blog is if pregnancy is a good idea after bariatric surgery. We shall discuss this topic in the points below:

Women suffering from obesity have difficulty in conceiving. As discussed above, after bariatric surgery, patients lose weight and this improves their fertility. The chances of normal conception increase and even if they have to try assisted reproduction techniques, the chances of success increase.
Women suffering from obesity have a higher chance of miscarriages. Post weight loss, the chances of mis-carriage decrease. Patients have a higher chance of carrying their pregnancy to full term.
Women suffering from obesity have a higher chance of becoming diabetic and having high blood pressure. This risk is also greatly reduced after weight loss.
Women suffering from obesity have a lower chance of normal delivery and hence the incidence of caesarean section is more. After weight loss, they are more likely to have normal delivery.
Babies of women suffering from obesity have a higher chance of becoming obese and developing diabetes at an early age. This risk also goes down once the mother has lost weight before conceiving.

Hence, it is definitely a good idea to conceive after bariatric surgery. however, one must wait for atleast 12 months after getting the surgery done. It is advisable to conceive only after this as during the first year, your body is actively losing weight and also your intake will be less. After a year, your intake will become better and weight loss would also have stabilized. All in all, it is definitely better to lose weight before conceiving. Please be in touch with your gynaecologist and bariatric team for better guidance during pregnancy.

Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery/ Weight Loss Surgery in india Patients Before After Photos

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Patient Stories

Mansi considered bariatric/ weight loss surgery as she was suffering from grade III obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 47.5 Kg/m2. At 121.7 Kg she was not able to exercise much due to severe knee pain. She would feel breathless on exertion. Her sonography revealed grade II fatty liver. She underwent a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on 14th of November 2018. She knew that bariatric surgery was not a shortcut to weight loss, and worked very hard on changing her lifestyle post surgery. She exercises for 2-3 hours daily and follows a great diet regime. She has an amazing will power as she was able to accomplish her goal of climbing more than 3000 steps at Palitana just after 2 months post surgery. She lost 35.7 Kg in 6 months, we salute her grit and determination!
Priti was 104 kg and suffered from high cholesterol, knee & back pain. She also had grade II fatty liver. She underwent a Bariatric/weight loss surgery in the form of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on 22nd of December 2018. In the last 7 months her weight has come down to 73 Kgs. Her cholesterol levels and knee pain are under control and fatty liver has resolved. She is extremely happy with the way she looks & feels now and loves getting all the "likes" and admiration on her pictures posted on social media. Her weight loss journey will continue and she will lose more weight in the coming months.
When she came to us, she was suffering from diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnoea and gout. She had already undergone a total knee replacement and was advised to use Bi-pap on a regular basis. Losing weight had become crucial and critical. She underwent a Bariatric/Weight loss surgery in the form of Laparoscopic Roux En Y Gastric Bypass on 24th of January 2018 and lost 47 kgs in 1 Year. Her present weight is 60 Kg, she is off Bi-pap machine, diabetes free and came down to 2 medicines from 4 for control of high blood pressure. She feels much more independent, is able to do all her household chores and religiously goes for a brisk walk daily for an hour. She is the lifeline of her family and loves her new self.
Dr. Bhatt is a practising medical oncologist in Pune. He struggled with obesity for many years. At 140 kgs, he decided to undergo a Laparoscopic Banded Roux en Y Gastric Bypass in Feb 2017. He has lost 55 kgs. Dr. Bhatt has adopted diet and lifestyle modification as a way of life and is seen in the gym every evening despite his busy schedule. He has become a fitness role model for everyone around him and that includes his patients. One of the most inspiring journeys.

About Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is an accomplished Bariatric Surgeon and Laparoscopic Surgeon. She is very renowned and is extremely passionate about her field of specialization.