Can I Get Pregnant After Gastric Bypass Surgery

A gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery. During the procedure, doctors create a small pouch in the stomach that connects to another pouch formed in the small intestine. This allows food to pass from the stomach directly to the small intestine, and so it bypasses much of the stomach (hence the name). According to Mayo Clinic, it happens to be one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery in the U.S. It's typically performed on patients who are unable to lose weight through traditional methods, such as diet changes and exercise, or who have extenuating health problems because of their weight.

Who qualifies for gastric bypasses?

Not everyone is able to get a gastric bypass. It is not intended to help only a small minority of individuals who meet a strict criterion. Generally, doctors will not approve someone for the procedure unless their bod mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. Or, in other cases, a person with a BMI between 35 to 39.9 may be approved if they have other health issues stemming from their weight. This can include diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It is rare but not unheard of for people with a BMI between 30 to 34 to get the procedure, but only if they have serious weight-related health issues.

Doctors also ensure that patients are committed to leading a healthier lifestyle post-surgery in order to ensure the procedure will be most effective. This often includes follow-up appointments not only with the specialist but other professionals, like nutritionists.

Can you have a healthy pregnancy after a gastric bypass?

The short answer is – yes, it is possible to get pregnant after a gastric bypass. It's also completely possible to have a healthy, complication-free pregnancy. In fact, some research suggests weight-loss surgeries increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Mayo Clinic reports that research shows weight-loss surgeries may actually reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

The benefits of having weight-loss surgery before pregnancy include:

Reduces the likelihood of weight-related fertility problems
Reduces the likelihood of gestational diabetes
Reduces the likelihood of pre-eclampsia
Reduces how much weight the mother may gain during pregnancy

What are the risks of pregnancy and gastric bypass?

There are risks women should be aware of before becoming pregnant following a gastric bypass. Rapid weight loss can potentially deprive the growing baby of nutrients. This is why it's essential to wait until your weight stabilizes before trying to conceive. Deprivation of nutrients in the womb can lead to a low birth weight. It's extra important for pregnant women who've had weight-loss surgeries to monitor the fetal health.

Similarly, the mother may be at risk for nutrient deprivation during her pregnancy if weight-loss is still occurring or was rapid pre-pregnancy. Many doctors therefore recommend women in this position take certain nutritional supplements on a daily basis. This can include folic acid, B-12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. Prenatal vitamins are also recommended during and post-pregnancy.

Some research has suggested mothers may be at an increased risk of needing a c-section following a gastric bypass, but it's unclear why.

What precautions should you take before pregnancy?

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations before getting pregnant following a gastric bypass. Doctors will recommend you wait until your weight stabilizes post-surgery, which usually takes anywhere between 12 to 18 months. So, it's not a good idea to become pregnant less than a year and a half following the procedure. Some experts even recommend waiting longer. Following all of the recommendations from medicals for how to make (and maintain) healthy changes post-surgery is critical.

How will your prenatal care differ from other expecting moms?

For the most part, the prenatal care of women who've had weight-loss surgery is relatively the same as with other pregnant mothers. But doctors prefer to keep a close eye on patients who've had major surgeries in the past, particularly the more recent the procedure was.

In addition to taking extra vitamins and minerals to prevent nutritional deficiency in the mom or the unborn baby, sometimes it's recommended the pregnant woman consult with a nutritionist. A nutritionist can help plan meals ahead of time that ensure fetal health. The mother may also be required to check-in with the doctor that performed her gastric bypass throughout her pregnancy to ensure she isn't experiencing any delayed issues from the procedure. Finally, it goes without saying that the expectant mother should do all she can to promote a healthy pregnancy. This includes eating well and staying active, as is recommended for all expectant mothers.

There are no reasons women who've had gastric bypasses can't enjoy a healthy and happy pregnancy. Make sure to speak with your doctor if you've had this procedure and are thinking of or are pregnant.

Sources: Health Link BC, Mayo Clinic

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