Question:
I suspect I might be pregnant! What do I need to know?

I am 13 months post-op. down 130 lbs,I am getting a pg test this weekend, if I am pregnant, what do I need to know? How much weight did other people gain? What special needs do I have? Do I need to get a baby doctor with knowledge of gastric bypass? Any info helpful. Thanks    — Laurie L. (posted on January 17, 2003)

January 17, 2003
Don't panic. You're over a year out, so you'll be fine. You may gain as much weight as any non-WLS mom (25-35 lbs.), but you're likely to lose the weight faster after giving birth than others without WLS (according to an article by Dr. Wittgrove, Carnie's surgeon). You should try and find an OB/GYN familiar with WLS, but if you can't, just make sure he or she is in regular contact with your WL surgeon. You shouldn't have the typical test for gestational diabetes at 26-28 weeks (too much sugar in the drink that has to be conisumed for the test - makes it uninterpretable). Instead, they can do other tests for gestational diabetes. Babies born after mom has had WLS may be a bit smaller, but are usually otherwise healthy. Contact your surgeon ASAP about extra vitamin supplementation. You can also check out the OSSG-Pregnant board on the yahoo groups - lots of WLS moms and moms-to-be there. Good Luck!!!
   — Patricia E.

January 17, 2003
Hi Laurie. I am not far from you. I live in Sussex co/PA area. I am only 8 months post op and 22 weeks pregnant. I was very concerned about my safety as well as the baby's. My surgeon told me I can have a perfectly normal pregnancy. I did have SEVERE morning sickness which prevented me from eating anything for over a month, but now I am eating. My OB has never had a patient that has had WLS, but he was extremly intrested and began doing tons of research because he wanted to learn on how to handle me. Well, he has me taking 2 pre-natal vits a day, and I finally (never thought I would say this) gained back 2 pounds in the past 3 weeks. The baby is healthy, ultrasound shows his size to be normal and all of his organs to be well. My BP is still normal, and I feel good. All I can advise, is to find a OB that will be intrested in you and the baby. ( I switched OB's until I found one who cared about my nutrition ). Make sure you take your vitimns and drink water ALOT (important). As for food, if you have the morning sickness like I did, eat what you can tolerate. I DO avoid ALOT of protien because it comes back up. But my diet consists of alot of cheese, veggies, chicken steak-ums, and tunafish. Try to get in the best nutrition you can get. Good luck :-) Heather -109lbs, 8 months post
   — hrussinko