Re: Calling all Dr. Ren Patients!/post-op pregnancy musings

[Guest guest]

We are in a different situation than someone who

never had a baby and really wants one in the future no matter what.

In that case, the possible nutritional complications that can occur

after a DS would really be devastating if it prevented that woman

from carrying a healthy pregnancy to term>>>>

This is true, Jane. I totally agree. But, I'm just saying that this was a

concern of mine because I DO plan on having another child and I was wondering

whether I should try before surgery, then have the child or wait until after

the surgery and recovery to have the child. Both my PCP and surgeon told me

that being morbidly obese with a third (even though my previous two occured

when I was obese) was RISKIER than trying to conceive as a post-op. I think

the risks involved with trying to carry a child to full term and being

morbidly obese ALSO is fraught with possible of complications, not to mention

fertility issues. So, it isn't as if an MO woman is necessarily in the best

health (especially in the presence of co-morbidities) to have a successful

pregnancy. Yes, there are possible nutritional risks as a post-op but she

will also face risks associated with conceiving and being pregnant while MO.

Sure, it isn't as much of an issue for me since I already have two children

(compared to a young woman who really wanted a child but didn't have any

yet). BUt, I REALLY want another child. That feeling is so strong

despite the fact that I love and cherish the two that I have been blessed

with. You are right that it wouldn't be devastating if I was unable to

conceive but it is important to me that the surgery would not necessarily

close that window for me.

As long as someone is in good health, with good labwork and without

complications, etc. - I think that post-op pregnancy (whether it's a first or

not) is a viable option to look forward to. I think that a pregnant post-op

DSer may experience less problems with getting the extra nutrition in

compared to a post-op RNY. As long as the OB/GYN is fully aware of the

possible malapsorption issues and one is reguarly monitored, supplements are

adjusted accordingly, I was informed that one can experience a pretty

'uneventful' and 'normal' pregnancy as a post-op!

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-oP: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228

[Guest guest]

We are in a different situation than someone who

never had a baby and really wants one in the future no matter what.

In that case, the possible nutritional complications that can occur

after a DS would really be devastating if it prevented that woman

from carrying a healthy pregnancy to term>>>>

This is true, Jane. I totally agree. But, I'm just saying that this was a

concern of mine because I DO plan on having another child and I was wondering

whether I should try before surgery, then have the child or wait until after

the surgery and recovery to have the child. Both my PCP and surgeon told me

that being morbidly obese with a third (even though my previous two occured

when I was obese) was RISKIER than trying to conceive as a post-op. I think

the risks involved with trying to carry a child to full term and being

morbidly obese ALSO is fraught with possible of complications, not to mention

fertility issues. So, it isn't as if an MO woman is necessarily in the best

health (especially in the presence of co-morbidities) to have a successful

pregnancy. Yes, there are possible nutritional risks as a post-op but she

will also face risks associated with conceiving and being pregnant while MO.

Sure, it isn't as much of an issue for me since I already have two children

(compared to a young woman who really wanted a child but didn't have any

yet). BUt, I REALLY want another child. That feeling is so strong

despite the fact that I love and cherish the two that I have been blessed

with. You are right that it wouldn't be devastating if I was unable to

conceive but it is important to me that the surgery would not necessarily

close that window for me.

As long as someone is in good health, with good labwork and without

complications, etc. - I think that post-op pregnancy (whether it's a first or

not) is a viable option to look forward to. I think that a pregnant post-op

DSer may experience less problems with getting the extra nutrition in

compared to a post-op RNY. As long as the OB/GYN is fully aware of the

possible malapsorption issues and one is reguarly monitored, supplements are

adjusted accordingly, I was informed that one can experience a pretty

'uneventful' and 'normal' pregnancy as a post-op!

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu!

pre-oP: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228

[Guest guest]

Just my two cents worth (and yes coming from a man no less).

Do the DS first. If you have complications they almost always occur

in the first 18 months. After that the only likely problem is bone

demineralization. If their are malnutrition problems it is going to

slow up in the fist 18 months. Almost all blockages will show up in

that period as well. And by doing the DS first you wont have a

newborn to worry about while you do the DS. There is good data on

pregnancy after BPD as well as RNY. Just wait out the 18 months and

things should be fine. Yes there are still small probabilities, but

hey there are no guarantees in life.

Hull

[Guest guest]

Just my two cents worth (and yes coming from a man no less).

Do the DS first. If you have complications they almost always occur

in the first 18 months. After that the only likely problem is bone

demineralization. If their are malnutrition problems it is going to

slow up in the fist 18 months. Almost all blockages will show up in

that period as well. And by doing the DS first you wont have a

newborn to worry about while you do the DS. There is good data on

pregnancy after BPD as well as RNY. Just wait out the 18 months and

things should be fine. Yes there are still small probabilities, but

hey there are no guarantees in life.

Hull

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/8/01 1:06:10 AM, duodenalswitch writes:

<< If their are malnutrition problems it is going to

slow up in the fist 18 months. >>

I think this is generally true --- since the body adjusts and compensates.

However, I think one can still experience malnutrition problems during

pregnancy IF one isn't sufficiently monitored and supplementation levels

changed if needed. I mean, the body undergoes tremendous changes and

supplementation levels obviously will need to be increased in most cases.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC