The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
The Effects of Obesity
on Fertility and Pregnancy
Many women considering weight loss surgery have questions about getting pregnant after bariatric surgery or how a procedure such as gastric sleeve may affect their fertility. Our team of skilled bariatric surgeons and experienced weight loss professionals have helped many women in the Dallas and Fort Worth area lose weight and go on to start healthy families. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, or if you are a bariatric patient who is considering starting a family, here is what you need to know.
How Obesity Can Affect Fertility
Obesity can be a contributing factor to infertility for both women and men. Studies show that obesity can influence hormones, leading to irregular periods for women and lowered testosterone for men, as well as other negative effects to the hormones that regulate fertility.1 Couples who struggle with fertility when trying to start a family face emotional stress, as well as potential expenses of infertility treatment. Unfortunately, obese women may find it more difficult to conceive through methods such as in-vitro fertilization due to lower success rates correlating with obesity.2 Many medical professionals believe that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can positively affect fertility and pregnancy. If you have tried to lose weight in order to start a family, but you have been unsuccessful, you are not alone. Weight loss through diet and exercise alone can be very challenging. The good news is that bariatric surgery can be a safe and effective way to lose weight in order to significantly improve fertility.3
Planning a Pregnancy After Weight Loss Surgery
If you’ve had weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, you should avoid becoming pregnant for 18 months after your procedure. It is best to give your body time to heal from the surgery and get used to the changes in your body and your new eating habits. Additionally, patients tend to lose the most weight in the first year after surgery, so concentrating on your weight loss by keeping the focus on healthy diet and exercise habits will set you up for lifelong success. Keep in mind that you may experience increased fertility after weight loss surgery, so it’s important to discuss family planning with your partner and talk to your doctor about which contraception methods are best after weight loss surgery.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Don’t fall into the trap of “eating for two.” You will need to consume extra nutrients, but your intake shouldn’t double. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that women eat an extra 300 calories during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Here are a few examples of 300 calorie meals or snacks: an apple with nut butter, a small chicken salad, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese with fruit. Plan meals and snacks that are full of nutrient rich lean proteins and fresh produce. Avoid added sugars and fried foods. Check with your doctor about which vitamins and supplements to use.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) gives the following weight gain guidelines, according to the mother’s pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI).4
- Women with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 (normal weight) should aim for 25–35 lbs.
- Women with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 (overweight) should aim for 15–25 lbs.
- Women with a BMI of 30 or more (obese weight) should gain only 11–20 lbs.
Exercise During Pregnancy
During pregnancy you should be able to continue with any low impact exercises you were doing regularly before you became pregnant. Prenatal yoga classes can be a good option to stay active while easing some of the uncomfortable physical symptoms of pregnancy. Check with your doctor before starting new exercise, or if you have any concerns about your routine.
Contact Us
Many women who have weight loss surgery go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliver with minimal complications. We congratulate all new and expectant mothers and invite you to contact us if you have any questions regarding pregnancy after weight loss surgery.
References:
1 http://www.clevelandclinic.org/reproductiveresearchcenter/docs/agradoc366.pdf
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456969/
3 Infertility and Obesity By Karen Sparks, MBE, Julie Janeway, BBA, MSA, JD, ABD/PhD and Steven R. Hendrick, MD, FACS
4 NEJM Journal Watch of the Massachusetts Medical Society December 21, 2012
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
