Making the decision to undergo weight-loss surgery before becoming pregnant is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever end up making for you and your unborn baby. Numerous medical studies have actually shown that becoming pregnant following weight-loss surgery is far safer than becoming pregnant when obese, since obesity can result in possible birth and delivery complications that could place your life and that of your child’s at great risk.
After becoming pregnant, most weight-loss patients find that they have many questions for their doctor and weight-loss surgeon in regards to possible weight gain, portion sizes, and the safety of their unborn children.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked in regards to pregnancy following weight-loss surgery.
Will my baby and I be able to get the amount of nutrients we need to stay healthy?
Nutrition often plays the most important role in pregnancy following weight-loss surgery. Gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy patients carry the lowest risk for experiencing nutritional deficiencies as a result of having restrictive surgeries, whereas patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery will be required to work closely with nutritionists to ensure they receive the proper amount of nutrients as a result of having undergone a malabsorptive surgery.
Regardless of the type of weight-loss surgery you’ve had, be sure to meet with your physician immediately upon becoming pregnant to discuss your nutritional needs. In some cases, you may be required to undergo special testing to ensure you’re receiving a sufficient amount of vitamins and nutrients.
Will I suffer from any unusual food cravings that will affect my overall weight?
Having abnormal and unusual cravings for foods such as pickles and ice cream is one of America’s most popular myths when it comes to pregnancy. In fact, having food cravings of any kind indicate a nutritional deficiency, and means that you’re lacking one or more types of vitamins and nutrients in your diet.
Generally, cravings often become heightened during pregnancy as a result of needing more of the types of nutrients that are vital to both you and baby. If you fail to consume a sufficient amount of healthy foods, then you may begin to crave sweets, alcohol, and even non-food items such as dirt or paint. Having cravings for these types of foods usually indicates that your body is not receiving certain vital nutrients it requires to stay health.
Will I gain back all the weight I lost prior to becoming pregnant?
Gaining some weight during pregnancy is completely normal, and healthy for your baby; however, you should not gain more than 40 pounds. Gaining excess weight can put you at high risk for complications during pregnancy or delivery, and can result in premature birth or low baby birth weight. As long as you continue to eat healthy foods throughout pregnancy, your body will return to its normal weight soon after giving birth.
If you are interested in weight loss surgery, check out MBL’s Ultimate Guide To Weight Loss surgery.
