“Multiple studies have shown that pregnancy is safe after both the gastric bypass and lap band procedures,”
To start, for both the safety of the mother and the baby it’s very important to avoid becoming pregnant for one year after gastric bypass surgery as this is the time where one’s weight loss will be most significant. Contraception is a must for the first year after both procedures, and for gastric bypass in particular oral contraceptives (OCP) might not be adequately absorbed after the procedure so it’s important to use an additional form of contraception.
With lap band surgery, one can safely conceive six months after the procedure but might not have lost enough weight yet to avoid pregnancy related health conditions.
As with any patients who have had weight loss surgery, nutritional supplements need to be taken religiously before, during and after pregnancy. This is because gastric bypass surgery is both a restrictive and mal-absorptive procedure. It results not only in a decreased intake of food – four to six ounces of food per meal - but it also decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients you have consumed.
Lap band and the new realize band surgery is a restrictive procedure, resulting in only decreased amount of solid food one can consume at one setting. The decrease in calories, means a decrease of nutrients you take in, so it’s important to add nutritional supplements to your diet.
Key supplements to increase include iron to form new red blood cells, calcium for mineralization of fetal skeleton, folic acid to prevent birth defects, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B12 and vitamin A. Women should also take protein supplements in the form of protein shakes or protein bars as one cannot take the recommended daily allowance of 60 grams of proteins per day from foods. It is recommended to take at least half or 30 grams in supplements and the rest from foods rich in proteins.
And finally, for women who have undergone gastric bypass or lap band procedure pregnancy can be safe for them and even healthier for the baby with regular follow-up visits to your bariatric surgeon and obstetrician. Below are ten guidelines to help you along the way.
New Jersey Bariatric Center’s Ten Guidelines to Follow for a Safe Pregnancy Post-Surgery:
1. Avoid pregnancy for one year after weight loss surgery
2. Take multivitamins (Vitamin A, B1, B12, Iron, Folic Acid)
3. Make regular appointments with your bariatric surgeon and obstetrician
4. Obtain regular blood test to check for vitamin deficiency
5. Eat multiple small meals a day (at least four meals per day) and spend 30 minutes to eat each meal
6. Eat high-protein, low-carbohydrates and a low fat diet
7. Take 30 grams of proteins in supplements
8. Drink plenty of water (40 – 60 ounces per day)
9. Continue regular low impact exercise for both body and mind
10. For lap band or realize band patients, one can remove the restriction by an adjustment if patients develop pregnancy related nausea.
The New Jersey Bariatric Center, led by Dr. Ajay Goyal, has offices in Union and Hoboken, New Jersey. Dr. Goyal’s approach to patient care has resulted in zero mortality to date and a complication rate that is lower than the national average. These surgical results stand out as some of the best in New Jersey. If you or someone you love is considering bariatric surgery – gastric bypass or lap band procedure - please call 908-378-1779 for an appointment or join us for one of our free educational seminars by registering at www.njbariatriccenter.com.
