Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
In case you have wondered how safe it is to have a baby after bariatric surgery, the answer is that pregnancy is actually safer after mom has lost a considerable amount of excess body weight following Gastric Bypass or Adjustable Gastric Banding.  It is best to wait to conceive 12 to 18 months after your surgery or at least until your weight has started to stabilize.  Bariatric surgery, in general, decreases complication risks for both mom and baby.  However, there are still some potential risks that you should discuss with your bariatric surgeon and your OB/GYN provider.

Pregnancy within three to six months after surgery can present major challenges that may require aggressive feeding methods and should be discussed with your doctors to ensure that the fetus is receiving adequate nutrients.

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?
The amount of weight you should gain depends on how much you weigh when you become pregnant.  Ask one of your healthcare providers or find a BMI calculator to determine your BMI at the beginning of your pregnancy.  Here are the guidelines concerning adequate weight gain; however, be sure to discuss these numbers with your bariatric team and OB/GYN provider.

BMI less than 19.8            Gain 28 to 40 pounds
BMI 19.8 to 26                   Gain 25 to 35 pounds
BMI 26 to 29                      Gain 15 to 25 pounds
BMI greater than 29         Gain 11 to 20 pounds

Studies have shown that adequate fetal growth is still achieved with very little to no weight gain in women who still have a significant amount of weight to lose (BMI greater than 40).  Close communication with your obstetric and bariatric teams is absolutely essential.

Congratulations! You’ve taken a huge step in getting healthy. You’ve had bariatric surgery, and you’re looking forward to the pounds coming off. This is an exciting time in your life!

So, once you’ve gone home, do you know what to expect? You may have worries, and you may be surprised by some of the feelings you have. After a few weeks, and as you start eating solid food, your body may experience a variety of reactions. Here are some tips to help you be ready for anything.

What If You’re Nauseated?

Patients can experience nausea and vomiting. Remember to

• Eat slowly
• Take small bites
• Chew each bite at least 15 times
• Eat small portions
• Drink enough water (as much as 2 liters a day) to stay hydrated

Keep in mind that you’re filling a much smaller space now, so you may feel full faster. If vomiting is severe or persists, call your doctor right away. If you have an adjustable gastric band, it may need to be altered.

What If Some Foods Don’t Agree with You?

After surgery, you may find that you can’t tolerate some foods. Even if you take small bites, there may be some food items you should avoid. For instance,

• Vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli, which can cause gas and stomach pain
• Meat that is overly dry or tough
• Gummy foods such as bread, pasta, and rice
• Sticky items such as peanut butter
• Dairy products, since some patients become lactose intolerant

Don’t despair! There are still so many other foods to enjoy. Just learn to make substitutions, such as tender poultry instead of some other meats and soy milk instead of regular.

What If You Suddenly Feel Faint or Have a Rapid Heart Beat?

If you’ve had bypass surgery, these symptoms could be the result of “dumping syndrome,” which happens as the stomach empties too quickly into the small intestine. You may also experience sweating or stomach cramps.

These problems will probably pass on their own, but they can be unpleasant and frightening. To avoid this condition, try not to eat fatty foods and sweets. These foods are not nutritionally beneficial anyway, so—for the most part—strike them off your list.

What If You’re Losing Your Hair?

Don’t panic! Many people experience hair loss after surgery. This is normal, and usually the hair regrows after several months. Make sure you’re eating enough protein.

What If You’re Constipated?

This is a common occurrence, too. Try to eat a good variety of fruits and vegetables, and add a fiber supplement as needed. Get regular exercise, and drink plenty of water.

What If Your Skin Is Loose?

As you shed pounds, your excess skin may be loose and hang from your body. You may find this frustrating, since you want to look great after weight loss. But be patient. After you have attained your goal weight, there may be options. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of plastic surgery. In the meantime, make sure you participate in resistance exercises to tone muscle.

In the weeks and months after bariatric surgery, monitor your body for changes. Never hesitate to contact you doctor if you have concerns about symptoms you’re experiencing.

If you have questions about what to expect after surgery, contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. You can visit out bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057. We’re here to answer your questions and help you meet your weight-loss goals.

SOURCES
http://www.bariatricsurgerypittsburgh.com/surgery/side_effects.html
http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-banding-surgery-for-weight-loss

Weight loss surgery makes some significant changes to your body in a short amount of time. As a result, you will have some physical limitations after surgery. Beginning or getting back onto an exercise plan is very important for your health and weight loss goals. At the same time you will need to follow some guidelines so that your body is able to recover and allow you to exercise.

Timeline for physical activity after surgery

• Immediately after surgery- Begin walking as soon as you physically can. Mild walks will take place at the hospital before you are discharged. Try to take 3 or four short walks a day. This will give you some basic exercise and help to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
• 7 to 10 days after surgery- At this point you can begin some light exercise. You can walk moderate distances on foot or on a treadmill. You can also use an exercise bike or elliptical machine set to an easier level. Remember this is only moderate exercise so don’t overdo it. Your body will tell you when you have had enough. Do not be concerned with what others (outside of your doctors) say about your exercise regimen. It is your plan, not theirs.
• 4 to 6 weeks after surgery- Now you can begin strenuous exercises. This is the point where your full-time exercise regimen, which you should continue on for the rest of your life, begins. Now you can jog, bike or even do sit-up and lift weights at the gym.

Committing to a full-time exercise plan is necessary. Your doctors and even a personal trainer can be great resources to help you put together a plan. A full exercise plan incorporates several different types of exercises:

• Aerobic- These exercises are often called “cardio.” They get your heart rate up, allowing you to burn calories. These exercises are also good for overall cardiovascular health.
• Resistance- These exercises are aimed at building muscle and strength. They make your body and skeleton stronger. An added bonus is that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns on a daily basis.
• Stretching- Stretching exercises are good for all muscle groups. They help to make you flexible and improve your range of motion. They also stretch muscles, which is necessary because resistance training can tend to shorten muscles. Stretching also makes you body more flexible, which could potentially save you from some basic injuries down the road.
• Stability- These exercises help you develop and maintain balance. Your body will be different after you lose weight and your balance will change. These exercises help you regain balance once your body changes.

Making sure that you perform all of these types of exercise as a part of your plan will help you lose weight and keep it off, as well as increase coordination and mobility. Keep in mind that the amount of food that you eat after surgery will be reduced. Exercise requires that your body take in enough calories to provide “fuel” for your physical activity. One of our dieticians will be able to advise you on how much to eat to fuel your body once you begin a work-out routine. An approved personal trainer will also be able to make good suggestions. One possible plan is to eat complex carbohydrates (we suggest whole grain breads and pastas) before a workout and plenty of protein after exercise. At some point, your body will burn fat and use that for energy during your work out which is exactly what you want to happen.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

Struggling with weight loss can be an extremely difficult part of a person’s life. After struggling with these issues for years and dealing with the physical and emotional side effects, some people elect to undergo bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery represents a group of surgical procedures that have been proven to be vastly effective at helping patients achieve significant long-term weight loss. Bariatric procedures are life altering and require considerable preparation.

Make the Decision

While bariatric procedures can have fantastic outcomes, they are not necessarily for everyone. Take the time to ask yourself these questions.

· Does my weight affect my life in a way that makes day-to-day activities more difficult?

· Am I ready to commit to a new lifestyle involving a completely changed diet and regular exercise after I have recovered from my procedure?

· Do I have the financial means or the proper health insurance that would allow me to afford a bariatric procedure?

· Has my weight problem surpassed the point where it can be controlled with by diet and exercise?

· Do I understand that there are risks as well as benefits associated with a bariatric procedure?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then it may be time to seek the advice of a licensed professional to find out more about how a bariatric procedure may be able to change your life!

Understand the Process

Call our Center to find out how to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons. They will evaluate whether or not you qualify for a procedure from a medical standpoint. They will also explain the procedures, some of which include:

o Adjustable Gastric Banding- A less invasive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around your stomach to create a smaller pouch. Over time the tightness of the band will be changed to change the size of your stomach

o Gastric Bypass- A procedure where the upper portion of your stomach is stapled to divide it from the lower portion of your stomach. Your intestines are attached to the upper portion, creating a smaller stomach that facilitates weight loss.

It is a good idea to also speak with someone who has undergone a procedure and has gone through recovery and into life after a bariatric procedure. Contact our Center or check out our calendar of events to find out when the next support group is being held. This will allow you to talk with and question others who have been in your exact position.

Prepare for Surgery

Once you have been cleared and scheduled for a procedure, there will be more necessary preparation:

· Nutritional Counseling- In the weeks before your procedure you will meet with our Center’s dietitian. The specialist will adjust your food intake and develop a pre-surgery diet for you to get your body on track. The dietitian will also help you plan for your post-surgery diet. This expert will be a valuable resource, providing understanding of what it will take to maintain weight loss and reduce recovery complications.

· Home Preparation- When you get home after surgery you will be tired. Having food that you can eat already at your house is a great idea. You can purchase supplements that your dietitian recommends and baby food in advance if you choose to make them part of your diet. You can also cook meals, puree them and store them in your freezer so you will have less work after your surgery. Be warned that regardless of how much you love to cook, you just might not have the energy when you first get home. You will also want to clean your house and make sure everything is how you will want it when you get home.

· Body Cleansing- You will have to prepare your body for the procedure beforehand. Some of the things that you will need to know are:

o Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen 7 days before your procedure.

o Stop taking any herbal medicines or supplements 7 days before your procedure.

o You will still be able to take other medications that you are on at your surgeon’s discretion.

o Stop smoking at least 2 days before your procedure.

o Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before you are scheduled for your procedure.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

Bariatric surgery offers patients a new beginning, an opportunity to enjoy renewed health and vitality. Patients who stick to their new diet and lifestyle after surgery enjoy the greatest benefits. Not only do they lose more weight and maintain healthy weight, but they can also avoid many of the side effects associated with bariatric surgery.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is just that: a surgical procedure. That means that there are some side effects common to all surgical procedures, elective or otherwise. As with any surgery, bariatric surgery involves a risk of infection at the surgical site. Be sure to listen to the doctor about cleaning the incision site, and watch for fever, which can be a sign of infection.

Certain patients may also be at greater risk for pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot forms in the legs and travels to the lungs. Since being overweight increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, it’s important for weight loss patients to follow the doctor’s directions for lowering this risk. Using leg wraps and walking frequently can reduce risk of blood clots.

Other surgical complications are specific to weight loss surgery. There may be leaking around staples, and patients may get hernias at the surgical site. Bariatric surgery patients are also at elevated risk for gallstones, bleeding stomach ulcers, and kidney stones. Your doctor will carefully monitor your health in the months following surgery, to detect any of these conditions.

Common Side Effects of Bariatric Procedures

Bariatric surgery dramatically changes the way your body processes food. After the procedure, patients follow a very specific dietary plan that begins with an all-liquid diet and gradually incorporates regular food after two to three months. Patients may experience the following side effects during those first few months after the procedure:

• Nausea or vomiting: Patients may find that eating or drinking causes them to feel physically ill.
• Dumping syndrome: This complication occurs when the patient empties into the small intestine too quickly. It’s usually linked to eating sugary or fatty foods.
• Food intolerance: Patients may find that they can no longer digest certain foods, especially when they first reintroduce solid foods.
• Dehydration: It may be difficult to consume enough fluids directly after surgery, but dehydration can cause nausea or vomiting, and interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Cold intolerance: Changes in metabolism and loss of body fat can make weight loss patients feel more sensitive to cooler temperatures.
• Temporary hair loss: Around 50% of women report thinning hair within 2 to 10 months of bariatric surgery. The hair usually grows in normally once the patient returns to a more normal diet.

Overcoming the Side Effects

Most side effects after surgery can be prevented by carefully adhering to instructions regarding portion size, dietary restrictions, chewing, and other aspects of food intake. Patients should take small bites, chew food thoroughly, and avoid foods that may be harder to digest or cause gas. For instance, foods that are tough, stringy, sticky, or dry are more difficult for the stomach to digest after surgery. So are starchy foods. Meanwhile, foods like broccoli can cause gas and bloating, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, it’s important to listen to your body’s signals. Learn what it’s like to feel full, and recognize that one extra bite could cause nausea and discomfort. Add only one new food at a time, to see whether your body will tolerate each one. Finally, avoid fatty and sugary foods, which are the most difficult for your body to digest.

If you have questions about weight loss surgery, please contact us at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call (800) 342-6057 for answers to your weight loss questions.