Getting pregnant is a major dream in the lives of many women, but many also know that it is not an easy process, as it demands a lot from the body and for a considerable period of time. That’s why it has become increasingly common among women trying to conceive to prepare their bodies so they can get pregnant while being ready for the changes that will happen in the coming months. However, there are women who undergo bariatric surgery, either out of necessity or to speed up this process. But does pregnancy after bariatric surgery involve risks? Can it be a normal pregnancy? Are there any special precautions that need to be taken? These and other questions will be answered in today’s text, but first, it is necessary to give a brief introduction to what this surgery is.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is one of the best-known methods to address obesity, a problem affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. There are many myths and tales about this type of surgery and its effects, so it is important to clearly explain how it really works. This type of surgery, also called gastroplasty, can be divided into three types. The first reduces the size of the person’s stomach, the second decreases the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, and the third is a combination of the other two types. This kind of surgery may be indicated both for aesthetic reasons and for actual health reasons. However, it is not a simple process, as it often involves psychological issues that can be the most difficult part for many.
Are There Risks in Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery?
The main risks related to bariatric surgery stem from the problems caused by obesity. Because of this, women are advised not to get pregnant right after having the surgery. This is because, during the adaptation period after surgery, it is quite common for there to be deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, anemia, and even malnutrition in more severe cases. Getting pregnant with any vitamin deficiency or disease is definitely not a good idea and can bring various complications for the woman during pregnancy. Therefore, it is most recommended to have medical follow-up of the woman’s recovery after surgery until she is fully prepared to become pregnant.
The Importance of Psychological Support
One of the main concerns for those who undergo bariatric surgery is dealing with psychological aspects, as they must adapt to a new dietary routine, new lifestyle habits, and a new body. Many people end up gaining weight again because they cannot cope with all these changes, and some end up experiencing depression because they feel they have failed to maintain a slimmer body. When pregnancy occurs after bariatric surgery, there must be very strong psychological support, as a woman may be deeply affected by seeing her body grow again, even if that growth is because of pregnancy. It is important to understand that pregnancy brings many changes, but that does not mean that the woman will necessarily gain excess weight, as there are several ways to stay in good physical shape even while pregnant, such as specific exercises and activities like yoga, for example, which help both physically and psychologically.
Precautions for Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery
Many of the care measures a woman must take to recover from bariatric surgery also help prepare her to get pregnant. In many cases, vitamin supplements are necessary, for example, to avoid harming the fetus’s development in any way. Another important point is to know that symptoms such as low blood sugar levels, which are common among pregnant women, can be even more frequent and severe in women who have undergone bariatric surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to eat more often throughout the day, but always following a healthy diet that benefits both the mother and the baby. Even after childbirth, it remains necessary to take care of the woman, since her health condition can directly affect breastfeeding. In all these phases, from before pregnancy until after childbirth, strict medical supervision is needed to ensure the baby is born healthy and free from problems. 
Bariatric Surgery After Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a process of transformation and demands a lot from a woman’s body. Therefore, it is not recommended to have bariatric surgery right after pregnancy as a way to reverse weight gain during this period. The best recommendation is to maintain healthy habits throughout the pregnancy and even afterwards. The body usually loses the extra pregnancy pounds in the first few weeks after childbirth. However, there are cases in which a doctor may recommend surgery even after pregnancy, which usually happens in severe cases where there is excessive weight gain that could affect the woman’s health in the short term. Each case is evaluated to determine what is best for the woman at that point in her life. It is very natural for a woman to want to feel as comfortable as possible with her body before becoming pregnant. It is a process both internal and external, involving acceptance of the body, transformation, and the creation of new life. For this reason, bariatric surgery has become an option for many women, but indeed there are certain precautions that need to be taken. A pregnancy after bariatric surgery will not be an ordinary pregnancy, as you will need to double the care you take with your own body. And although this does not make a difference to the baby’s development, the mother’s health greatly influences how the baby will be carried, and therefore the surgery ends up having an indirect relationship with the baby’s health. Therefore, if you wish to have a pregnancy after bariatric surgery, remember that extra care will be necessary. A safe pregnancy leads to healthy babies who are ready to start their lives. See also: Research Indicates Bariatric Surgery Can Help Increase Fertility Photo: Nikon D90
