I started my weight gain and life at 18 when I graduated highschool and met my husband. We dropped school (college), got a apartment, it didnt work out (no good food) and money, so we went back to our parents, and then he went into the navy, we got married and I followed him. At 18 I graduated from High School as a varsity cheerleader, 5'10" and 185 pounds. When I got married at 21, I was 250 pounds, felt pretty good with my life, but went through birth control changes and 1 abortion and 4 miscarriages. From 21-24 I stayed at 250 pounds. Then I got pregnant in January 2009, I was 276 and only gained 14 pounds of baby. At time of birth I was healthy for the most part and 300 pounds. I dropped 50 pounds the first month, from breast feeding and then gained it all back because I couldn't anymore. So I have been bouncing from 298 to 310, I have continued to have 3 more miscarriages, and am now at my highest at 315. I do not snack during the day, mostly at night, and mostly during my frequent acid reflex/heartburn episodes. I had a hard time dieting because of heartburn. Exercise is hard since I have high level of asthma, a heel spur, allergies, knee arthritis, and a bad back. So where I am at now is very up in the air. I have my consultation in 2 days. I want another child, but tricare (military insurance) will not approve testing to find out why I am miscarrying until I have lost weight. So I am doing lapband, which is not my first choice...I would rather have a child then lap band, then (military approved tummy tuck). But my husband also wants me to wait, so his choice is lap band, child, tummy tuck. I am confused. I just turned 26, and I want another child before 30. I may just end of with just one child. Any advice is wanted.

Hi Alainna, Welcome to LBT. There are many bandsters who have gotten pregnant. There is even a pregnancy forum here! I am sorry to hear your pregnancy troubles.

You can be banded and pregnant at the same time. Generally women have their bands unfilled during pregnancy to allow for more nutrition. I cannot speak to how soon after surgery you should wait to get pregnant. That would be a question for your doctors.

You do need to be committed to your health. Having a band does not mean that you will magically lose weight. It helps with portion control, and it helps with hunger. For me, the weight loss was very easy, but I had to do my share of making good choices.

How much weight does the military want you to lose before they will work on your fertility issues? With a band, you generally do not start losing weight immediately. For some it is a few months before the band is really helpful. We can generally expect about 1-2 pounds per week on average loss rate. You might consider a gastric bypass if you want to lose it faster. Bypass patients lose the majority of their excess weight in the first year. Speak to your bariatric doctor about pregnancy and bypass. I am not sure how that works out, but I am pretty sure it happens.

I wish you all the best! Getting banded is one of the best decisions I have made for myself.