My husband and I have been married 6.5 years and have always wanted a baby, but put it off because of finances or some other reason. Well today we decided that it's time. This is such a big decision for us because we always hinted, but never actually said "Okay, let's do it".

So here I am, 4 months post op, and I'm ready for a baby. I've read the "wait one year" comments, but I think the only reason for that time frame is for your optimal weight loss. I've only lost 14 lbs. I'm a lower BMI patient, and knew going into this that it would be slow. I have 1cc in my 4cc band and would love to keep it that way until after I have a baby.

So, I know all of you are full of different opinions- Give 'em to me!

Thanks in advance! :preggers:

Well, my doc was very strict that I needed to wait a year. I am not planning on any more kids though so I never really asked him why it was so important.

Good luck with your decision!

My only advice is to talk to your doctor about this. I don't know that your body has completely healed within 4 months, you just had major surgery. I know we tend ot forget that it's major surgery, but whoa nelly, it is.

So, talk to your doctor about this.

<b>From Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding by Dr. Jessie Ahroni </b>

<u>What if I get Pregnant</u>?

The period of rapid weight loss is a period of burning more calories than you take in. You will be eating a whole lot less than you are use to. It is not advisable to become pregnant during the weight loss phase. Contrary to popular belief, the nutritional needs of the fetus are not necessarily met before the needs of the mother. The fetus and the mother are actually in competition to both meet their nutritional needs.

Once your weight has stabilized you can consider becoming pregnant, but it is a good idea to discuss this with your health care provider first, if possible.

It is possible to have a successful pregnancy after weight-loss surgery. Discuss it with your health care providers if you plan to become pregnant after weight-loss surgery or if an unplanned pregnancy occurs. You may need to take extra Vitamins, minerals, or supplements during pregnancy to ensure good nutrition for you and the baby.

Becoming pregnant may be easier as you lose weight. If you have not been using birth control because you thought you were infertile you should discuss this with your health care providers to see if there is any chance that weight loss might increase your fertility.

If you have a gastric band, your healthy care provider may want to open the band a bit to ensure you and the baby get good nutrition during pregnancy. The band may need to remain open if you are breast-feeding but can generally be tightened again after delivery and breast-feeding.

*************

<b>From Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies</b>

We recommend avoiding pregnancy during the first year after your surgery, while you’re still losing weight. In fact, to be on the safe side, wait 18 months. During that time, you’re able to eat just enough to sustain yourself – you aren’t eating enough to nurture a growing fetus. The chief concern following gastric by pass or duodenal switch surgeries is deficiencies in viatimain B12 and folic acid. So you want to be sure to take extra supplements.

The first year after surgery is also when losing weight will be the easiest and fastest. Because it will never be this easy again, you want to take advantage of that time and lose as much weight as you possibly can. When you’ve reached a normal weight, you’re able to have a normal delivery and you’ll be in the healthiest shape possible to care for your infant.

As always, talk with your doctors about when you can safely start to try to get pregnant. And be sure that your obstetrician knows you you’ve had weight loss surgery. Your obstetrician and your surgeon will want to consult so that you’ll have the safest pregnancy possible.

My doc is VERY adamant about waiting 18 months! I've also heard and read that losing weight while pregnant can greatly increase your chances of your baby having obesity problems in the future. I understand wanting a baby but if you are ready now you'll likely be ready in another 8 months! DO what's best for yourself and the baby and wait!

I agree with the above! I was told by my doctor that it wasn't good for MY health to get pregnant before my 1 yr. mark was up. You body went through A LOT with the surgery & I would DEFINATELY talk to your doctor before you make any decisions.

My humble opinion......you went through MAJOR surgery to help you lose weight. I would let the band work & lose that weight. Give yourself one year. I think you AND the baby will be much better off.

Babies are very special. I have 3 of my own & LOVE them dearly. However, take care of YOU first. After those sweet little things are here, taking care of yourself suddenly takes a backseat to the kids. You will be a healthier person & a better Mom to your baby. It is MUCH, MUCH harder to lose weight & exercise once the kids come.

Bottom line - it's your body & your decision. Good luck & I wish you the best!

I was kind of leaning towards "sure, why not?" But definitely discuss with your health care team. If they are insisting you wait... use the extra 8 months to plan the nursery, pick out names, save for college and do all the things that parents stress over in the last 2 months of pregnancy. Read, get excited, shop for an OB, and get yourself healthy. I was really big when I was pregnant with my daughter (now 2). I always wanted to be smaller so I could wear the cute maternity clothes and go swimming. I did teach myself to knit, and my first project took a good month. Still can't crochet...

And another advantage to waiting... if you get in good with a lap band support group that is just one more baby shower!

I was banded 1/25/03 already had 2 boys, baby being 10 months. I found out I was pregnant in May 2003, my 3rd pregnancy was phyiscally much easier. I was huge with my 2nd boy, weighed 270 and ended up having a c-section, my baby was 10 lbs. With my band baby I started at 220 and weighed 202 when he was born, naturally no c-section. Very fast process. When I went in for 6 weeks check up I was at 182. It is up to you but boy after having 3 completely different pregnancy and 3 very healthy boys I must say my band baby was phyiscally much easier on me and my baby. Also because of the smaller meals due to my band I didn't have horrible morning sickness which was a huge problem with my 2 previous pregnancies.

ana

dr kuri 1/25/03

242/180/150

Mine said to wait 18 months. I would definately talk to your surgeon and OB/GYN before you make a decision.

Best of luck to ya!

I don't think with the band you should have to wait 18 months, but you have to remember why you had the surgery in the first place? Me personally I had it so I could get to a healthy weight in order to become pregnant. Have you read the statistics on healthy pregnancies and being obese? They are frightening to me and you should check into that before you DECIDE to bring a child into the world in a body that is not equipped to do so. If you are not obese then I say go for it! The band doesn't work for most without the fills so food intake won't be a problem and you won't gain as much since you have the band. I don't know if 4 months is substantial healing time post band surgery, that I would talk to your MD about. But please don't rush into getting pregnant before you know the problems obese women and their children go through. I wanted a child also and with PCOS am scared to wait until I lose the weight completley because I may be 30 by then and for someone with those kinds of issues time is of the essence, but I am waiting because I think it is cruel to do that to yourself and your child if you are obese knowing all of the problems that are documented. People may yell at me for this...I'm just trying to make sure you see both sides of it. Good luck, and we will definately support you in any decision you make here. Just know we like to make sure you have all of the research done first!!

My only advice is to name her DeLarla.

I asked this question of the surgon's group and she said that people with the badn have a 2 year window before your body figures out what's going on and begins to fight to try to keep the fat on. So they suggest we don't become pregnant before then so you can lose that weight. After that, it will become harder, even with the band.

Something to think about

Wait 8-12 months post op. Get fill taken out. Get pregnant. Eat alot. Enjoy life. nuff' said.