I have just started seriously considering lap band surgery. All of the people I know who have had WLS had RNY and many of them had serious complications. After witnessing that and reading some of the stats on banding, it seems like a better option for me.

I'm trying to decide whether to TTC another baby (I have one two-year-old) before starting the process of getting lap band, or whether I should try to have the surgery and lose as much as possible first and then try. I'll be 29 soon, so I'm not super-young TTC-wise but I do probably have a few good years left for it as well. I do have a lot of weight to lose. I'm 5'8 and 359. I had a pretty decent pregnancy with my daughter so I'm not too afraid of having another baby before having surgery, but as most people here probably know, medical pros aren't often supportive of very obese women who are pregnant.

Questions for the ladies:

1. How long did approval for surgery and getting the surgery take?

2. How long did your doctor advise you wait before TTC after banding?

Thank you all and this looks like such a great forum! Can't wait to meet you all.

Hi Rainyday,

I went in for my consult on Friday and one of my biggest concerns was having kids. My husband and I don't have any yet and would like to start a family sometime in the very near future. It's not like I'm getting any younger! Anyway, the surgeon suggests or rather prefers that his patients get to goal before TTC. Although, I have read that you can start trying 12-18 months after the surgery.

As for the insurance, I'm not really sure. I think it varies with your plan/ins co.

I hope that helps a little with your decision. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you, dream'n! I think I'll make an appointment with a bariatric surgeon or go to a seminar and then just take it from there. I'm guessing whatever decline in fertility I might experience if I have to wait, say, three years from now to TTC shouldn't be any worse than the decline in fertility I already have from my weight issue. (That sounded awkward but I hope it made sense.)

I have a lot to learn so I'm off to explore the boards. Thanks for the welcome!

RainyDay - my doctor asked for a committment NOT to get pregnent for a minimum of 12 months.

Sometimes weight loss can promote ovulation and correct menstral issues and those that couldn't can and will become pregnant.

I personally would get banded - then have a child -- to me; having a newborn or toddler and going through my current experience wouldn't be my choice. I can take care of myself NOW and them later when I have my good habits down pat.

Good luck - whichever direction you decide upon.

Thank you, Gina. I am leaning toward getting the surgery and then TTC a year or so later. It would change my life plan a little, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I am still nursing my toddler, although we're getting toward weaning and I would want to nurse any future babies as long, and I'm not sure getting the surgery while breastfeeding is doable. And I doubt it's wise even if I find a surgeon who would do it. So that's another factor and another reason to maybe purse the surgery now, provided my daughter weans in the next couple months.

So much to think about!

From what I have heard and read, most doctors prefer you to wait 12-18 months to try to have baby . Have WLS causes stress on the body and organs because you lose more quickly. However, most also suggest losing the weight first because once you lose the weight, you body is healthier and you probably won't gain as much back. Your OB/GYN will probably want you to be thinner as well prior to getting pregnant because of the health risk to you and your baby, especially diabetes. As far as getting ins approval, that is all dependent on your insurance requirements. I would make an appointment and get all the facts pertinent to you and your situation. Good luck in both your future goals - family and health