Breastfeeding and getting lapband??

SwanGal · January 13, 2009

I am currently breastfeeding my almost 4 month daughter.

I am seriously considering lapband. I know there is a 6 month process to go through before getting it done (per my insurance) and was wondering how this all worked out for everyone else? Or if anyone has been in my shoes.

How does the sleep study work out when you have a baby that needs to nurse all night?

I need this surgery for my health. I know I am putting a horrible strain on my heart and I want to be here for my children. I am 268 pounds and 5'2" tall. I gained a bunch while pregnant but was obese when I got pregnant too.

And will losing weight too fast after the surgery harm my nursing baby?

Thanks in advance.

Cherry_Blue · January 14, 2009

I think you should probably speak to your doctor. I did hear somewhere that going under anaesthetic can dry up your milk supply....but I am not sure.

Initially after surgery you eat very little and are on clear fluids only, I would think that would not be enough to maintain milk supply, but i would only be guessing.

How are you going with feeding. I had my first son weighing in at 147 (328 pounds) kilos, I found feeding so hard and he would fall asleep coz my boobs were so heavy for him. I ended up expressing and fed via bottle, it was very hard. i am now 18 weeks pregnant and 40 kilos (88 pounds) lighter than last pregnancy....I hope the weight loss helps with feeding this time around. :rolleyes:

Daisalana · January 14, 2009

There's a thread just a ways down from this one about the same thing...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f131/breastfeeding-pre-post-op-diets-help-70386/

Beyond that, I think it's better to ask your doc about it..

SwanGal · January 15, 2009

Nursing has never been an issue for me. Milk supply, well I have enough for an army. Not worried in the least about that. I've had surgery before while breastfeeding and never noticed a drop in milk production whatsoever.

Asking my dr. isn't really going to help. Most dr's are so clueless as to breastfeeding in general and cases like this they just really have no clue. I was thinking maybe someone else had personal experience with this. Going to look at your link. Thank you!

Liz1531 · February 1, 2009

I was banded while bf my son. I didn't do a sleep study so that wasn't an issue. I pumped before the surgery, didn't take any of the pain meds and was able to resume feeding him the next day.

HeatherO · February 4, 2009

If you have a strong milk supply, you can always prepump for the time after anesthesia and just pump and dump what you have after for a short time.

I am not an expert, but really I don't think that the band is much of an issue if you are getting sufficient calories and a healthy variety of foods. You will most likely not have much restriction during the first couple of months and you are also working with your doctor to find the right level of restriction for you.

I think the only difficult time may be the first couple of weeks after banding while you are on liquids. You may be OK during this time . . . or if you are concerned you could probably supplement with formula and dump breast milk not used.

Liz1531 · February 9, 2009

Just a funny to add to my story... my son was 4 months old when I had the surgery. As soon as I came to after surgery my boobs were ready to explode! They hurt so bad I felt like a zombie as I stumbled down the hallway to the bathroom and leaned over the sink to milk myself. I was so drugged up I don't even know if the milk was making it to the sink. =)