Have you been considering bariatric surgery but are concerned about how it will impact your
ability to get pregnant in the future?

Many people forego weight-loss surgery as they believe they will not be able to conceive
following the procedure, but this is not the case.

In fact, weight-loss surgery can be an effective infertility treatment method. Women who
could not previously get pregnant due to obesity-related issues often find themselves
ovulating more regularly post-surgery.

The Lap-Band®, in particular, is an excellent option for those who plan on getting pregnant
after bariatric surgery; they offer more distinct advantages than any other weight-loss
procedure.

Pregnancy after weight-loss surgery

Although getting pregnant is a safe option after bariatric surgery, it is recommended not to
do so for 12-24 months.

Following the procedure, weight loss can be rapid, which means your body goes through
some stressful changes and is at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies
can be harmful to the baby and lead to complications.

Remember that newfound fertility can raise your chances of getting pregnant by accident, so
it’s essential to take the relevant precautions to prevent this from occurring.

When the time does come to conceive safely, your pregnancy will need to be closely
managed by your health care provider to safeguard the health of both you and your future
child.

You will be provided pregnancy-specific vitamin and mineral supplements by your doctor to
ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Pregnancy after a laparoscopic band procedure

Lap-Band surgeries are an excellent option for those looking to get pregnant following
weight-loss surgery. Because the Lap-Band is fully adjustable to your unique and changing
needs, it can remain in place during pregnancy.

During a Lap-Band procedure, a silicone band is placed around the stomach, ultimately
reducing its size and the amount of food it can hold.

Lap-Band is a bariatric-surgery procedure that’s adjustable. During the operation, your
surgeon will place a port outside your body that allows the Lap-Band to be loosened or
tightened without further surgery.

This is particularly useful during pregnancy, and depending on your circumstances, your
doctor may recommend that the Lap-Band be loosened to allow for the consumption of more
significant portions of food.

Similarly, the Lap-Band can be released entirely while you give birth. The Lap-Band is
completely reversible and can be removed anytime during your pregnancy if the need should
arise. It is the only bariatric-surgery option that is not permanent.

In many cases, it is safe for the Lap-Band to remain as it is without any adjustments during
pregnancy. In fact, it can be beneficial in helping patients to stay on track with their overall
weight-loss goals.

Lap-Band procedures do not require extensive supplement
routines

Unlike the Lap-Band, other bariatric surgeries such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass
surgeries require extensive supplement routines during pregnancy. This is because they are
what is known as malabsorptive procedures.

Malabsorptive bariatric procedures limit the number of nutrients the body absorbs as they
remove 80% of the stomach and shorten part of the intestines.

Lap-Band, on the other hand, is non-malabsorptive. They are much less invasive; during the
procedure, no stomach cutting or rerouting of the organs occurs.

The procedure generally lasts under one hour and allows for a quick recovery time. Most
patients are in and out of the hospital on the same day.

With Lap-Band surgery, you won’t need to worry about the expensive, extensive supplement
routines associated with other types of weight-loss surgery.

The benefits of pregnancy after losing weight with a Lap-Band

The weight loss resulting from a Lap-Band increases fertility by menstrual cycle regularity,
and makes for a safer pregnancy. As little as 5% weight loss is proven to reverse obesity-
related lack of ovulation.

In addition, a study on the effects of bariatric surgery on fertility found that 70 of 98 women
who weren’t ovulating began regular menstrual cycles within a few months post-surgery.
Losing weight may mean faster and more successful conception.

Weight loss before pregnancy also helps tackle several obesity-related pregnancy
complications. These complications include:

• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertension
• Longer labour
• Increased risk for C-section
• High birth weight
• Postpartum haemorrhage

Overall, the Lap-Band is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is well tolerated during
pregnancy with little negative implications for mother or baby.

If you’d like to learn more about options for bariatric surgery in Ireland, feel free to contact a
member of our talented team.

The team at Auralia has years of experience perfecting their surgical techniques and can
provide you with the surgery you need to feel more confident about your body.

Book in for a free consultation today with our leading team of Irish bariatric surgeons.