Pregnancy After Weight-Loss Surgery

Did you know that being obese or overweight can affect fertility?

Research has shown that obesity can affect when and how a woman ovulates, thus affecting her chances of getting pregnant.

The good news is that weight loss surgery can help. In a 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers found that surgical weight loss for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often resolved their reproductive and metabolic abnormalities.

Also, women who lose weight have healthier pregnancies. Conditions like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes may be less of a risk, which is healthier for mom and baby.

Prenatal care after weight-loss surgery is very important. Since women who have weight-loss surgery lose weight at a rapid pace, it is best to wait at least 18 months after weight-loss surgery before getting pregnant. It’s also important to seek prenatal care from a high-risk obstetrician experienced in managing the unique needs of women who have had weight-loss surgery.

Weight Gain With Pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy is not only normal, it is healthy. Weight gain is important for the baby’s nutrition, but it is important to get a balanced and nutritional diet throughout your entire pregnancy.

The Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program offers lifelong follow-up care and nutritional support for patients who have had weight loss surgery. Women considering having a baby after weight loss surgery should discuss their plans with the bariatric surgery team.

Get more information about weight loss surgery at Penn

Learn if bariatric surgery is right for you and attend a free information session about the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program.

At this free session, you will learn more about weight-loss surgery at Penn, and meet physicians and team members from the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program.


Register for this free event here.