Fee Fee

Hi, my name is Fiona i am 42 and after years of trying managed to conceive and now have a 7 month old. I am over 17 stone and have been overweight my whole life. My question is can I have the Gastric Band operation and carry on breastfeeding my son? I know I should wait till I have finished nursing but wanted to breastfeed till he is 2. I don't know if I could move him on to formula solely as he will not take milk from a bottle or cup. I do not want to be a fat mummy either I am suffering alot with being overweight painful joints etc. Any advise would be appreciated. Fiona

Thanks Jacqui, Yes you are right it is a very precious time. Unfortunately insurance will not cover this as i am in the UK so it will be self funded, i will probably go to Belgium. I am really trying to eat healthier, i prepare all my sons food and think about his diet carefully should just do the same but i have been 'trying' for 25 years now! Wanted to get banded as soon as possible so i can shed some of the weight as i would like another child or at least try for one and if i wait my age is against me 43 this year. Fiona

Thankyou for your reply Betsy, yes my concern was also post operative feeding. I have been told not to feed between 2-5 days post operative. I would 'pump and dump' for those days and try to give him expressed milk during that period. It is a very emotive time. Like you said he might want to move on himself from the breast. Over the last two days he is very unsettled at the breast (very interested in his surroundings which is a good thing) and not very interested in feeding. So perhaps he is taking the lead in his weaning. I have been trying to get him to take his milk from a free flow cup. But he is not keen although he takes Water readily from one. We will see perhaps he is moving on himself. p.s. Well done with your weight loss Thanks again for your reply Fiona

Thankyou for your reply. I have had him on solids since he was just over 5 months old. I know I should wait till he is 12 months old just wondered if anyone else has been in my position and still managed to breastfeed - even if I use formula as well. Fiona