Told to wait 2 years after band before getting pregnant

[Kristy29 0]

I went to a session at my surgeon's office yesterday. One thing they stressed, and even included in the contract I had to sign, was that I am not allowed to get pregnant until 2 years after my surgery. The whole reason for the surgery for me is so I can get pregnant. If I wait until 2 years out to start trying, it will be a minimum of 3 years before I am holding a baby in my arms, and that's if I am successful right away. If we still have fertility problems, it will be even longer. I am 28 now and have been wanting a baby for 7 years, I don't really want to wait that long.

I see other people on here talking about getting pregnant or trying to get pregnant a year or less out from surgery. Is this just my surgeon that is strict like this? Should I switch to a surgeon that doesn't feel this way, or just ignore their guidelines? I mean, it's not like they can force me to abort my baby if I do get pregnant, and I could always say oops it was an accident.

Edited May 6, 2010 by Kristy29

[ap44 0]

My physician says one year, and I thought that was the norm, so you may be able to find another physician that would allow 1 year instead of 2. They do this so you can give your band time to work, and that makes sense to me. I, too, want to have children and that was my main reason for getting the band. I don't believe I have fertility problems at this point, but I know it will be healthier for me and a baby if I am at a healthier weight when we decide to start trying. Even if you have to wait 2 years, you will only be 30 and your health will be in a good place for you and your child...and you'll be better able to run around after him/her once the baby arrives! Good luck with everything!

[TracyW2 137]

I was told to wait a year also, but sometimes life just happens.

It took us fertility treatments to get both our boys. And who knew losing 80+ pounds would make my body work the way it should and get pregnant 4 months after having surgery. And yesterday we found out we are having twins.

I called my surgeon today to find out what I needed to do with my fills and they just said congrats and it was up to me and my OB.

Good luck

[lauragshsu 6]

I was told to wait a minimum of 18 months post op to try to conceive. My daughter is 2 now, which means she'll be almost 5 by the time a sibling is born, if I get pregnant right away. It took 2 years to get pregnant with her (I had undiagnosed PCOS), and I worry the same will happen the next time. My surgeon said there are several reasons for waiting. 1) it allows your body to fully heal from surgery, 2) it allows you to get to your goal (or near goal) weight) and 3) it can be dangerous for the baby if you're restricting the amount you eat as severely as you do with the band.

Again, that's just what I was told by my surgeon, not my personal opinions. I feel your pain, Kristy, because I'm 28 also, and want (another) baby. I wanted to try to conceive this summer, but my husband is so psycho about it he won't let me take out my IUD before November of 2011.

[smoothbunny 0]

:thumbup:It was my intention to wait a year before we tried to have our second baby but it didn't work ou that way. I was banded last may and found out I was pregnant in August. My son is actually due this Thursday! I ahve alost weight the whole preganancy even with my fills removed. My son has grown norally with no complications. The only thing that is funny is that your port sticks out as the baby gets bigger and you can really feel it. Ideally I would have loved to follow the doctors advice because I would have already reached my goal wieght but I plan on hitting it hard as soon as I get the ok from the doctor in six weeks!

[blueonetoo 0]

I was banded on 6/1/2009 and am newly pregnant. So, I made it about one year out from surgery...but honestly, we started trying 3 months ago! Neither my surgeon or my OB seem concerned at all. I have lost 75 pounds with about 15 to go. Not going to stress about it now though. Maybe you should ask your doctor what his/her concerns are. And if you have the procedure and then oops! get pregnant in a year, it's not like they are going to sue you! :smile2: Good luck!

[AggiePaige 8]

Hey, sometimes life just happens! I was banded end of June 2009. We weren't trying to have a baby, we were going to wait, but that didn't stop our baby from happening! I found out I was pregnant in early November and am 31 weeks along now. I would have a frank discussion with your doctor. We are not in total control of our bodies. Unless you plan on abstaining for 2 years, you can't guarantee you won't get pregnant.

[Buggie1369 0]

I'm so glad some one else is thinking the same way as I am... I want to get banded so I can have a healthy pregnancy, but I don't want to wait two years... I think I can handle waiting 1 year.

[sweetkissez42061 0]

My Dr. told me one year. Hes upset that I got pregnant 4 months later but only because he says you lose the most weight your first year. I will get back on track as soon as my baby is born!

[tinksmom 0]

I think they put things in the contract so that if someone comes back...say after not following their diet, getting pregnant early, etc...they cannot complain that the band isn't working and it is the doctor's fault. If you have ababy and don't lose weight it will be your fault...worth it though. There are lots of doctors out there who do banding and if your gets too upset and you aren' comfortable with him any more - switch.