Did you know that weight loss surgery could boost fertility rates? As per the statistical analysis in the year 2021, it was found that the life expectancy of patients who received bariatric surgery was 9.3 years longer compared to routine patients who have not. Another review in 2016 concluded that bariatric surgery can reduce the mortality rate by 30-50% in obese persons.

 

Bariatric surgery has given new hope to those mothers who are finding it difficult to conceive due to excess obesity. Obesity has become a significant health concern; it has triggered various health issues. 

 

Obese women of reproductive age are suffering from many infertility issues. Obesity increases the chances of hypertension and gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Bariatric surgery has proved to be the best obesity treatment. This is because of the durability and pace of weight loss. 

 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

 

Bariatric surgery is the surgical procedure done on a human body to reduce obesity and obesity-related conditions. This operation to weight-loss has a long-term effect. It helps to alter gut hormones, physically reduce stomach size, and reduce nutrient absorption. 

 

The basic principle of Bariatric surgery is to curb the food intake and further decrease the absorption of food to the intestine and stomach. Finalising the type of surgery depends on the patient's body mass index (BMI).

 

Some of the key benefits of Bariatric surgery are:

 

• Bariatric surgery in obese women shows improved ovulation.
• The Body Mass Index improves, thus reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.
• The chances of miscarriage can be reduced with the help of bariatric surgery
• Perinatal outcome improves due to bariatric surgery. 
• Bariatric surgery helps in managing pregnancy weight loss.

 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

 

There are 5 types of Bariatric Surgery. Each type of surgery depends on the patient’s eating habits and obesity level. Before finalising the kind of surgery, the patient and provider should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of surgery. 

 

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: 

 

This procedure is also called the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In the sleeve gastrectomy surgery, approximately 80 percent of the stomach is removed. It leaves a tube-shaped stomach like the shape of a banana.

 

• Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass (RYGB): 

 

This is the most common method of bariatric surgery. In this surgery, the top portion of the stomach is operated upon; a pouch can hold a minimal amount of food. It holds just three pints of food. 

 

• Adjustable Gastric band: 

 

Adjustable gastric band surgery is done through laparoscopy. In this method, the surgeon puts an adjustable band on the top part of the stomach. 

 

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: 

 

This surgery is performed in two parts. The first step is sleeve gastrectomy. In the second step, the surgeon closes the middle section of the intestine. It is directly attached to the small intestine called the duodenum. 

 

• Single Anastomosis Duodeno–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy: 

 

This surgery also consists of two steps. The first step is sleeve gastrectomy; in the second step, an opening below the new stomach is connected to the lower small intestine, known as the ileum. 

 

5 Key Points To Know Regarding Bariatric Surgery And Pregnancy

 

The pregnancy weight loss procedures would be able to address the issues of infertility. Bariatric surgery promotes healthy pregnancy. Here are some important things that one should know: 

 

• Losing weight for a healthy pregnancy: 

 

Weight and fertility have a complex relationship. Losing weight makes the ovulation cycle more predictable. Most of the pregnancy-related problems like gestational diabetes, risk of miscarriage, and congenital disabilities are reduced to a large extent with bariatric surgery. 

 

• Do not conceive right after surgery: 

 

Bariatric surgeries are supposed to reduce weight with immediate effect. Hence, it is recommended that women should not conceive right after the surgery. The ideal time to conceive is 18-24 months after the operation for weight loss. This helps to stimulate the vitamins and other essential nutrients in the body. 

 

• Understand post-surgery birth control options: 

 

Since it is not healthy to conceive soon after the surgery, ensure that you consult with your doctor for birth control options. Act upon the treatments shared by your doctor.

 

• Know the weight requirement during pregnancy: 

 

Once the bariatric surgery is done, it is essential to understand the weight requirement during pregnancy. Discuss the right weight during pregnancy with your surgeon so the foetus remains healthy.

 

• Do not lose weight during pregnancy: 

 

Weight gain is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Hence, the patients should not restrict their calorie intake once they conceive. 

 

Conclusion

 

Bariatric surgeries are meant to reduce obesity and control various diseases related to obesity. The pregnancy weight loss can help women who want to get pregnant by making ovulation better. It also makes the body mass index better, lowering the chances of diabetes and miscarriages.

If you want a healthy pregnancy, consider weight loss surgery. There has been a tremendous reduction in the mortality rate and macrovascular complications with the help of bariatric surgery.