Improvement in infertility and pregnancy outcomes after weight loss surgery

Abstract

The majority of bariatric surgical procedures are performed in young women. There is a concern about safety and outcomes of pregnancies after weight loss surgery. Pregnancy after weight loss surgery is not only safe, but is associated with more favorable outcomes in comparison to obese populations who do not undergo weight loss surgery. An interval of 2 years is recommended from surgery to pregnancy. This delay helps avoid most of the potential nutritional complications. Optimal patient care is achieved in an experienced, multidisciplinary center. Early involvement of the bariatric surgeon in evaluating abdominal pain is critical because the underlying pathology may relate to the previous weight loss surgery. Although infertility is improved after weight loss surgery, reliable modes of contraception may be limited in this population.