Bariatric surgery is a metabolic surgery for long term weight loss. Women are often wary of undergoing bariatric surgery in case they want to plan pregnancy in the future. However, there is no contraindication of undergoing bariatric surgery even if a woman wants to conceive in the future.
Bariatric surgery is a fertility enhancing surgery. Weight loss from bariatric surgery helps to regulate the female hormone levels and regularise the menstruated cycles particularly in women suffering from PCOD. This leads to increased chances of conception even in women who were suffering from infertility. Moreover, weight loss helps to improve body image which leads to better social interactions and self-worth. This helps improve the marital relationship as well. Even in men, weight loss caused by Bariatric surgery leads to increased testosterone levels which increases libido and better sexual performance.
The timing of pregnancy after undergoing bariatric surgery is critical. It is advisable to plan pregnancy at least 12-15 months after undergoing a bariatric procedure when the weight has stabilised. Conceiving earlier can lead to deficiency state in both the mother as well as the developing foetus and can cause low birth weight in the infant. Moreover, the hormonal effects of pregnancy can interfere with weight loss and can lead to lesser overall weight loss. If pregnancy is planned after the defined time period, there is no risk of malnutrition in the infant and neither is the weight loss effect of surgery compromised.