University Health System Blog

Dr. Shawn Tsuda answers the question: Is pregnancy safe after weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or lap band?

Many women who suffer from severe obesity also suffer from hormonal problems that make it difficult for them to conceive children. Even for women who are not trying to conceive, menstrual irregularities related to obesity can be a significant burden.

After a patient undergoes surgery such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic adjustable gastric band to lose weight, a period of hormonal and menstrual irregularity can continue. However, it is also commonplace for women to regain their ability to conceive after weight loss. Rapid weight loss, however, can come with relative nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is imperative that patients take vitamin and mineral supplements guided by their physician.

Most patients after weight loss surgery reach their goal between 18 and 24 months. At the University Weight Loss Surgery Program, it’s our practice to encourage nutritional supplementation and appropriate birth control until at least 18 months after bariatric surgery. Only after the patient is deemed nutritionally robust by their doctor should they consider bearing a child.

However, if these criteria are met, the ability to conceive can be a positive life-changing event in patients who were otherwise limited by their severe obesity to have children.

Shawn Tsuda, M.D. is vice chief for bariatric surgery at University Health System and the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas. Dr. Tsuda completed his fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Harvard Medical School. He is board certified in general surgery. More information on the University of Nevada School of Medicine Weight Loss Surgery Center.

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Dr. Shawn Tsuda answers the question: “Laparoscopic gastric bypass versus the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: Is one or the other better for long term weight loss results?”

The number of weight loss procedures performed over the past ten years has increased by more than a ten-fold in the U.S., exceeding 200,000 operations in 2006. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which provides both restriction and malabsorption of food intake, is still considered the gold standard operation for long-term weight loss.

However, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, which uses one of two FDA approved devices for primary restriction of food into the gastrointestinal tract, is the second most commonly performed procedure and is quickly gaining in popularity. There is an abundance of data that supports both the gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band as safe (but not risk-free) procedures with sustainable weight loss and a positive impact on obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. (Learn more about weight loss surgery procedures from the U.S. National Library of Medicine).

The amount of weight loss that can be expected on average for the gastric bypass ranges between 60 and 80 percent of excess weight loss, or loss of weight beyond a calculated ideal body weight. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band has a wider spectrum of success, ranging between 30 and 70 percent of excess weight loss.

Both operations are endorsed by most professional medical societies as acceptable treatments for the severely obese. The choice of operation depends on the patient’s preference, along with his or her surgeon’s counseling on any specific contraindications to either of the operations. An informed decision is essential to undergoing any weight loss procedure.

Shawn Tsuda, M.D. is vice chief for bariatric surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Tsuda completed his fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Harvard Medical School. He is board certified in general surgery.

Have a health question? University Health System doctors answer select questions from readers like you.