¹

It is estimated that about a third of women in childbearing age in United States is classified as obese¹. According to doctors, being overweight may significantly increase health risks to pregnant women and their babies. Researchers from John Hopkins University concluded in their recent study that losing weight before pregnancy may not only make getting pregnant easier, but also prevent future pregnancy complications common for the overweight moms. Exercising, diet, and weight loss drugs can help in losing weight, but if you tried all of that and none seemed to work, lap-band may be right for you.

It is believed that problems with fertility in obese patients come from the fact that fat stores change the levels of sex hormones produced by the body – estrogen and testosterone². As a result, it is estimated that obese women are as much as 28 percent less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy³. If you are concerned with your weight and its influence on your fertility, you should first check your body mass index or BMI. You can do this here.

If your cycle is irregular and your BMI is above 30 it means that you are significantly overweight, and your weight may be interfering with your ovulating cycle. In this case, in order to decrease health risks for you and your future baby you should try to lower your BMI. Since fast weight loss before conceiving could also bring complications, it is best to lose weight gradually for the period of at least six months prior⁴. Pregnancy takes a toll on a mother’s body, so you should prepare yourself as good as possible. If your BMI is above 35, weight loss surgery may be the best solution for you and your future baby.

After you lose some pounds your cycle will become more regular, you will have much higher chances of conceiving, as well as going though a healthy pregnancy. Our experience at DayOne Health Chicago shows that after patients lose weight, they become pregnant much faster and undergo their pregnancies with far less complications than the patients who conceive while being obese. Moreover, the band will help you lose weight after pregnancy, and continue working on your healthy lifestyle. If you would like to talk with someone about improving your eating habits, or hear more about the lap-band surgery call us today at 312-291-7501 or register for a free seminar.

¹http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/besttreatments/2010/apr/14/weight-loss-surgery-could-prevent-pregnancy-complications
²http://www.pregnancy-info.net/obesity_pregnancy.html
³http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103153754.htm
⁴http://www.gettingpregnant.co.uk/fertilityproblems-overweight.html