Lap-Band can improve fertility for obese women

Tuesday, 13 September 2011 15:20

Many of our patients come to us with fertility issues related to their excess weight. In some cases, people can try for years to conceive with no success, even though fertility tests indicate no clinical problems for either partner.

Doctors have known for years that obese women have an increased risk of infertility. Obesity can cause irregular periods or complete lack of menstruation, a condition known as amenorrhea. It can also lead to a greater risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, including high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Even if you ovulate normally and have a regular menstrual cycle, obesity can make it difficult for you to conceive.

Though it is not clear how obesity affects fertility, researchers suspect that hormone imbalances may pay a role. Research on laboratory mice suggests that although many cells in the body become insulin resistant as a result of obesity, the pituitary gland - which regulates ovarian function and fertility - actually experiences a heightened sensitivity to insulin. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels, therefore, can disrupt reproductive function and impair fertility.

Studies have also shown that women who become obese before the age of 18 are more likely to experience fertility problems than women who become obese when they are older.

Losing just 5-10% of your excess weight, however, can dramatically improve fertility. Following weight-loss surgery, hormone levels and menstrual cycles often return to normal. In a study of women who underwent Lap-Band surgery, patients experienced fewer cesarean sections, decreased rates of gestational diabetes, and a reduced risk of hypertension during pregnancy.

The Lap-Band's adjustable nature also allows women to ensure that they receive optimal nutrition and gain an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy. You should never attempt to lose weight during pregnancy, as the body needs increased nutrients to build additional stores of fat, blood, and other fluids to help support the growth of the baby. Overweight women should plan to gain between 15 and 25 pounds during pregnancy. If your BMI is above 30, you should still plan to gain between 11 and 20 pounds. After delivery, the band can be tightened again to allow you to resume your weight loss.

Most doctors recommend that Lap-Band patients wait 12 to 18 months before attempting to become pregnant. If you do conceive while you are still in the process of losing weight, talk to your doctor about the best nutritional plan for promoting a healthy pregnancy.