Can You Be Pregnant With the Lap Band?
The Lap-BAND procedure is a weight loss surgery in which a restrictive band is placed around the stomach to limit food intake. It is recommended that women wait at least one to two years after surgery before becoming pregnant.
Facts
Most of the weight loss occurs during the first two years after Lap-BAND placement. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate birth control measures during this period to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Procedure
The Lap-BAND procedure is for obese people, and generally renders weight loss results of 40 to 50 percent of the total body weight. The advantage of the band over gastric bypass surgery is that the stomach is not cut, and restriction can be adjusted by tightening the band.
Pregnancy
Once a woman becomes pregnant with the Lap-BAND, her physician will monitor her closely to ensure that weight gain goals are reached. The patient is expected to stop all weight loss efforts until after the pregnancy is completed. Adjustment of the band may be necessary.
Band Adjustment
If the patient becomes pregnant before meeting their weight loss goal, band adjustment may be necessary to allow for the appropriate amount of weight gain during pregnancy. However, it is not necessary to remove the band due to pregnancy.
Considerations
While pregnancy is possible with the Lap-BAND, it is best for the patient to fully reach their goal weight before becoming pregnant. Doing so allows for the best chances of a complication-free pregnancy. In addition, getting pregnant may become easier after weight loss.
