Your dream of having a baby doesn’t stop with bariatric surgery. The good news is that gastric sleeve surgery and pregnancy are closely linked, as this weight loss procedure can significantly improve fertility and lead to healthier pregnancy outcomes.

For many women, obesity can make conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy more difficult. Excess weight often disrupts hormonal balance, leading to irregular ovulation, menstrual cycles, and in some cases, infertility.

Even if pregnancy occurs, obesity-related complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia pose risks to both mother and baby.

Gastric sleeve surgery isn’t just a popular weight-loss procedure—it’s also been shown to have a positive impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

For many women dealing with fertility challenges related to obesity, gastric sleeve surgery can open the door to a healthier pregnancy. However, it’s important to understand the changes that come with pregnancy after weight loss surgery to keep both mom and baby safe.

In this guide to gastric sleeve surgery and pregnancy, we answer the most important questions: how it improves fertility, the best time to get pregnant after surgery, nutrition and diet considerations and other important tips you need to know. 

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Improves Fertility

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, helps with significant weight loss by shrinking the stomach, curbing food intake, and changing hunger-related hormones.

This weight loss can help with fertility by:

• Restoring Regular Ovulation: Excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances that affect regular ovulation. Losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery can help normalize menstrual cycles, increasing the chances of conception.
• Improving PCOS Symptoms: Many women with obesity also struggle with PCOS, a condition that affects fertility. Weight loss following surgery can reduce insulin resistance and excess androgens, which contribute to PCOS symptoms.
• Reducing Pregnancy Complications: Women who conceive at a healthier weight are less likely to experience gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy-related complications.

Studies have found that bariatric surgery significantly improves fertility in obese women and increases the likelihood of natural conception.

Can You Get Pregnant After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Yes, absolutely! Many women successfully conceive after gastric sleeve surgery. 

However, it’s important to plan your pregnancy carefully to make sure both you and your baby stay healthy. 

After gastric sleeve surgery, your body goes through many changes, especially in the first year with rapid weight loss. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and hormonal shifts, which might not be ideal for a growing baby. 

That’s why doctors usually recommend waiting a bit before trying to conceive.

When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting 12 to 18 months after surgery before trying to get pregnant. This waiting period allows your body to stabilize, adapt to its new nutritional needs, and ensure you’re at a healthy weight before pregnancy.

Why Waiting Matters

• Prevents Nutritional Deficiencies: Rapid weight loss can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may impact fetal development. 
• Ensures a Healthy Weight Stabilization: Your body needs time to adjust to weight loss before undergoing the physical demands of pregnancy.
• Reduces Pregnancy Risks: Waiting post-surgery lowers the risk of complications such as nutritional deficiencies, increased risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth and Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) babies.

Life happens. If you do become pregnant within the first year post-surgery, working with your healthcare provider is important to make sure you are getting proper nutrition and your baby is developing well. 

Nutrition During Pregnancy After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After gastric sleeve surgery, making proper nutrition choices is critical for a healthy pregnancy. 

Here are nutrition tips to consider:

1. Prioritize Protein Intake

Protein is essential for your baby’s development and for maintaining your muscle mass. Aim for 60-80 grams of protein per day from sources such as:

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish)
• Eggs
• Dairy products (Greek yogurt, cheese)
• Plant-based proteins (lentils, tofu, beans)

2. Take Prenatal Vitamins

Due to reduced stomach size and nutrient absorption, supplementation is necessary. Your doctor may recommend:

• Folic acid: To prevent neural tube defects (minimum 800 mcg daily)
• Iron: To support red blood cell production
• Vitamin B12: For nervous system health
• Calcium and Vitamin D: For bone health

3. Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Your stomach capacity is smaller post-surgery, so eating small meals every 3-4 hours can help maintain energy and nutrient levels without overwhelming your digestive system.

4. Stay Hydrated

Pregnant women need extra fluids, but post-surgery, drinking large amounts of water at once can be uncomfortable. Aim to sip at least 2 litres of water throughout the day.

5. Monitor for Deficiencies

Regular blood tests can help track nutrient levels and detect deficiencies early. Work with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to adjust your diet and supplementation as needed.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. Work with a Multidisciplinary Team: Consult your obstetrician and a registered dietitian to ensure complete care throughout pregnancy.
2. Monitor Weight Gain Carefully: Weight gain recommendations may differ after bariatric surgery. Work with your doctor to set healthy goals.
3. Exercise Safely: Light-to-moderate exercise such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming can help maintain overall health during pregnancy.
4. Attend Regular Check-Ups: Frequent prenatal visits will help monitor fetal growth, maternal weight, and any potential complications.
5. Listen to Your Body: Every pregnancy is different. If you feel overly fatigued or have difficulty eating enough, consult your doctor immediately.

A Healthy Pregnancy Is Possible After Weight Loss Surgery

Pregnancy after gastric sleeve surgery is not only possible but can also be healthier than a pregnancy with obesity-related complications. Of all the bariatric procedures, the sleeve is the safest to have prior to a pregnancy. Additionally, by waiting the recommended time, following a nutrient-rich diet, and working closely with healthcare professionals, you can experience a safe and successful pregnancy.

If you’ve had gastric sleeve surgery and are considering pregnancy, consult your doctor to develop a plan that ensures both you and your baby receive the best possible care. With proper preparation and monitoring, you can embark on the journey to motherhood with confidence and good health.

Struggling to get pregnant due to your weight and interested in gastric sleeve surgery? MyLife Bariatrics is here to help. Their expertise in gastric sleeve surgery, commitment to patient care, and comprehensive support system make them the premier choice for out-of-hospital weight loss surgery in Canada.

Take control of your health and start your transformation today—schedule a consultation with MyLife Bariatrics. 

Contact us to learn more. You can also visit mylifebariatrics.com and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.