More and more people in this country are overweight or even obese. So many, in fact, that a whole new category of weight had to be created for them, being morbidly obese and now even super obese. Being that heavy takes a heavy toll on a person’s overall health and, therefore, also the nation’s health care system. As a result, most medical insurance companies now cover bariatric surgery for people who meet certain requirements in terms of how overweight they are, and whether or not they also have comorbid disorders.

Those who are considering the surgery are usually at the end of their tether. They have spent years looking at options to shed the pounds. Surgery is always a last resort, not in the least because it carries some serious risks with it. For them, bariatric surgery is literally the answer to their prayers. However, they must also think about what their life will be like after the procedure.

Bariatric Surgery Changes Life

Bariatric surgery results in more than just tremendous weight loss. It changes every element of a person’s life. People will suddenly react differently when they see someone after surgery, often giving them more positive attention. Divorce rates in couples where at least one has had surgery are higher as well. This is probably because the obese person becomes someone completely new.

But there is more to it as well. Someone who has had surgery has to be committed to keeping the weight off for the rest of their life. This means they have to completely overhaul their lifestyle, staying away from unhealthy foods. They must also become a lot more active than they ever were before, exercising and engaging in fitness. Plus, they may need to have more surgery later on in life in order to get rid of the excess skin left after serious weight loss.

Another very important question is how this surgery affects pregnancy.

Bariatric Surgery and Pregnancy

Some women worry that, after they have had bariatric surgery, they will no longer be able to have children. However, since their obesity most likely stopped them from conceiving anyway, they usually opt to have it completed regardless. But then, once they have lost the weight, they start to think about growing a family again and worry that they can’t.

Around 50% of women who have the procedure completed are between 18 and 45, prime years for pregnancy. If you are one of them, you will be happy to hear that having bariatric surgery will greatly increase your chances of falling pregnant. Not only will your body be healthier and therefore better able to cope with pregnancy, you will also be more fertile.

However, there are a few things to think about:

• Don’t fall pregnant in the first year after pregnancy, as you will not be able to consume sufficient nutrients for both you and the baby.
• Make sure your relationship is surviving the new you before deciding to expand the family unit.