18th May 2009

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY GROUP LEADS BABY BOOM

One of the major reasons for infertility is excess weight and obesity. Some 80 per cent* of cases of bariatric treatment for obese people were women last year, but despite this, GPs and patients do not have access to ample information about post-operative antenatal care.

One provider, the Weight Loss Surgery Group (WLS), has recently announced a baby boom among women who have undergone bariatric surgery, with increasing numbers of patients expecting after dramatic weight loss.

As WLS’ managing director, Michelle Bowater, prepares to give birth to a baby this week following weight loss surgery, the company is launching a pregnancy support programme to provide its patients with the advice they are struggling to find elsewhere. A free of charge, informative leaflet, available to download at www.wlsgroup.co.uk/pregnancy.php, provides practical antenatal information for women who have had bariatric surgery, to dispel myths and give essential nutritional guidance.

Michelle suffered from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), a symptom of obesity, prior to surgery. This was alleviated when she lost an incredible 15 stone after her weight loss procedure. Michelle was surprised at the lack of information available to expectant mums who have undergone weight loss surgery.

She said: “I was thrilled to find out I was pregnant but overwhelmed at the lack of information available to me about pregnancy after weight loss surgery. I realised that this must be the case for hundreds of women across the country and so WLS is taking the lead by putting together a comprehensive support programme.”

“Having a Gastric Bypass means you absorb fewer nutrients than you would normally, so correct aftercare is vital. I would certainly urge professional GPs and women in my situation to download the free advice leaflet and ensure they have adequate support and aftercare.”

WLS has also launched a 12-month Antenatal Bariatric Surgery Support Programme to educate and support patients who have become pregnant after weight loss surgery, with monthly reviews, nutritional advice sessions and band adjustments. This allows their pregnancies to be supported within the context of their weight loss procedures.

WLS is calling on GPs across the country to get to grips with the basics included in the advice leaflet. To find out more about WLS and its 12-month antenatal programme, visit www.wlsgroup.co.uk.