Weight-Loss Surgery And Unplanned Pregnancies
Examiner.com, 15th June 2009
Obesity, epidemic of XXI century, hits especially United States of America. About two-thirds of the American population is overweight or obese.
Weight-loss is not easy. Many people, having tried more conventional methods, turn to batriatic surgery. It helps them to lose serious weight as it restricts the amount of food that can be taken. In the USA about 100.000 batriatic surgeries are taking place. The vast majority of patients (80%) are women.
The very important point is that about 50% of the women having weight-loss surgery are those in their reproductive years. They need to be aware of the fact that the weight—loss procedures affects not only absorption of fat but also vitamins, minerals and some medications, such as oral contraceptives. In consequence, many unplanned pregnancies happen among those women. Studies show that unplanned pregnancies happen especially among teenagers who had weight—loss surgery (two times more in comparison to the adolescents who did not have the surgery).
The solution of the problem can be non-oral medications. The patients can choose between depo-provera or an IUD. Other options are the birth control and the ring. These, however, contain estrogen and should be stopped four weeks before the surgery and cannot re-start before four weeks afterwards. During this time another method should be used.
Women having batriatic surgery are recommended to delay pregnancy for 12-24 months after the procedure. The reason is stabilization of their weight.
