How long should someone wait to get the gastric sleeve surgery after delivering a baby?

Question

(C-section and vaginal). I just delivered my baby two months ago (vaginally) and I have been considering getting bariatric surgery for a long time (even before the baby) since I struggle to lose weight a lot. I've tried to lose weight naturally by changing up my diet and exercising 5 times a week and still didn't see any results after trying for so long, which is why bariatric surgery is something I'm very interested in. I just wanted to know how long after delivering a baby does it become possible to get the bariatric surgery?

Hasan Erdem, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question!
We wish the baby happy&healthy life! Patients should wait 1 year after delivering a baby. After 1 year, gastric sleeve surgery can be considered.
Dr.HE

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

After delivering a baby, it is generally recommended to wait for at least 6 to 12 months before undergoing bariatric surgery to ensure that your body has had sufficient time to recover and stabilize postpartum. This timeframe allows your body to heal fully, ensures your nutritional status is stable, and gives you time to adapt to the demands of motherhood.
Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, it’s important to consider the impact of surgery on both you and your baby. Bariatric surgery can significantly alter your nutritional intake, and while breastfeeding, your body requires additional nutrients to support milk production and your baby’s growth. It is advisable to complete breastfeeding before proceeding with surgery to avoid any potential complications or nutritional deficiencies.
Before making a decision, consulting with your healthcare provider or a bariatric surgeon is crucial. They will assess your overall health, postpartum recovery, and readiness for surgery, both physically and emotionally. This discussion will also help determine the best surgical approach for your specific needs and goals.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. You should be fit to undergo a gastric sleeve 3-6 months after vaginal delivery. You would need to be cleared by your gynecologyst and consider additional factors like your baby's care, as you would need recovery time. Additionally, you need to be evaluated by a bariatric surgeon in order to determine if you qualify for surgery and which type of procedure if any.

Bo Neichoy, MD · Answer

We usually wait until the mom is done with breast feeding. There is no need to wait any longer as the baby no longer needs that energy and any weight loss that you are going to see from breast feeding has already happened.

Nelson Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Could be between 6 to 12 months later, its better when your baby doesn't need breastfeedingRegardsNelson Rguez, MD FACS

How long should someone wait to get the gastric sleeve surgery after delivering a baby?

Answers (6)