Pregnancy after Abdominal Surgery

I have had bariatric surgery (Duodenal Switch) that was done open vertically roughly 8 inches in length and recently had a twisted bowel that they had to go back in and repair with the same line.

My concern is pregnancy - my husband and I are planning to try come January and was curious if it's possible to deliver naturally after 2 surgeries where my abdomen was cut...or if a C-Section will be required.

I would appreciate any insight.

Thanks

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Its possible to have a natural delivery.  It is only necessary to do a c-section if you have a scar on your uterus--not your abdominal wall.  We don't usually recommend pregnancy until you have leveled out on the weight loss.  Also, it will be very important to take your vitamins because there can be some absorption issues after this type of surgery.
The surgery is great for fertilty though--often after significant weight loss, the periods resume and women begin ovulating again.
Hope all goes well!
Good luck!
Dr B

[TRACYLEE1]

HELLO I WAS INVOLVED INA MOTOR VEHEICLE IN 1995 . AND I HAD TO GET A ESPLORATION OF THE ABDOMEN FOR WHAT PROVED TO  BE TWO PROBLEMS. THE 1ST WAS A PERFORATED ILEUM AND THE 2ND WAS A LARGE AREA OF MUSCLE CONTUSION SECONDARY TO PRESSURE AGAINST THE SEALBELT.
  O WAS POSTOP COURSE WAS SOMEWHAT INVOLVED IN THAT THE ENIRE SEGMENT OF MUSCLE SLOUGHED WHERE THE SEATBELT HAD CAUSED CONTUSIONS OVER THE ANTERIOR ASPECT OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL . THAT AREA HAS TOTALLY CLOSED. I HAD SEVERAL SUTURE ABECESSES SINCE THAT TIME .
ON JAN OF 1996 THE 2 SUTURES WERE REMOVED FROM ABSCESS AREARS. IT IS CONCEIVABLE THAT I WILL HAVE SIMILAR PROMBLEMS IN THE FUTURE UNTILL ALL OF  THE FASCIAL SUTURES ARE REMOVED.
WILL I BE ABLE TO BECOME PREGNANT? PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT TRACY_LEE916***@****