A recent survey from Orlando Health highlights a significant gap in public knowledge about the relationship between bariatric surgery and improved fertility. According to the survey, only 50% of respondents were aware of the potential benefits bariatric surgery can have on fertility, with the remaining half either uncertain or dismissing the link entirely.
Dr. Alexander Ramirez, Director of the Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Institute – Bayfront, noted that obesity and infertility are often connected, particularly in women facing challenges with pregnancy. “For female patients struggling with obesity, there is typically a correlation between their weight and infertility,” Dr. Ramirez explained.
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Defined as the inability to conceive after at least one year of unprotected intercourse, infertility can cause emotional distress, social stigma, and significant financial strain. Despite the growing need for fertility treatments like assisted reproductive technology, the WHO reports insufficient funding, high treatment costs, and limited access, which leave many patients without essential care.
Obesity is linked to a range of health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea, and is also a major contributor to infertility. Women with obesity often experience hormone imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can further hinder fertility. “Many of our patients with PCOS struggle for years to conceive,” Dr. Ramirez said. “After undergoing bariatric surgery, their chances of conception increase significantly, as their hormones stabilize and their menstrual cycles normalize.”
Studies, including a recent one published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrate the positive impact bariatric surgery can have on pregnancy weight gain. Patients with a history of bariatric surgery gained less weight during pregnancy compared to those who had not undergone the procedure, regardless of their body mass index (BMI) at the time of pregnancy.
The survey also revealed a lack of awareness about other weight-loss options. For instance, 64% of respondents were unaware that stopping GLP-1 weight loss medications could lead to weight gain. Bariatric surgery, which leads to permanent changes in the digestive system, improves hormone production and ovulation, making it a more effective and lasting weight loss solution compared to GLP-1 medications, according to Dr. Ramirez.
Dr. Ramirez also recommended that individuals considering pregnancy after bariatric surgery wait 18 to 24 months to allow the body to adjust fully to the surgery’s changes. This waiting period helps reduce the risk of complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
For those with obesity, especially those who wish to have children, Dr. Ramirez emphasized the importance of discussing bariatric surgery. “It’s the most powerful tool we have for losing weight in a healthy way and keeping obesity in remission, which significantly boosts the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy,” he said.
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