News | Bariatric Surgery Is Not Just for Weight Loss: It May Also Improve Fertility
Welcoming a baby is a dream for many couples, but fertility concerns can make difficulties conceiving more complex. A new national survey by Orlando Health found that obesity is an important factor affecting fertility, yet 56% of Americans do not know that bariatric surgery may improve fertility.
Dr. Alexander Ramirez, director of the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Institute, said: “Every day, more patients consider bariatric surgery to address the many health problems caused by obesity, including infertility. Women dealing with obesity and difficulty becoming pregnant often see a direct connection between weight and infertility.”
The survey revealed limited awareness of this link. When asked whether being overweight can negatively affect fertility, half of respondents were unaware or neutral.
The Link Between Obesity and Fertility Problems
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and increased risk of several cancers. In women, it may also cause irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), all of which may contribute to infertility.
Dr. Ramirez said: “Many of our patients with PCOS choose bariatric surgery after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. After surgery, their likelihood of pregnancy rises quickly as hormones become regulated and menstrual cycles return to normal.”
Although other weight-loss options such as GLP-1 medications may appear more convenient, 64% of respondents did not know that stopping GLP-1 injections may lead to weight regain. Dr. Ramirez said bariatric surgery is often more effective and durable because it permanently changes the digestive system and increases hormone production that helps the body ovulate.
Waiting 18 to 24 Months Before Trying to Conceive
Dr. Ramirez recommends waiting 18 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before trying to conceive. This allows the body to adapt, helps ensure balanced nutrition, and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Success Story: Cara Grimmett
Cara Grimmett, 38, chose bariatric surgery after obesity-related type 2 diabetes led to an intensive care admission. At 380 pounds, she knew gastric bypass was the best option for improving her health, but she never expected it to help with fertility.
Grimmett said: “Since I was 11, I had been told I would never become pregnant because of PCOS. I had always been overweight, and doctors said pregnancy was nearly impossible because of issues including high blood pressure.”
After surgery, her health improved, her daily medications fell from 12 to two, and her menstrual cycles became regular. “After surgery, my period came like clockwork every month with no problems. Then it did not come in April, and I thought, ‘Impossible.’ I bought a pregnancy test and, although I could not believe it, bought four more.”
Grimmett gave birth to her daughter Everly in November 2022, fulfilling a dream that had once seemed out of reach.
Improving Awareness of Obesity and Infertility
Dr. Ramirez emphasized the need to understand the link between obesity and infertility. He suggested that people who cannot reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise discuss bariatric surgery with a doctor. “I recommend that all patients with obesity, especially women who want to become pregnant, ask about bariatric surgery. It is our most powerful weight-loss tool, helping people lose weight safely and maintain obesity remission, which can greatly improve the chance of pregnancy.”
Survey Methods
Commissioned by Orlando Health, the survey was conducted online by Ipsos through KnowledgePanel®️ from December 6 to 8, 2024, among 1019 U.S. adults. It used a nationally representative probability sample with a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
News | Bariatric Surgery Is Not Just for Weight Loss: It May Also Improve Fertility
News | Bariatric Surgery Is Not Just for Weight Loss: It May Also Improve Fertility
Welcoming a baby is a dream for many couples, but fertility concerns can make difficulties conceiving more complex. A new national survey by Orlando Health found that obesity is an important factor affecting fertility, yet 56% of Americans do not know that bariatric surgery may improve fertility.
Dr. Alexander Ramirez, director of the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Institute, said: “Every day, more patients consider bariatric surgery to address the many health problems caused by obesity, including infertility. Women dealing with obesity and difficulty becoming pregnant often see a direct connection between weight and infertility.”
The survey revealed limited awareness of this link. When asked whether being overweight can negatively affect fertility, half of respondents were unaware or neutral.
The Link Between Obesity and Fertility Problems
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and increased risk of several cancers. In women, it may also cause irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), all of which may contribute to infertility.
Dr. Ramirez said: “Many of our patients with PCOS choose bariatric surgery after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. After surgery, their likelihood of pregnancy rises quickly as hormones become regulated and menstrual cycles return to normal.”
Although other weight-loss options such as GLP-1 medications may appear more convenient, 64% of respondents did not know that stopping GLP-1 injections may lead to weight regain. Dr. Ramirez said bariatric surgery is often more effective and durable because it permanently changes the digestive system and increases hormone production that helps the body ovulate.
Waiting 18 to 24 Months Before Trying to Conceive
Dr. Ramirez recommends waiting 18 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before trying to conceive. This allows the body to adapt, helps ensure balanced nutrition, and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Success Story: Cara Grimmett
Cara Grimmett, 38, chose bariatric surgery after obesity-related type 2 diabetes led to an intensive care admission. At 380 pounds, she knew gastric bypass was the best option for improving her health, but she never expected it to help with fertility.
Grimmett said: “Since I was 11, I had been told I would never become pregnant because of PCOS. I had always been overweight, and doctors said pregnancy was nearly impossible because of issues including high blood pressure.”
After surgery, her health improved, her daily medications fell from 12 to two, and her menstrual cycles became regular. “After surgery, my period came like clockwork every month with no problems. Then it did not come in April, and I thought, ‘Impossible.’ I bought a pregnancy test and, although I could not believe it, bought four more.”
Grimmett gave birth to her daughter Everly in November 2022, fulfilling a dream that had once seemed out of reach.
Improving Awareness of Obesity and Infertility
Dr. Ramirez emphasized the need to understand the link between obesity and infertility. He suggested that people who cannot reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise discuss bariatric surgery with a doctor. “I recommend that all patients with obesity, especially women who want to become pregnant, ask about bariatric surgery. It is our most powerful weight-loss tool, helping people lose weight safely and maintain obesity remission, which can greatly improve the chance of pregnancy.”
Survey Methods
Commissioned by Orlando Health, the survey was conducted online by Ipsos through KnowledgePanel®️ from December 6 to 8, 2024, among 1019 U.S. adults. It used a nationally representative probability sample with a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Source:
Collected online