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Karla Grimmett dropped over 80kg after a gastric bypass procedure at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute. . Credit Orlando Health
Many couples dream of having a baby, but for some, getting pregnant can be challenging. Infertility affects 1 in 6 people, and obesity can also play a role. When diet and exercise aren’t enough to lose weight, bariatric surgery becomes an option. However, a recent national survey by Orlando Health reveals that 56% of Americans are unaware that bariatric surgery can improve fertility.
Dr. Alexander Ramirez from Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Institute says, “We see more patients turning to bariatric surgery for various health issues, including infertility. There’s often a link between obesity and difficulty getting pregnant.”
The survey shows that many Americans don’t know about this connection. When asked if being overweight impacts fertility, half of the respondents said they either didn’t know or were unsure.
Obesity is a serious health issue that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and even certain cancers. For women, obesity can cause irregular periods, hormone imbalances, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), all of which can contribute to infertility.
Dr. Ramirez explains, “We have many patients with PCOS who have struggled to get pregnant for years. After bariatric surgery, their chances of conceiving significantly increase as their hormones balance out and their menstrual cycles become regular.”
Other weight loss options, like GLP-1 medications, might seem more straightforward, but 64% of people surveyed didn’t know or were unsure that stopping these injections can lead to weight gain. Dr. Ramirez points out that bariatric surgery is usually more effective and lasting because it permanently changes the digestive system, helping the body to ovulate.
Dr. Ramirez advises waiting 18 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before trying to conceive. This recovery period helps the body adjust and ensures a healthier pregnancy, reducing risks like high blood pressure and diabetes.
For 38-year-old Karla Grimmett, bariatric surgery was life-saving. Her severe obesity and type 2 diabetes had landed her in the ICU. Weighing 380 pounds, she opted for gastric bypass surgery, not expecting it to solve her fertility issues as well.
“I was told since I was 11 that I would never have kids because of PCOS,” Karla shares. After surgery, her health improved, her medications dropped from 12 to 2, and her menstrual cycle normalized.
“When my period didn’t come in April, I couldn’t believe it. I took a pregnancy test, and it was positive! I still didn’t believe it, so I took four more,” Karla recalls.
Karla gave birth to her daughter Everleigh in November 2022, an event she once thought impossible. “She’s full of life and the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I had given up hope of having a child,” she says.
Dr. Ramirez emphasizes the importance of understanding the link between obesity and health issues like infertility. He suggests discussing bariatric surgery with a doctor for those who can’t lose weight through diet and exercise.
“My advice to anyone with obesity, especially those wanting a child, is to consider bariatric surgery. It’s the most effective way to lose weight healthily and increase the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Ramirez says.