Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery

It is very important to keep in touch with your obstetrician, surgeon, and dietitian during your pregnancy. [...] Your OB-GYN and bariatric team can help determine the amount of weight gain that is appropriate for you. [...] Protein – Aim for at least 75 grams of protein daily Adequate protein intake is important to support the tissues and cells of the growing baby. [...] See page 24 in our nutrition guidelines book for ideas. To stay healthy during pregnancy, pay attention to these additional guidelines: • Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, meat, and eggs. Do not eat cold deli meats, instead, heat all deli meats until they are steaming hot. [...] Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish due to high levels of mercury and other minerals that may be harmful during pregnancy. [...] Fluids – Aim for at least 64 ounces per day during pregnancy Sip fluids constantly throughout the day to stay hydrated. [...] Caffeine – Limit 200 mg or less per day during pregnancy (about 10 oz regular coffee) Caffeine intake during pregnancy is linked to low-birth weight babies, increasing risk of premature labor, health risks later in life and other concerns.Updated 7_2024 Artificial Sweeteners Some artificial sweeteners are considered safe during pregnancy. [...] If you choose to include them in your diet, here are some guidelines: Considered Safe: Limit to 1-2 servings daily: Avoid during pregnancy: Splenda (Sucralose) Truvia, Sweet Leaf (Stevia) NutraSweet/Equal (aspartame) Sweet'N Low (saccharin) Glucose Tolerance Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that may occur during pregnancy. [...] It is usually tested for at 28 weeks of pregnancy, which requires drinking a sweet drink with glucose. Many people who have had gastric bypass or other weight loss surgeries are unable to tolerate this drink due to risk of dumping syndrome. [...] Talk to your OB/midwife and dietitian if you have more questions. Cost considerations: Many prenatal vitamins can be covered by insurance, however they may not contain all your bariatric vitamin needs as well.