Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery: Optimising the Health of Mothers and Babies

Bariatric (or obesity) surgery (BS) is an effective treatment for the management of obesity and its complications, including type 2 diabetes. The population undergoing BS is growing and 3 out of 4 operations in England are now in women, the majority of whom are of child bearing age. BS has a profound effect on women’s reproductive health with our own research suggesting many women are specifically choosing surgery as a means of improving their fertility. Women may conceive quickly but this has potential for poor pregnancy outcomes. There are no national guidelines regarding the management of this high risk group (post-surgery, pre-conception). Current practice advice, such as the recommendation to wait at least 18 months after surgery before conceiving, lacks a robust evidence base and, in not reflecting the needs and lifestyles of the women, is failing to influence their behaviour. Our research shows rapid regain in fertility and short surgery-to-conception intervals. It is essential that any opposing risks are characterised and subsequently minimised through robust research, evidence assimilation and expert guidance.

This meeting will bring together expertise from a multidisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians (obstetricians, midwives, dietitians, endocrinologists, health psychologists and surgeons) from Surrey and both national and international experts in the field. We aim to develop an expert consensus statement for the management of conception and pregnancy post-surgery and to discuss research collaboration and grant proposals.

ORGANISERS

Prof Jill Shawe, Lead for Maternal and Family Healthcare, on behalf of the PREPARE team.

Dr Kathryn Hart, Lecturer and Registered Dietitian, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.