IVF and weight loss surgery

In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most innovative methods for managing infertility and makes use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to increase the chances that you will conceive. It is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the womb. IVF is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. This process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them into a fluid medium. The fertilized egg is then transferred to the patient’s uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy.

For people who have been unable to conceive on their own IVF is a successful solution. IVF is a process to help men and women achieve the dream of having a child of their own. It was invented to help women that were infertile due to the blockage in the uterine tubes or disease in the uterine tubes. The five basic steps in an IVF treatment are super ovulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture and embryo transfer.

A women’s weight can affect her fertility. Obesity leads to decreased fertility in women with irregular menstrual period. Again, obesity results in an increased production of estrogen-this hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation, which is the basis of successful conception. As you lose weight, the hormonal effect of excess fat decreases. This may result in a substantial increase in your fertility.

Women who are obese and attempting to get pregnant using IVF can also expect better results if they lose weight. You might have a significantly improved chance for success if you reduce your weight through weight loss surgery.

Obesity in In vitro fertilization (IVF) patients has been associated with increased cycle cancellation rates, reduced live birth rates and increased miscarriages. Additionally, obese women are more likely to encounter delivery complications including preterm delivery, fetal macrosomia, increased need for induction of labor, greater utilization of instrumental delivery and a higher risk of emergency cesarean section. Therefore, obese women should consider the importance of weight reduction and adopt effective strategies before preconception.

Another issue related to body weight and IVF is safety for the patient at the egg retrieval. When a woman is significantly obese, the ovaries are usually pushed up high by the extra fatty tissue that is in the pelvis. At the time of IVF, the needle is pushed to reach the eggs in the ovaries and if the ovaries are too high, it will be very difficult to get the needle into the follicles to get the eggs out.

Another problem is that the ultrasound images become very hazy because of the extra tissue under the ovary. It is often very difficult to visualize clearly the ovaries and the egg containing follicles.

Woman, who is obese (BMI over 30 and higher) and undergoing fertility treatment, has less chance of success and higher chance of miscarriage rates. Prior to performing IVF, patients should know the impact of obesity on their IVF success rates. And losing weight through bariatric surgery can have a dramatic effect in terms of enhancing the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Proper exercise and diet are important for maintaining good health and proper weight. Obesity surgery may help couples have babies. Patients who underwent weight loss surgery improve the ability to conceive after they have IVF. Reproductive hormone levels are restored to normal only after weight loss surgery.

How to check if your surgeon is okay?

Morbid obesity is a wide spread problem and a rightly done bariatric surgery is a proper treatment. Surgical procedures vary considerably in complexity and specialized training is needed to perform them. It can lead to severe complications if not done correctly. You can go online, participate in surgery-related forums, discuss with your family doctor and previous patients of potential surgeons to get prior information about your surgeon.

Undergoing surgery is a serious step; you should not take it lightly. You can ask other health professionals to recommend for a specific practitioner. Mostly, patients begin with their primary care doctor. If you are looking for a bariatric surgeon, always make sure he/she is board certified in ‘surgery’ or ‘surgical critical care’. Make sure to check the surgeon’s qualifications and credentials and always consider having a second opinion.

Choose a surgeon who is communicative and candid about the risks and benefits of surgery and whose programs are based on long-term management and lifelong follow-up. Communication is your first step to check the credentials of your doctor. In case of any complication, you can expect your doctor to inform you first.

Ask your surgeon as many questions as you have in your mind to clarify your doubts. Any legitimate surgeon will not resent open and honest questions before you allow them to perform surgery.

Previous testimonials about your surgeon can also be a valuable asset to assess your doctor. For instance, you may need to know how your surgeon coped with patients of various complications. A chat with other patients can also give you some details about your surgeon.
Checking doctor’s credentials by words of mouth and your own background research will allow you to get the right surgeon. This will save a tremendous amount of time and good amount of money that could have been wasted for nothing.
Using Internet can also be a good way to check your surgeon as most of them have their own websites revealing their credentials and testimonials.

Procedures to check your bariatric surgeon

1. Get information on the present license status of the surgeon
2. Investigate if he/she has any criminal record or other complaints against them
3. Collect information from previous patients
4. Check the surgeon’s qualification and experience
5. Check the number of cases the surgeon has performed and the success rate

After you have chosen your surgeon, it is a good idea to compare him with others. This will definitely give you an idea and a right surgeon to serve you.

If you are seriously considering weight loss surgery, get as much information as you can about the procedure, the complications, the success and failure of the procedure and most importantly, about the credential of your surgeon.