Jejuno-ileal bypass surgery in obesity. Gynecological and obstetrical aspects

Changes in the quality of life were demonstrated in 38 young women who had undergone intestinal bypass surgery for obesity. After the operation about half the women complained of decreased libido or sexual activity, apparently due to psychological problems related to the development of asthenia secondary to metabolic disturbances. Bypass surgery resulted in a more regular pattern of menstruation but oral contraception was ineffective because of impaired intestinal absorption, perhaps due to a rapid transit time. No absolute contraindication to pregnancy was found but there are many risk-factors for both mother and fetus because of electrolyte disturbances, malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. Infants born to women after bypass surgery were found to have lower birth weights, were shorter, and the placental weight was low. It is necessary for these patients to have close medical supervision. The results of our study show that intestinal bypass surgery in young women has side effects which should not be ignored.