Congratulations to Carnie Wilson! Last month she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Luciana Bella, her second child with husband Rob Bonfiglio. Her first child, daughter Lola Sofia, is now 4 years old.

What impresses me about Carnie Wilson, and the reason I mention her here, is her apparent willingness to share her weight loss story. She has talked publicly about her struggle with obesity, her decision to have gastric bypass surgery, and her concerns about weight loss and pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery.

While it is usually not easy for anyone to talk about their weight loss struggles, I would think it is even more difficult for a celebrity. I find her story inspiring and hopeful, and believe it serves as a positive reminder to the many women who are considering both gastric bypass surgery and motherhood, that a healthy pregnancy is not only possible but a realistic expectation as well.

That is not to say that becoming pregnant after gastric bypass surgery doesn’t present certain nutritional concerns, because it does, but there are also risks of not having the procedure.

Pregnancy at any weight places increased demands on a woman’s body, however, the risks to mother and child are even greater in morbidly obese women.

If you are contemplating both gastric bypass surgery and having children, make sure you discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor. In most cases, the recommendation is to have the surgery first so that you can reach a healthier weight before becoming pregnant.

Bariatric surgeons usually advise waiting at least 18 months following surgery before getting pregnant. This is the time period when most weight loss occurs. To get pregnant during this time could jeopardize the health of the mother and baby as well as reduce the weight loss benefits of the procedure. Make sure you follow your doctor’s

To plan for a healthy pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery, make sure you talk to your doctor about how long you should wait to get pregnant, birth control options during the weight loss period, and nutritional needs of pregnancy.