Episode six closes the chapter on two luminal problems governed by anatomy and timing. Post-bariatric pregnancy reads every rule off what the surgery changed: bypassed duodenum drops iron and calcium, reduced parietal cell exposure drops B12, the bypassed pylorus invalidates the OGTT, and mesenteric defects plus a gravid uterus produce internal hernia, so right upper quadrant pain after gastric bypass is internal hernia until proven otherwise. Cholelithiasis is governed by the trimester window: conservative when mild, second-trimester laparoscopic cholecystectomy when complicated, and ERCP built around keeping fetal dose under one milligray.

Topics covered

Anatomy and timing as the organizing logic
Post-bypass malabsorption pattern
Gestational diabetes screening after bypass
Internal hernia emergency
Marginal ulcers after RYGB
Cholelithiasis and the trimester window
ERCP and radiation minimization
Antibiotic selection

Key decisions

Conception is delayed twelve to twenty-four months after bariatric surgery because the rapid weight-loss phase and unrepleted micronutrient stores create a compromised environment for fetal growth.
Micronutrient supplementation is mandatory through pregnancy after bypass and sleeve, with B12, iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, and thiamine all followed and adjusted.
The oral glucose tolerance test is avoided after Roux-en-Y because the bypassed pylorus produces dumping that makes the curve uninterpretable, and fasting glucose with home monitoring replaces it.
Severe right upper quadrant pain in a post-Roux-en-Y patient in late pregnancy is internal hernia until ruled out, and CT with abdominal shielding is appropriate because missing it allows incarcerated bowel necrosis within hours.
Mild biliary colic is managed conservatively, while recurrent colic, complicated cholelithiasis, or gallstone pancreatitis goes to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the second trimester where all three windows align.
ERCP is reserved for cholangitis, persistent obstruction, or a large stone with refractory symptoms, and keeps fetal dose under one milligray using limited pulsed fluoroscopy, lead shielding, and non-fluoroscopic cannulation when feasible.
Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines are avoided for their fetal tissue targets, and beta-lactam plus beta-lactamase inhibitor or cephalosporin plus metronidazole are the appropriate antibiotic choices.

For the full chapter with MCQs, tables, and primary-guideline references, visit www.boardpearls.com.

Questions or feedback: hello@boardpearls.com.

(00:00) - Anatomy and timing as the logic
(01:11) - Post-bypass malabsorption pattern
(02:15) - Gestational diabetes screening after bypass
(03:06) - Internal hernia emergency
(04:41) - Marginal ulcers after RYGB
(05:50) - Cholelithiasis and the trimester window
(07:14) - ERCP and radiation minimization
(08:56) - Antibiotic selection