Episode 67: IVF, Bariatric Surgery, and Finding the Strength to Move Forward

Infertility is often described as a journey, but it’s important to note that this is a journey people don’t have to take alone. Those in a relationship can rely on each other throughout the experience, reproductive endocrinologists can leverage transformative medical technology along with their expertise to change the narrative, and friends and family can step in at crucial moments to provide emotional and financial support. But there is another mechanism of support that some are fortunate enough to rely on as they embark on this journey: coverage for fertility treatments.  

In today’s episode, we hear from Hillary Filstrup, who along with her husband Scott is in the midst of an extended journey to parenthood. Hillary’s journey includes bariatric surgery to reduce weight, a lifestyle overhaul to stay healthy, and two IVF cycles. Hillary and Scott have been fortunate to have support through this journey from Scott’s employer, Palo Alto Networks, who has provided the couple with coverage for their fertility treatments through Progyny.  

We also hear from Dr. Laurence Jacobs, a Reproductive Endocrinologist from Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI), who gives us an overview of the connection between obesity and infertility, and the efficacy of bariatric surgery for certain patients. He also discusses the benefits of PGT-A testing for IVF.  

Guest: Hillary Filstrup, Progyny member 

Expert: Dr. Laurence Jacobs, Fertility Centers of Illinois 

Host: Sam Correll, Vice President, Provider Account Management 

For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources on emotional support and awareness.   

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Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.   

Here are some highlights from this episode:   

Bariatric Surgery and Fertility
3:31 – 8:47 

Hillary Filstrup: I found out one of my tubes was completely blocked. I had endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance. At the time I was just over 300 pounds, I’m five two, so a big girl. I decided at that point that I wanted to have very bariatric surgery to give my body the best chance.  

Sam Correll: Bariatric surgery is a procedure on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the internet about weight and infertility.  

Dr. Laurence Jacobs: It’s also really important on my end that I emphasize to the patient before they see a surgeon to obviously understand that this is also going to involve certain lifestyle changes, it’s not a matter of just do the surgery and then the weight just comes off. 

Fertility Coverage
11:05 – 14:10 

Hillary Filstrup: We decided in early November that we wanted to just do IVF and not frankly waste any more money on things that had a very low chance of working.  

Sam Correll: For anyone, even for those with great coverage, the decision to move forward with IVF is never taken lightly. IVF is far from a frivolous treatment. And it’s not something people generally want to experience. But for those without coverage, the decision to do IVF can lead to other difficult decisions. Some refinance their house or others maxed out their credit cards. Regardless, sacrifices are often made. 

Hillary Filstrup: When we found out we had the Progyny coverage, we called the clinic to see if they took it. They said Progyny was fantastic and that we were really lucky to have it. My husband’s employer is an amazing company and invest in their employees.   

The Importance of Support
18:44 – 19:49 

Hillary Filstrup: Sam told us that even though the coverage didn’t start until January, we could already call in and work with an advocate to make sure our account was set up and ready to go when the time came. So, I called in and was paired with Manuela, a Patient Care Advocate at Progyny. From that very first conversation, she and I created a strong bond! She explained everything to me and made sure I had no questions.