Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

New Pcp Wants Me To Check Thyroid Before Approving Lapband



Recommended Posts

I am enraged!!! I have been so worried about seeing a new PCP and having to get his approval for lapband. I had my appt today and he said he wants to check my thyroid before approving me. He said IF I have a hypoactive thyroid he wants to try my on a pill first which throws a wrench in my whole process! Plus I don't want to be on medication!!!! That's the point of the surgery... So I don't get to the point where I ever need medication for weight related health conditions

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know you're frustrated, but this is a good thing. If your thyroid is out of whack then you will need to be on medications to correct it. Otherwise, you won't lose weight even with the Lap Band. Unfortunately, just because you lose weight doesn't necessarily mean you'll be off all meds anyway. That's especially true when the damage to the body is already done or can't be fixed by weight loss. Thyroid issues are often not fixed by weight loss, in fact they are what causes the weight gain to begin with.

Your doctor is doing the right thing. Be patient, it's all in your best interest.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mis is right. I have hypothyroid and take a daily dose of Levothyroxine and will, for the rest of my life. Once your thyroid is shot, that's it... meds are your future and they are crucial to your health and your life. Work with your doc to get your med balanced and take it faithfully. Your future self will thank your now self.

That said, thyroid med is not a magic weight loss bullet. I gained... almost 100 pounds while taking it. LOL So, get your balance and in the mean time keep howling about your band. And howling loud. I think that your doc thinks that you are going to start taking thyroid med, thinking that it will help you lose (sure didn't help me!) and you will shut up about the WLS.

If your doc can't support you maybe it is time for a new doc. If you insurance allows it, do what I did... Find your band surgery practice of choice (I went through True Results, they have been great) and do your thing independent of your PCP.

If this is something you have determined is the right thing for you, don't let anyone or their opinions stand in your way! Be a tank! Roll over them! Plow through them. This is your life, your health, your future. It is your opportunity to take. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only issue is that this IS a new doc and I don't really have the time to bounce from Dr to Dr but I suppose if he'd rather me be on meds than have the surgery, I will have to postpone it and find another new Dr. I wish I could go independant of my PCP but I need a letter of medical necessity from him for my insurance co.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only issue is that this IS a new doc and I don't really have the time to bounce from Dr to Dr but I suppose if he'd rather me be on meds than have the surgery, I will have to postpone it and find another new Dr. I wish I could go independant of my PCP but I need a letter of medical necessity from him for my insurance co.

That is a bummer. :( I don't know how long it would have taken me to get a letter out of my PCP.. She is pretty open to to what I need, overall but was a bit gun shy when I mentioned the band, at an appointment, earlier this year. :P She did hint, when she put me on thyroid med over a year ago that it might help me with my weight... Uh... No. So, don't let amyone pull you into that trap. You need the thyroid med but you also need your band. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×