Sleeve and thyroid (hypothyroid)

[Skywalker 170]

Does anyone have any information about thyroid and WLS? I ran across a rather concerning link that mentioned hypothyroid (improper monitoring) being a risk for sudden death after the surgery. Obviously there are hypothyroid patients that get the surgery, but does it put them at a greater risk for death or unsafe surgery?

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

i continued to take my medicine before and after the surgery. so far my levels have been fine.

[lsuchick4 54]

My levels are perfect. I have them checked every 3 months by my surgeon and every 6 months by my primary care doctor (who prescribes the meds).

[Carol1560 45]

I have had total removal of thyroid. I had sleeve surgery and my synthroid dosage dropped to 112 which thrilled my doctors

[Skywalker 170]

Sorry to drop back in after several days......so having hypothyroidism (controlled by medication) is not a contraindication for surgery?

[blondebomb 580]

Sorry to drop back in after several days......so having hypothyroidism (controlled by medication) is not a contraindication for surgery?

I don't think there's a 100% right or wrong answer to that bc everyone is different. But if it helps at all my endocrinologist. Bc of my hashis is the one that sent me for WLS. ..she said I met criteria an so I went. I also am insulin resistance an the benefits outweighs the risk. I was err either going to be 500 plus pds stuck in bed with no life an die or diabetes with countless other health issues or do this now w it h better chance of correcting my issues but be also committed to follow program an get as educated as I can possibly be an be mentally prepared for a complete lifestyle change and when I hit a road bump get in to talk about it after surgery to my therapist to get thru the bump. So for me it is a no brainer. My highest weight was 259...I'm 8 days out I'm a lupus,polymyalgia, fibromyalgia, type 2,hashis an list goes on...now..my type 2 is gone my insulin numbers are below 90s I'm thrilled. There's goin to be articles for it and against bariatric surgery. I didn't tell my family I was having" WLS" I said he was goin in there to fix my tummy.it's h aww d enuff for personally to b prepared let alone put up with everyone opinions. Its not the I do decision an life its mine. I hope this helps a lil. This surgery for me did not come suddenly I have wanted it for many yrs an with several of my specialist directing me this way told me this was the tool I needed an when insurance approval within 48 hrs I new it was definitely the way to go. Sorry so long but that's my input but t. Each. Their own...best wishes.

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[McButterpants 2,846]

No worries from my primary care doc or surgeon. My levels are good and I haven't had to change my dosage. I'm 8 months out.

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

Almost 9 months out and when I was tested about 3 months ago, my levels were perfect. Haven't had to change my dosage at all, yet.

I think it's like anything else; you just have to stay on top of it. Strangely, having the surgery and needing to supplement has forced me to be diligent about how I take meds, which I think has helped all of my numbers overall. Consistency is finally mine (I used to forget to take my meds about 2-3 times a week.) I wish the surgery had solved the thyroid problem, but stable is good too.

[Dondie Olivia 56]

I've read reports that people with thyroid problems do better after the surgery. Also, taking synthroid, you are more likely to develop diabetes and heart problems. That is why I take armour.

I've been tested after surgery and I'm on the same dosage. If it changes, so be it.

For me, the benefits out weighed the disadvantages.

Remember, problems from surgery can arise for anybody and from any time of surgery. Not just for people with thyroid problems. Albeit, the chances are small. And please remember, there are many in this world who have no scruples about using scare tactics. Take reports and anything you find online with a big dose of salt.

For me, within the first week after surgery, my BP dropped to normal levels. I consider that a biggie. I was taking a BP drug and something to control the symptoms from the drug. Now I only take armour. I feel better, have more energy and see that I will not be a fat, old lady. Which was my goal. To get healthy and avoid problems while getting older.

It was Einstein who stated" Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over and expecting different results." I am paraphrasing.

May I suggest that you consider what you truly want? What are you willing to give to get what you truly want? What are your goals? Which ever path you choose, it is a commitment and we are behind you 100%.

[Avryv 26]

This floored me but I have taken medication for Hypothyroid for the past 10+ years. I ran out of pills and wasn't able to get into my Dr for a few weeks due to vacation etc. My Endocrinologist didn't want me on the same dose as I had lost so much weight etc. etc. and he wanted blood work. Once I got back from vacation I had my blood work done and the Dr. called me and told me my levels were 100% NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!!! with NO medication. She is now testing me once a month for the next few months to see if it is just a fluke or what is going on? All I have to say is I am in shock and the only reasoning behind it is perhaps my gastric sleeve / weightloss. I've tried researching to see if the surgery can help Thyroid issues and in a lot of cases I have read that yes it does.

[Heather Morales 0]

I need advise! I had the gastric sleeve surgery done 6 months ago and haven't lost a single pound in 3 months. I'm wondering if it may have to do with my hypothyroid? The problem is my husband got laid off from his job so we no longer have insurance. So I can't contact my doctor to ask, or get blood work done. At least until we get insurance again. Does anyone on here know if my thyroid could be the reason I am not losing any weight? I barely eat anything! I can't understand it. I'm wondering if I should stop taking the medication, or just take it every other day? Help!

[lovingdavid 119]

Well I have thyroid and pounds are coming off slowly now so don't worry I am almost seven months that I had my surgery but no you shouldn't stop taking your meds.. You will continue to lose are you working out?

[Carol1560 45]

Oh no!! Take your thyroid jmeds EVERYDAY!!! I wouldnt chance the side affects of not having my meds. The pounds will come off slowly, be paitient. And remember not everybody on here tells the truth

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I have hypothyroidism and have not had any problems due to surgery and I am seven months post op. my endocrinologist was a big supporter of my weight loss surgery. Pre op I took 250 mcg of Synthroid a day and 5 mg of cytomel. Now I am down to 137 mcg per day. I feel great.

[lexiemustang 268]

This floored me but I have taken medication for Hypothyroid for the past 10+ years. I ran out of pills and wasn't able to get into my Dr for a few weeks due to vacation etc. My Endocrinologist didn't want me on the same dose as I had lost so much weight etc. etc. and he wanted blood work. Once I got back from vacation I had my blood work done and the Dr. called me and told me my levels were 100% NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!!! with NO medication. She is now testing me once a month for the next few months to see if it is just a fluke or what is going on? All I have to say is I am in shock and the only reasoning behind it is perhaps my gastric sleeve / weightloss. I've tried researching to see if the surgery can help Thyroid issues and in a lot of cases I have read that yes it does.

This is AWESOME - Congrats! I'd love to be in the same boat post surgery and not have to take thyroid meds anymore.