TSH high on pre opt tests

[Suddenly Siri 16]

HI All,

So I have been down the WLS road 3 times since I was 21. The first time I chickened out because I was too scared of surgery ( I've never had a broken bone or needed stitches, even to this day) Then around 26 I decided to try again. Only to be denied by my insurance because my policy had a rider that excluded WLS. needless to say I was devastated especially since my father had passed away two weeks prior)

Four years and 60 more pounds later I'm about to head to this again ( my surgery is Sept 16th). My pre op tests came back with elevated TSH 5.3 I believe it was. My surgeon is sending me to an endocrinologist. I'm just worried this will effect my insurance approval this time. I've had my thyroid tested at least 2 times before and it was always within normal range. Has anyone run into this problem Or have any advice?

Sincerely,

Thyroffied Siri

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

@@Suddenly Siri I don't think it will cause any problems at all. It just means your thyroid is underactive -- your brain is pumping out thyroid stimulating hormones like crazy trying to get your thyroid to do it's job and the thyroid isn't cooperating. Hypothyroidism is very common -- like 1 in 8 people have it many without being diagnosed.

They'll probably just do blood tests, maybe a sonogram of your thyroid to see if you have any lumps or anything (mine was just tiny and pathetic because it had been laying around doing nothing so long) and put you on thyroid meds. Unless they find something really concerning (like lumps or something) I don't think it will affect you being able to have surgery at all.

Best wishes!