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

Why is my TSH elevated after VSG



Recommended Posts

I am 4 months post VSG tomorrow. I have been treated for hypothyroidism for nearly 15 years, under control with meds, most recently synthroid for past 18 months. I also have moderate sleep apnea and use a CPAP mask regularly.

Pre surgery my TSH was 0.5 (normal range is 0.4 - 4.8).

First post surgery blood test showed my TSH has skyrocketed to 25.5! As my doctor says - it's as if I stopped taking the meds, which I definitely have not!

The rest of the tests were great - HBA1c 5.6, cholesterol and triglycerides all in normal range.

My weight loss has slowed down to almost nothing, first two months 20 lb, since then only 6 lb, and after I received the test results, I realized that the symptoms I developed in the past few weeks, leg cramps, icy cold feet and hands, Hair loss (which I attributed just to the surgery) are connected to the high TSH.

I have seen some articles that VSG affects the absorption of synthroid because of the decreased stomach size and changes in PH, which is made worse by the PPI I was taking at the same time as the synthroid. I now separate them.

Has this happened to anybody else, or have you heard about it? Besides being very tired and hard to focus and concentrate at work, I am really discouraged that it is basically stopping my weight loss. I know that I am in the time frame when it is easiest to lose, and am so worried about my lack of success.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I should know more about TSH numbers since I've had hypothyroidism for the past six years, but I don't. Usually, I just pay attention to the words "low, normal, high" on my thyroid blood test. Have you thought about switching to a different thyroid med? Some people find that Armour thyroid works wonders.

My last test at 5 months post op showed my TSH in a normal range. Which means that I have to stay on my medicine. I was actually hyperthyroid for three years before I became hypothyroid. It's crazy to go from weighing 110 pounds to 240 in a three year time frame.

Do you have some of the more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my thyroid removed several years ago. Since my surgery in June....mine has been like a rollercoaster. I have been on three different kinds of thyroid medicine to try to find the one that works for me. One thing I was told (and it seems to work better).....take your thyroid medication the first thing in the morning on a empty stomach. Wait at least thirty minutes before you eat or take anyother medication. Hope this helps you. I go back to the doctor tomorrow to see if mine has leveled out.

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

    • 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.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

  • 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

    ×