Thyroid Question?

I have a girlfriend who is wanting to also have gastric bypass done but she had been getting different responses from the surgeon vs. her medical doctor. Her thyroid is so bad it basically doesn't even work anymore. She is on medication (for about 8 years now) and it hasn't helped her at all. Her medical doctor wants to keep trying different doses of her medication but told her this surgery will not work for her. But the surgeon says it will work. Do any of you have thyroid problems or know of others that do that have had this surgery? Will the surgery work or not? Any responses would be greatly appreciated! Char

My Opinion........... Docs know alot........... But when it comes to this surgery...........I don't thing they know alot about the surgery itself. I have came across alot of docs that know very little about it............ I think that she should go with the expert!

I'd suggest you post this on the main message board where people who have a thyroid problem might see it and answer from their experience. Thyroid problems are strange. I don't think the surgery will cure the thyroid problem. I do think with the right amount of medication for thyroid and the surgery she can lose weight. I know several people with thyroid problems and it seems the doctors can never get the medicaiton at one level and leave it there. Apparently the body doesn't metabolise it the same way all the time. The symptoms for high and low are the same so the patient never knows what is happening. Usually the doctors will increase the dosage one visit, then lower it the next visit, on occasion it stays the same, etc. It is a lifetime problem even for those that have to have the thyroid gland burned out. The good news is that with constant care the patient stays within a range that makes them feel fine.

My girlfriend who had her thyroid removed and is on meds for the rest of her life - had the lapband. And my mother who had hypothyroid and is on meds - had the RNY July 10th. They just made sure her numbers (blood work) was OK immediately before surgery. Yes I believe the surgery will work and she should consult a surgeon. Also does she have a thyroid specialist.... it sounds like she needs one.

I have had to deal with my thyroid condition for the past 8 years or so also. This surgery will never correct my condition, but the weight is coming off just as normal as anyone else. René

My thyroid went into overdrive about 15 years ago and since they cant slow down your thyroid..they have to KILL it with radiation. They gave me mega doses of radioactive iodine and killed it. SOOO...I have NO thyroid ..and have been on thyroid meds for 15 years. My doc told me early on that I would have to take thyroid meds for the rest of my life...NO MATTER WHAT. I have had to adjust my thyroid dosage a kazillion times in the last 15 years. Since when your weight fluctuates, the amount of thyroid medication needed fluctuates as well. This is doubtless what your friends doc is saying. Surgery will NOT help her thyroid problem. I asked all sorts of questions prior to surgery including some about my thyroid and the doc was quick to assure me that having a thyroid disease was not a reason for or against the surgery. They just arent really related. While this surgery helps many health issues...thyroid is just not one of them. That doesnt mean she should rule out surgery as an option for other reasons. Hope this helps, Harriet 304/202/160