I have just started going through the process of WLS.  
I have met with Dr. Steven Schneider at the Surgery Group in Grand Island.
They have started the procedure to obtain the approval from my insurance provider.

I am wondering if there is a WLS group that meets in Kearney.
If so..where and when?

Thanks,
JAN

First, I have to give you props for seeing Dr. Anthone. I had my band done by Dr. Winterstein (they work together) and they're both really talented surgeons. :)

Now...don't panic.

Hypothyroidism is pretty common, especially in women and it can pop up without a lot of warning. With hypothyroidism, you'll need to take medications for the rest of your life, usually one pill a day. It's not a condition you can really prevent, so don't beat yourself up about it. The good news is that most pharmacies have thyroid medication on their $4 a month list and I haven't heard of an insurance company that won't cover it.

An anesthesiologist may not want to do surgery if you're hypothyroidism isn't controlled...but once you get your hypothyroidism under control, it may be a totally different story.

I had subclinical hypothyroidism when I had my surgery in November. An endocrinologist put me on levothyroxin based on a thyroid test result of 3.5. After a few months, the results went down to less than 1. About 3 months after surgery, they took me off the medication and my results are hovering around 2.0 right now.

The anesthesiologist didn't blink an eye when I told them I was taking meds for hypothyroidism.

So don't panic. Write down a list of questions for both Dr. Anthone and your endocrinologist. I'd want to know what the relationship is between surgery and hypothyroidism...what are the risks? Just understanding the issues seems to help me deal with the potential let downs.

Good luck with the whole process!

Also, my thyroid went from 3.16 to 10.5 (tested March then July).  I am now on medication I am being told I have to take for the rest of my life. Hypothyroid Where did that come from!?!?? Ahh!


Are you bipolar by chance?  If so, that will cause your numbers to jump around like that.  Good luck!!

Hi Barb, Also ask them if they will do fills for bands that are placed elsewhere. I know of a lot of surgeons who won't fill bands placed by other surgeons. Mona

Barb, let me know what you find out....that hour trip would be so much better than the 2 1/2 hours I do now.  I am about ready for a fill too.  Just haven't wanted to take the time off from work to do it...rather take off to go see granddaughters or camp!  Imagine That!! Better prioritize, huh?  HA..