Hypothyroidism sabotaged my success

After my lap-band was placed I lived happily between 160-170 for 7 years.  Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with Graves disease (hyperthyroidism), and no it did not make me lose weight (of course I wouldn't be that lucky).  To treat this, I had the radiation ablation treatment to kill my thyroid gland, effectively making me hypothyroid.  Now 19 months later I've gained nearly 40lbs!!  And I have yet to have a normal thyroid function level, so I'm still hypothyroid...grrrrr. 

With the weight gain, I started having severe heartburn. So I had an upper GI and found a new gastric surgeon (Sayeed Ikramudin, MD) to find out what I needed to do.  He removed the 1.5cc of fluid in my band, which cured the heartburn.  However, I'm still gaining weight and freaking out!!

My gastric surgeon is referring me to a weight loss specialist who is also an Endocrinologist to find out the best way to treat my situation.  This Endocrinologist (Charles Billington, MD) also treats patients who have weight gain after a weight loss surgery.  Still freaking out.............

Once my thyroid is functioning normally, it will not make me lose the weight I've gained.  Now I'm contemplating a different weight loss surgery, but my darn BMI is only 33..............

What to do, what to do, what to do?  Still freaking out...................and I'm already taking antidepressants since depression is a major side effect from hypothyroidism.

Does anyone think the VSG would be a good solution?

I am sorry you are having these problems and I can understand your freak out. Just don't give up on right eating because of the problems, I have done that at times and it doesn't help.

When I had my revision my BMI was around 30 and I still qualified. Don't fret about that part. Just take care of yourself.

Sue

The heartburn may be much worse with vsg. You have overcome a lot!!! You can do this. One step at a time. It will work out. Hope that doc can help

Do a little research on Dessicated Thyroid products vs. chemical  thyroid treatments (Synthroid, etc).  A GREAT many people find success using those vs. the pharmacutical stuff.

And good luck, I know that's frustrating!!

Hi Stacy!

Dessicated Thyroid products??? Never heard of them, but I'm all about going natural vs phamacutical.  I'll do some research!! Thanks for the advice, I truly appreciate it!

Your heartburn issues will likely increase with VSG.  I have heard there are some insurance companies that won't approve you for VSG if you have been diagnosed with GERD, because VSG makes it worse.  And some surgeons will rule you out for VSG due to the heartburn issue too. 

I would check with your insurance company to see what their requirements are for VSG and then double-check with your WL surgeon about the heartburn issue.  

So sorry you are dealing with all this - hope it gets better real soon! 

Thanks for the words of wisdom! I'll definitely do some more research on the VSG, it sounds like this may not be the right procedure for me.