Question:
I just talked to my insurance company who said I can't be hypothyroid and get approve

I just had initial lab work done and the test came back borderline hypothyroid. My PCP wants to retest in 4-6 weeks. My insurance company won't cover surgery if I am hypothyroid. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks, Traci    — tulip2 (posted on January 30, 2003)

January 30, 2003
Tracy, I was approved by Anthem BC BS INDIANA and I have Hypothyroid.The only other Co Morbids I had was pain in joints and High cholesterol and tryglycerides. I have had my thyroid problem for years and take medication for it. Nancy
   — NANCY P.

January 30, 2003
Traci, my guess is that what they're REALLY saying is: No weight loss surgery will be approved until we find out IF you are hypothyroid, and if you are, no surgery until it's been treated. There are people around this site who've discovered thyroid problems during pre-op testing, and who then had to be treated and stabilized with thyroid medication until the docs were satisfied the thyroid was working correctly (and the thyroid med dose was right). This can take weeks to determine, and not only for testing -- as a "borderline" case, you may be someone who just got a funky lab result, and your pcp wants to doublecheck your levels in a few weeks to be sure. Also, if it's determined that you really ARE hypothyroid, it takes weeks for the thyroid meds to work to their fullest effectiveness (they build up in your system over time, like antidepressants -- they're not fast-acting, like aspirin), and for testing to confirm that you're doing well with the meds. I've known people who went through that process, got stabilized, and have had WLS after all. :) So be patient and hang in there -- you want to be in the best shape possible for surgery and get that thyroid problem (IF you have one) under control first. :)
   — Suzy C.

February 1, 2003
I also am hypothyroid and have been for over 7 years. I take synthroid and everytime I get my blood checked they have to adjust my meds. All I was told is that my TSH levels have to be in a certain range prior to sugery. Ask your doctor if the same applies to you and see what that range is for you. Good luck and remember were all here to help eachother.
   — Christine H.

February 3, 2003
Tracy - I. too, am Hypothyroid. I am having surgery on 3/3/03. You have to prove to your insurance that your hypothyroidism is completely under control or surgery truly will be useless because your Thyroid gland is what controls your metabolism. Get it under control and SURGE ahead on your surgery plans !!!! Good Luck ---Kera
   — Kewpidoll