Question:
I have hypothyroidism and have had it since 1995. I have been on synthroid since then

I am now scheduled for WLs on March 18. I would like to know, is me having this thyroid disease going to limit or keep me from losing weight even after the surgery. I have never been able to lose any weight even after being put on synthroid for the past 9 years. IF you have an answer please email me directly at [email protected]    — Bobbie E. (posted on February 18, 2004)

February 17, 2004
I had half my thyroid removed in August 2000. I began exhibiting symptoms of hypothyoidism and was started on Synthroid .150. I didn't lose any weight after starting on the Synthroid. After about 6 months, my symptoms began to return. I was switched to Levoxyl, later had my dose increased, and felt great. I had WLS in October 2002. My Levoxyl has had to be adjusted a couple of times - down, then back up again. The bottom line is that if your thyroid disease is adequately controlled, you will have no problem losing weight, but increasing the dosage won't make you lose any faster.
   — koogy

February 18, 2004
Well, for me, I was put on synthroid in May of last year...about the same time that I began my "last attempt" diet. I did do well losing weight and I can't say whether the synthroid helped or whether it was my determination. However, I had the surgery on December 9 and I have lost 53 pounds since, so I don't think that synthroid inhibits weight loss. I did have to have my dose increased when I had blood work done a few days ago, and I will have it re-checked in March to see if this dose is correct or whether it needs to be increased more.
   — Christy L.

February 18, 2004
I've been on synthroid since 1995 also. I weighed in at around 225 then. When I had my WLS on 11/5/01, I weighed in at 248. So you can see that the synthroid never helped me lose any weight either. After having WLS, in 10 months I was at my goal of 125. I'm still there over a year and a half later. I also still take my synthroid daily. It hasn't helped or hurt my weight loss.
   — Patty H.

February 18, 2004
I have been on synthorid since 1997. I had surgery in Dec 2001 and have lost 230 pounds, it did not interfer with my wieght loss. In fact, since surgery, my dosage has been lowered 3 times.
   — bbjnay

February 19, 2004
I also take synthroid and have for almost 2 years. I had open RNY in July of 03 and I started out at 256 and now 7 months later I am at 160. I have not had any problems losing weight and really haven't had to work very hard to get here. I have noticed my weight loss has slowed down dramatically, but that is to be expected. Good luck with your journey...Denise Davis 256/160/140
   — Denise D.

February 19, 2004
I have been on Levoxyl for years. I had VBG on 6/11/03 and was at 215. Now I weigh 128. I do not think that it will inhibit your weight loss after surgery, but everyone is different. Wish you luck. Janice
   — betterfitness

February 19, 2004
I have been on Synthroid for 3 years. I had open RNY on 10/21/03 and am down 83 lbs today, with 62 more to go. They go by what your TSH level is. If Synthroid has that level where it should be, then hypothyroidism is not the cause of your weight problem, so surgery should be approved. As far as weight loss after surgery, I think I have done quite well, so apparently it is not a hindering factor. 295/212/150
   — Karen K.

April 18, 2005
SYNTHROID IS NOT THE ONLY ANSWER! Please beware that family practitioners are NOT trained about the thyroid in medical school. Endocrinologists should always be approached when you are hypothyroid. There is another factor that many women are affected by and that is a lack of the thyroid hormone T3. If you have a T3 problem, no amount of Synthroid will help you because it only provides the hormone T4. I nearly died from this oversight and not knowing better... You know yourself. Don't be shy to demand to feel ok. Good Luck! -160 lbs and counting so far!!! http://www.geocities.com/propesrl/surgery.html
   — Rachel Propes