Question:
I am 5'6

you say? I have a thyroid problem and am a diabetic. Will that make my loss slower? Anyone that has similar qualities please let me know of your experience. Thank you.    — Jan H. (posted on December 5, 2001)

December 5, 2001
I am diabetic and the weight has peeled off down 96 pounds since July 23 01. OFF all prescription drugs including amaryl and glucophage. I dont have a thyroid problem though.
   — bob-haller

December 5, 2001
I have suffered with an underactive thyroid for the past 8 years. Even though I was taking synthroid on a daily basis, I could not lose weight. The medicine helped me from gaining massive additional weight but that is all. Since my surgery in August 2001 I have lost 50 pounds and feel great. I still take my medicaiton daily and as I lose weight, I'm sure it will have to get adjusted. Bottom line is (in my case anyhow) that even with a thyroid problem weight lose with this surgery is possible. :)
   — Betty M.

December 5, 2001
I am 5'6" and had although not having thyroid problems, I have had my share of problems with diabetes and weight gain from the medications. I'm a little over 3 months post-op from a VBG and lost 47 pounds! My surgeon said that this was too slow and not enough. My PCP reminded me that with comming off of my meds, dealing with diabetes, dealing with the insulin resistance and just healing from the surgery---this is a GREAT LOSS! With my PCP's blessing, I have refused any other follow-up care from my surgeon, and am dealing with my PCP to continue to lose weight. Remember that WLS is one tool to help us to control diabetes and other problems that are caused by excess weight----it might take us longer to lose the weight, but any weight lost helps our overall health!
   — [Anonymous]

December 5, 2001
I had an underactive thyroid for years. I took and still take synthroid. I had no problem losing weight with WLS went from 278 to 139 . My thyroid got a little wackey at times going from under to overactive. I think it was because my synthroid dosage wasn't chanced as fast as my weightloss demanded. I heard it has to be adjusted with weightloss. I'm fine now, couldn't be happier!
   — Rose A.

December 5, 2001
My PCP said I will always be on Synthroid, even after surgery because it has to do with glands not weight.
   — Cindee A.