Question:
Has anyone had Lap Band done with thryoid problem?

I am considering having the lap band done instead of roux-eny and found at one website they wont do it on a person suffering from hyporthryoidism which I have??? Has anyone had the band or rouxeny done with hypothryoidism and been successful???    — Michele M. (posted on September 10, 2003)

September 10, 2003
Hi, Yes I had RNY done on 1-22-03 and have lost 75 pounds. I started out as a light weight so I don't loose really fast. I also hit alot of periods when I will go a month without losing, sometimes two but I always catch up when I do loose. You will do fine.I have had a thyroid problem since I was 12.I hope this helps.
   — myra J.

September 10, 2003
Hi, the reason they are reluctant to do lap band on a thyroid patient is because it is not changing the way your body absorbs calories, it is just limiting your food intake. when you have hypothyroidism this is a metabolic disorder(endocrine) so in all actuality some people with thryoid problems can't loose weight on their own with just plain food restriction. I think that the rny is the better way to go when you have problems such as these. I am also a person who has hypothyroidism and this is the way it was explained to me. i am going to have the open rny in october. i hope this helps, but you should really make sure this is discussed with a physician that is familiar wtih the endocrine system. Lyn Chavis
   — Lynita C.

September 11, 2003
Ridiculous. My surgeon is one of the top bariatric surgeons in the country and she will not do either surgery on someone who has *uncontrolled* hypothyroidism. It has nothing to do with the weight loss factor. Uncontrolled hypothyroidism causes all sorts of other problems, some of which can cause problems during surgery and interfere with healing. You have to be on thyroid meds and get your thyroid levels into the normal range in order for her to do surgery. I asked her specifically if any form of surgery was better for me due to my hypothyroidism and PCOS and she said, and I quote, "that's silly".
   — Maria N.

September 11, 2003
I have hypothyroidism(sp?) and did just fine with open RNY. My PCP and my surgeon watched my levels close to make sure they were stable but other than that it wasnt an issue. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 115+ and counting
   — Siddy I.

September 11, 2003
If you're interested in the lap band, I'd encourage you to schedule a consult with a band doctor. You can find a surgeon locator at www.lap-band.com.
   — TMF

September 11, 2003
Hi, I have hypothyroidism and I had surgery (open rny) on 04/07/03. I've lost 92lbs and have lowered my dosage and hopefully lower it again this month. I know nothing about the band but I feel I've been successful. Good luck
   — saltyswife

September 11, 2003
There is at least one person at http://lapbandtalk.com who has been banded despite a thyroid problem. You may want to try asking over there about the specifics. Personally, I don't have a thyroid problem, but I do have PCOS (a hormonal condition which also impedes weight loss), and so far everything is going fine with my band.
   — K M.

September 12, 2003
I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule last yr at my first endocrinologist appt. I have been put on synthroid 25mcg and I find it has greatly reduced my appetite. I am pre-op for the AGB. I am going to wait a few months before surgery now and see if this increase in my metabolism and lack of appetite remains before having surgery. My first surgeon is refusing to operate due to my chronic pain problem, so I am seeing another surgeon at the end of the month. I am going to Puerto Rico for 2 weeks in Oct., so now I am just putting everything on hold and waiting to see. I had all my pre op testing done so I think the results are good for 6 months. Check back with me to see how I do on the medication next month if you like. Karel Miller
   — Karel