Question:
I was told by my endocroligist that i need to have my thyroid removed

I read on a thyroid site that its possible the surgeon may accidentally damage my parathyroids and if that happens i would have to take large amounts of calcium forever and would not be a candidate for wls. Has anyone else had their thyroid removed?? without damaging their parathyroids    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 17, 1999)

October 17, 1999
I had my thyroid removed two years ago. I had surgery twice infact.. The first surgery was to remove the left side and it was cancer so a week later I had to have surgery to remove the right side. I came through the surgery just fine. No damage done to the parathyroid at all. if you have any questions about not having a thyroid you can contact me at [email protected]
   — imafreezin

June 30, 2000
I had my thyroid removed in 1998 and during surgery one of my parathyroids was damaged and removed at the time of surgery...even though I immediately after surgery had problems with calcium levels for a couple of weeks...I have no problem now. Other than being unable to keep my TSH levels regulated....you can do just find with ONE parathyroid..and I am living proof. I would think (and I'm not a doctor) that if you had surgery that did not use the malabsorption part...like bypassing part of the intestines.. I wouldn't thinkt it would be a problem...I think a VBG would be fine because it doesn't bypass your normal digestive process...something to think about anyway. Good Luck.
   — Terry M.