Question:
Have had an erratic underactive thyroid most of the time.Can I still have surgery?

My PCP said "no" to WLS because my thyroid was the problem for having a hard time losing weight.Have been on Levothroid since 1997,and has been regulated once for a short time.I was tested again yesterday(02/06/01).My pcp said that if it was still erratic,she would recommend a specialist.What should I do? By the way,I made another appt. for a consult with my husbands PCP ON 03/06/01.Also,I had gone to PCP because of muscle spasms in my lower back and upper left arm.The spasms were due to my weight.Thats when I mentioned the WLS to PCP. Sorry this is long,its my first time asking here on this site and dont really know how to come about with my question.    — christina B. (posted on February 7, 2001)

February 7, 2001
Hi Christina- I also have underactive thyroid and have been on Synthroid for several years now to regulate. I had open RNY on Dec 13th, 2000 and am doing great. Have lost about 35-40 lbs. I still take my synthroid every day. My surgeon did want my thyroid regulated before he would operate, but it was already in check so we proceeded successfully. There is no reason why they can't help you. Good luck to you!
   — laceybaby

February 7, 2001
I am also underactive, I am on Levoxyl...I have been having problems regulating my thyroid too....actully I was scheduled to have surgery on July 14th and 2 days before surgery my blood test came back and my surgery was cancelled because of my thyroid levels. The doctors increased my thyroid medication and on sept 22 I was able to have WLS...with absolutley no complications at all...I have since lost 90 lbs and I am doing great. Hope this helps
   — Michelle S.

February 10, 2001
Christina, I've been on .3 of Synthroid, since I was 9 years old. (Am 42 now, with surgery on Mar 8). I had the worst level of tsh that my pcp had ever seen (60).... He joked that he sees higher levels in cadavers!)LOL Normal is 6. It took me two months to get to 30 and now I hover at 10. I get my surgery! It took some work, but part of the problem was my not taking my pills every single day... It makes a huge difference in you tsh levels. Good luck to you!
   — Dhelynn