Your body’s metabolism is dependent upon proper thyroid functioning. Your thyroid places a crucial role in your body’s overall function. It secretes hormones that help regulate your heart rate, keep your skin healthy, and they help with your body’s metabolism.

That’s why individuals with thyroid malfunction, particularly underactive thyroids, may have problems losing weight. Sometimes those with thyroid problems may not be able to lose weight through just diet and exercise, though.

As such, people with underactive thyroids are able to undergo procedures like bariatric surgery; however, they’ll need to stay in close touch with their primary care physician to monitor their condition afterward.

In fact, a 2017 study found that bariatric surgery can be effective in treating obesity and it can also help with the overall improvement of the thyroid function for people living with an underactive thyroid. The study included 93 hypothyroid patients and 83 were treated with replacement thyroid hormone in addition to undergoing bariatric surgery. Results showed that overall body mass index was reduced, while 13.2% of patients did not need to take the thyroid replacement hormone one year after surgery, and the others required less dosage. (1)

Will bariatric surgery affect thyroid problems?

Bariatric surgery will not affect your thyroid. As you know, though, thyroid problems will often cause mood and energy imbalances. This is important to consider while undergoing a procedure like bariatric surgery, which generally brings major lifestyle changes.

Many bariatric surgery centers, ours included, will perform tests to ensure you have the proper health to undergo this procedure. It’s important to know how your thyroid stands. More serious conditions, like hypothyroidism, could affect you dramatically post-operation. That’s why these issues are tested for thoroughly beforehand.

What happens to thyroid patients after bariatric surgery?

In a recent endocrinology study, researchers found that patients with high levels of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) will lose more weight after bariatric surgery than others. Results are still being sorted, but this discovery will lead to how surgeons and physicians approach thyroid patients’ recovery after surgery.

If you suffer from a thyroid condition, it’s important to check with your physician whether this is the root cause of your weight gain. If it is, we recommend you receive proper treatment for the thyroid issues before undergoing a weight loss program.

How our team can help

Our surgeons and support staff at WeightWise are 150% (yes, that much!) committed to your health and your losing weight successfully. To get started in the process and to get to know our experienced surgeons, you can view a free, no-obligation seminar, then we will call you to schedule your consultation appointment?

What will your first appointment look like?

During your initial consultation appointment, we will talk to you in depth about your medical history and determine if bariatric surgery could be a good option for you. We can advise you on how to work through any health-related issues that may be contributing to excess weight, which could help get you on the path toward health and potential bariatric surgery later down the road.

Once these issues have been examined, bariatric surgery may be an excellent option for you.

Once you have decided to move forward with the surgery, we will do all precautionary tests to make sure you are completely suited for the procedure. We will postpone performing the procedure until we are certain post-op complications are highly unlikely.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery but know or believe that there is an existing issue with your thyroid, don’t panic. Contact WeightWise today to help you examine all of your options.

1. 
   Zendel A., Abu-Ghanem Y. , Dux J., Mor E., Zippel D., Goiten D. “The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Thyroid Function and Medication Use in Patients with Hypothyroidism.” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. PubMed.gov. August 27, 2017. Accessed online June 21, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28255851