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.
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
hypothyroid all my life current weight 289.8. Seriously considering bariatric surgery.
Same here Latoya, even our weight. I’m looking into hopefully having it covered by my insurance and what parameters I need to follow.
My name is Felicity and I am struggling with thyroid problems I started having complications after I had my third child I am 36 years old and I have a 2-year-old a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old I have gained all kinds of weight because of my thyroid and I am on thyroid medication it seems to more that I try the more that I gain I watch what I eat I do not eat what other people eat half of the time I do not drink popping everything else I drink water I don’t understand why it’s such a problem for me to lose it I need help if I don’t get any help I am going to be taken away from my family even sooner
It can definitely help! Start the process and learn more about your surgery options at one of our seminars.
My sleeve surgery was done on 2/15/17. Four weeks post-op I had my blood levels done. My TSH dropped from 34.5 to 26 3. I asked my PC if he should prescribe me a lower dose? Currantlyrics I’m on Amorthyroid 90mg daily. He said no that I should wait 6 more weeks and have my blood drawn again. He said my body has to get used to the currant dosage. I’m concerned about this!
Thank you
Robyn
Good morning Robyn,
Thank you for the comment! It is best to continue to followup with your PCP and/or bariatric surgeon for specific medical conditions or lab work.
Hi, my surgery date is July 4th my levels are not normal yet. My question to you is since having the surgery have you lost any weight. I’m terrified that I will under go surfy and because I have hypothyroidism I won’t be successful in losing. Thanks in advance
Hi Stephanie, I think it would be best to address your concerns with your surgeon. Good Luck!
Hi Stephanie,
I’d love to hear how you are getting on and what level of thyroxine you are on? Hope it’s going well.
Thanks Shannon
WEre you able to lose weight
The more your body makes the hormone the more you lose weight and keep it off. I had the sleeve on 7/1/2015 and have kept my weight off. Well a nodule formed on my left thyroid and I had it removed on 7/1/2020 and I’ve gained 26 pounds as of 9/16/2020. That’s only 2.5 months. I’m so disappointed and disgusted with my weight gain. This is my worse. And i asked if i would gain weight and my dr told me no but i have.
Would some one who has metastasized differentiated thyroid cancer be eligible for bariatric surgery?
Hi Angie, This question is best addressed by one of our surgeons after reviewing your individual health history. You can watch one of our seminars then schedule to discuss the best path for you with Dr. Walton or Dr. Broussard. Our online seminar is at https://weightwise.com/seminars/.
How would I discuss my thyroid issues with a surgeon? Is there a way for them to contact me directly?
Our surgeon would discuss thyroid issues and other past medical history in your initial consult. To get start with one of our surgeons, please view this free/no obligation seminar then you will receive a call to schedule. https://weightwise.com/seminar
I have hypothyroid and just reached 200 lbs.
I have struggled so much with my weight. With medicine am still gaining 2 pounds per day. I don’t know what to do any more. Are there any options for me?
Hi Dany,
We would be more than happy to visit with you and assess your hypothyroidism treatment options and discuss your weight loss options. The first step to an appointment is to either watch the online seminar or attend a seminar in person. You can view that information here: https://weightwise.com/seminars/. The seminar will give you more information about the surgeries and our program. Once you’ve watched the seminar, you can call the clinic at 405-359-2475 to schedule an appointment.
I had my thyroid removed in 2013 for the past couple of years I’ve been thinking of weight loss surgery but something always comes up health wise. My doctor all so to do it. My concern is without a thyroid how will weight loss surgery affect me afterwards meaning am I going to have to add a bunch more meds to the list of meds I’m already on etc etc etc???
Hi Diane. We would love to talk more with you about your concerns, but it would require an in-person visit to determine that information. You can view the seminar either in-person or online. Find more information at https://weightwise.com/seminars/. Once you’ve viewed the seminar, you will be contacted for an initial consult with one of our surgeons and they can help address your concerns.
What about the new procedure called ESG? I have hypothyroidism and 55 pounds over weight and want to do something to help keep from gaining more weight.
Good Morning Kimberly. We perform the Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve and not the Endoscopic. The difference is the the laparoscopic is performed by inserting instruments into incisions through the abdomen, while the endoscopic is performed using instruments placed through mouth.