I just wrapped up all my pre-surgery clearances. My pcp called and said my labwork indicates I have Hypothyroidism. She prescribed my synthroid but I havent started taking it. Has anyone experienced problems getting approval from a PPO with a thyroid problem. My other problems are fatty liver, and a slight hiatal hernia. I am reluctant to take the medication after reading some of the side effects. Im wondering if I should not start taking it til after the surgery. Any experience with this?

Please go ahead and start taking the meds. If you have low thyroid levels, it won't produce the scary side effects you've read about; it will normalize your levels (and also make it easier to lose weight).

Also, I think you can relax regarding approval; it won't be hindered by this diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is very, very prevalent, and along with your other comorbidities will help build a good case in favor of surgery.

I have had Hypothyroid disease for 5 years now and take the meds daily. I have not had any side effects, also it actually helped me get approved faster for my Lapband surgery.

I do stay tired more in the past 5 years and that is a side effect of the slow metabolism.

Good Luck and I would go ahead and take your meds.

Some Insurance won't approve you if you have HypoThyroid issues. They say its harder to lose the weight. I had the LapBand last April 2009 and paid for it myself. My thyroid is normal with medications and I do lose slowly but have lost 45 lbs in less than a year. I'm quite happy so fight your insurance if they deny you. Do start your medications, it makes a huge difference in how you feel and will help your weight loss. Things will be so much better.:scared2: Your fatty liver is common when you are over weight. I was put on Medi Fast 2 weeks prior to surgery for just that problem. As you lose your weight your liver will become healthy and happy again. Its one of the organs that actually heals itself.

Edited March 16, 201016 yr by Putytat52
adding additional info.

I've had the same issue for the past 9 years. I have not seen any issues come through during clearance.

I was approved having had thyroid cancer and my thyroid removed. I take synthroid daily. You should start it immediately. Appropriate synthroid levels are necessary for every metabolic function in the body. With the proper levels you will have more energy in a few weeks and lose weight easier. You will only stop taking the med. on the day of the surgery. Take it an hour before you eat and remember synthroid is very heat sensitive. It must not be exposed to higher than room temp. or it is "cooked" and you will need new med. Good luck.

I've been taking the medicine for 20 days now. I dont feel any better or worse. I lost the bottle of pills for a couple days, then found it, but during that couple days it felt like every muscle in my body was fatigued. I couldnt even close my hand around the doorknob. I had done some pretty strenuous physical activity in the week before that, so im not sure if that was the cause, but i know i dont want to go through it again so ill be sure to keep track of the pills from now on !! I received my insurance approval last week, so I guess the thyroid wasnt really an issue :thumbup: