Okay...I'm not too sure about this journey that I've started. The logical side of my brain knows I need to lose at least 150 pounds and I've battled my weight all my life. I know that if I'm starving..it isn't going to happen. Add to that my battle with hypothyroidism and I want to be healthier.

I gave weight loss surgery serious consideration and researched doctors. A month ago I went to a seminar. They had us fill out information and the very next day the wonderful lady at the seminar calls to tell me that my insurance plan is one of the easiest to get approved with and would I ask my PCP for a letter supporting me. I did that and here I am two weeks later with an approval. Don't get me wrong..I know I should be very grateful but somehow I feel this is too fast. I felt confident until my first consult with the doctor today. You know the one where they tell you all the things that could go wrong. My husband was with me and he is beginning to think this approach may be too aggressive. At this point I feel like I am in a state of complete information overload, I have a surgery date scheduled for the 15th of July, and I'm having second thoughts. So if any of you could read some of the questions below and give me honest answers it would mean a lot.

1. Anyone out there with hypothyroidism? They are still trying to get mine under control with medication and I'm wondering if this will be more difficult to do after surgery?

2. I heard all about the diet today and all I could do was die. Yes I'm fat but believe it or not fruits, veggies and nuts are my favorite foods. The thought of having to center my eating around a piece of meat or fish with none of the above for a long time (my center recommends until you hit maintenance) is making me cringe. I'm not a big meat fan...but at the same time I don't want to end up malnourished...

3. Heartburn - does everyone have to take acid medication after surgery or only some people? I'm not overly fond of taking medications for anything and the thought of making a choice that would require medications is scary for me. I'm reading about people who are suffering from massive heartburn after surgery. I've only had heartburn when I was pregnant and I still have nightmares about it...

4. I am already battling anemia...will this surgery make that battle even harder?

5. Vitamins...the whole Vitamin taking sounds a little daunting. Does this get easier? Will I have to crush stuff up forever? I read some places where it says no..but then my doctor says he recommends it from here on out...

6. Recovery- how long did it take most of you? I'm a teacher...and that is 3 weeks before the kids hit the classroom again. Not being ready is not an option and the thought of managing all that at the beginning of the school year with the liquid diet and all is scary. Are there any teachers out there who have managed? Help!

I know if I go digging I could probably find some of these answers but like I said earlier...I'm completely on information overload right now and the more I read the worse it gets. So to hear first hand some answers would be great...

Thanks....

Hi Awas! I hope my responses to some of your questions are helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

2. I heard all about the diet today and all I could do was die. Yes I'm fat but believe it or not fruits, veggies and nuts are my favorite foods. The thought of having to center my eating around a piece of meat or fish with none of the above for a long time (my center recommends until you hit maintenance) is making me cringe. I'm not a big meat fan...but at the same time I don't want to end up malnourished...

Once your surgeon gives you clearance, why would you have to avoid a balanced diet that includes additional Protein sources such as the ones you listed above; i.e., fruit, veggies, nuts, etc.? Are you sure that you're not confusing one of the diet phases? I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the major limitations were imposed during the pre and post-op periods. You might want to speak with your surgeon's office again for clarification. Things can be really confusing in the beginning and its easy to become overwhelmed..... And for the record, I'm not giving up my mangoes.

4. I am already battling anemia...will this surgery make that battle even harder?

Okay I can speak to this one. I have Iron deficiency anemia. At times my Ferritin is less than 6 and my iron saturation has even been less than 3%. So this one is close to home for me. There are different forms of anemia and you didn't really provide any details. Do you suffer from anemia due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding? Is there an inherited bleeding disorder? Is this a Pernicious Anemia? The surgery itself (because of the inherent bleeding risks) may be a concern. The post-op diet could cause additional complications depending on your health situation. Are you currently under the care of a Hematologist? If so, I would consult with your Hema/Onc. Additionally, I would have this conversation with your surgeon and nutritionist. Anemia often requires more than just a discussion about diet, it may also affect your pre and post surgical treatment.

Hi terrified,

I'm with you on that. My surgery is on the 16th and I'm having it done because of my Hashimoto's Autoimmune Hypothyroid disease. My symptoms are completely out of control and am doing this as a hopeful cure of my disease. I gained a bunched of weight because of it but not enough to normally have this surgery.

They are hoping that by removing my stomach hormones, I won't have a fight between them and my thyroid horn ones anymore. This is an extreme surgery for a cure but I'm praying it works. I'm still scared tho.

Let me know how it goes!!

Debtovah

Hi terrified,

I'm with you on that. My surgery is on the 16th and I'm having it done because of my Hashimoto's Autoimmune Hypothyroid disease. My symptoms are completely out of control and am doing this as a hopeful cure of my disease. I gained a bunched of weight because of it but not enough to normally have this surgery.

They are hoping that by removing my stomach hormones, I won't have a fight between them and my thyroid horn ones anymore. This is an extreme surgery for a cure but I'm praying it works. I'm still scared tho.

Let me know how it goes!!

Debtovah

I'm curious what they have told you to make you believe weight loss surgery will cure an autoimmune disease. There are no known cure for auto immune diseases, only treatments. I was diagnosed with Hashi's when I was 12 and have constantly had to up my dosage of meds my whole life. I have been able to slightly lower my dose from losing some weight and hope to get to lower it more (lost 80+, 80+ to go) but that is due to having less body for the hormone to have to run through not because my condition improves.

While this appears to have been resolved with some very helpful dialog, one of the biggest problems with a venue such as this is when people make assertions for another. Please do not take others words for it when they say you are not ready. And shame on folks for saying such things to someone whose shoes you do not walk in. Whether or not one is ready is between you and your medical professional (surgeon, and the one performing the psych eval). As adults, we should know that life comes with anxiety. Yet, anxiety rarely means we should turn about face. Please, refrain from offering such advice, and encourage folks to have the proper discussions with their medical professionals.

Edited July 2, 201412 yr by cryss

It's still in the experimental stage for Hashimoto's. What I was told is that the hormones that the stomach releases can interfere with the thyroid hormones in extreme cases. I seem to be an extreme case. By removing part of the conflicting hormones, it's supposed to calm down some of my severe symptoms. I followed a case where a women's Endo recommended the surgery for the same reasons and her hormonal removal was very successful. My Cardio doc who also specializes in thyroid put me on this path.

It's still in the experimental stage for Hashimoto's. What I was told is that the hormones that the stomach releases can interfere with the thyroid hormones in extreme cases. I seem to be an extreme case. By removing part of the conflicting hormones, it's supposed to calm down some of my severe symptoms. I followed a case where a women's Endo recommended the surgery for the same reasons and her hormonal removal was very successful. My Cardio doc who also specializes in thyroid put me on this path.

Thanks for the info, I'll have to follow your journey and see how it goes.

Wow! I have Hashimoto's and it would be a dream come true for it to get better! I so hope that is the result you get. I will be happy just to have the excess weight off so my joints don't hurt from the added burden. Bodies are complex and given that studies are just starting to show how VSG actually works through resetting metabolism ... Rather than the restriction they have always assumed....anything is possible. Sending you healing vibes for a complete recovery! Please keep is updated! Best - Shellie

IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!! Yes, I've got hypothroidism, I'm 4 months out and my thyroid is the same. It's all very very overwhelmingm but YOU CAN DO IT. I'm a big wimp and I did it. Don't think about everythign all at once, take it step by step. Get through the liquid phase, then the modified food phase. It gets easier and easier - REALLY.

In addition to losing 63 pounds adn not shopping in plus sized stores anymore, I FEEL great. Energy level is crazy high and I am seriously HAPPIER. This will change your life for the better friend. Hang in there!

I found this forum to be incredibly helpful pre-surgery and for the first few weeks post surgery. As us anythign, we've been there and are still there.

DO IT!

Thank y'all so much. I've suffered for too long with this disease. I hope it works for me and for other sufferers.

Okay...I'm not too sure about this journey that I've started. The logical side of my brain knows I need to lose at least 150 pounds and I've battled my weight all my life. I know that if I'm starving..it isn't going to happen. Add to that my battle with hypothyroidism and I want to be healthier.

I gave weight loss surgery serious consideration and researched doctors. A month ago I went to a seminar. They had us fill out information and the very next day the wonderful lady at the seminar calls to tell me that my insurance plan is one of the easiest to get approved with and would I ask my PCP for a letter supporting me. I did that and here I am two weeks later with an approval. Don't get me wrong..I know I should be very grateful but somehow I feel this is too fast. I felt confident until my first consult with the doctor today. You know the one where they tell you all the things that could go wrong. My husband was with me and he is beginning to think this approach may be too aggressive. At this point I feel like I am in a state of complete information overload, I have a surgery date scheduled for the 15th of July, and I'm having second thoughts. So if any of you could read some of the questions below and give me honest answers it would mean a lot.

1. Anyone out there with hypothyroidism? They are still trying to get mine under control with medication and I'm wondering if this will be more difficult to do after surgery?

2. I heard all about the diet today and all I could do was die. Yes I'm fat but believe it or not fruits, veggies and nuts are my favorite foods. The thought of having to center my eating around a piece of meat or fish with none of the above for a long time (my center recommends until you hit maintenance) is making me cringe. I'm not a big meat fan...but at the same time I don't want to end up malnourished...

3. Heartburn - does everyone have to take acid medication after surgery or only some people? I'm not overly fond of taking medications for anything and the thought of making a choice that would require medications is scary for me. I'm reading about people who are suffering from massive heartburn after surgery. I've only had heartburn when I was pregnant and I still have nightmares about it...

4. I am already battling anemia...will this surgery make that battle even harder?

5. Vitamins...the whole Vitamin taking sounds a little daunting. Does this get easier? Will I have to crush stuff up forever? I read some places where it says no..but then my doctor says he recommends it from here on out...

6. Recovery- how long did it take most of you? I'm a teacher...and that is 3 weeks before the kids hit the classroom again. Not being ready is not an option and the thought of managing all that at the beginning of the school year with the liquid diet and all is scary. Are there any teachers out there who have managed? Help!

I know if I go digging I could probably find some of these answers but like I said earlier...I'm completely on information overload right now and the more I read the worse it gets. So to hear first hand some answers would be great...

Thanks....

I have hashis an several autoimmune diseases along with fibro,polymyalgia GERD, sleep apnea I have a CPAP, among a list of other things insulin resistance. ...my 2 specialist sent me to WLS. They both said I met criteria. ..bmi has hit 41 just the past 14 months I've gained 50 pds so now Iv hit around 250 or so...we are stopping this dead in its tracks before it goes any further. I take meds daily an one is capsule for GERD told me I didn't have to pull apart but I do take wellbuterin for depression an anxiety those I can crush for a bit...I've been in the st system for 3 months...once I finished all classes an labs an cleared from drs my insurance approval was in 48 hrs. ..I'm sick n tired of being sick n tired..I was on WW for 6 month didn't lose anything. ..I want my own self back an my hubs is supporting me all the way.he said it was my decision an what ever I decided he would back me up..being over weight like this is extremely fatigued, an no life. Iv been thinking of this for 15 yrs..I wasn't as big till the last yr low an behold it happened! With insulin resistance ur body doesn't use glucose for energy. I'm not telling my family an only a few close girl friends no..I don't want to hear everyone's opinions..diet an exercise has obviously not wrkd for me.I'm always hungry. Hope this helps...best wishes: ) for you to have went to a seminar you have been thinking about this... keep us posted!

It's still in the experimental stage for Hashimoto's. What I was told is that the hormones that the stomach releases can interfere with the thyroid hormones in extreme cases. I seem to be an extreme case. By removing part of the conflicting hormones, it's supposed to calm down some of my severe symptoms. I followed a case where a women's Endo recommended the surgery for the same reasons and her hormonal removal was very successful. My Cardio doc who also specializes in thyroid put me on this path.

I'm in the same boat..removing stomach hormones. ..it affects the release of more insulin it's a vicious cycle...I'm on thyroid armour will be for life but I'm always hungry. Even after eating a meal my stomach continues to feel hungry..my internists an endocrinologist steered me to have the sleeve done since I take meds so they can still digest.

I agree that with others and you that this is something that should not be rushed into. Here is what I would recommend. Continue your discussions with your nutritionist and your psychologist and focus on losing weight naturally through diet and exercise. I had a rather lengthy approval process and decided that I would aggressively try and lose as much weight as possible while I was waiting. I started the Optifast program and had very good results losing approximately 20 lbs per month which is about what you would expect to lose post op as well. What it showed me was that I could make the break from my old eating habits and develop new healthy ones and it gave me the confidence to move forward. When you finally make your decision to either move forward with surgery or not should be something that you are totally comfortable with and look forward to having. There is no turning back after the surgery so make sure that you are committed to doing this and hopefully you can make a decision that you won't regret. In the end it's all about becoming healthier. Whatever you do, don't give up. The worst thing that you can do is to accept your current situation. It is much more dangerous to do nothing and remain obese. Just make sure you are totally comfortable with what you do and then don't look back.

IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!! Yes, I've got hypothroidism, I'm 4 months out and my thyroid is the same. It's all very very overwhelmingm but YOU CAN DO IT. I'm a big wimp and I did it. Don't think about everythign all at once, take it step by step. Get through the liquid phase, then the modified food phase. It gets easier and easier - REALLY.

In addition to losing 63 pounds adn not shopping in plus sized stores anymore, I FEEL great. Energy level is crazy high and I am seriously HAPPIER. This will change your life for the better friend. Hang in there!

I found this forum to be incredibly helpful pre-surgery and for the first few weeks post surgery. As us anythign, we've been there and are still there.

DO IT!

I'm also hashi an my endocrinologist an internist referred me to sleeve. .I'm excited an nervous but looking forward to this! I'm glad I stumbled onto this sight. Have learned a lot. My surgery is Tuesday I start full 3 shakes only the next 2 days...

Hi Everyone!

I went through with it..and I'm at peace with my choice. ( I better be huh? :-) ) The first week was kind of rough..there was more pain than I thought there would be and a drain..which I didn't really care for but it was removed at my one week follow up and life is MUCH better now. The post diet stinks...I don't like the fruit Protein drinks, the Isopure was horrible and I'm really fighting with how to get my protein in. Some of you asked some questions about things I wrote in my posts so I'll answer them here.

I was sure about my doctor's diet. I've read through a lot on the web and I've come to realize that his post-op diet is a LOT stricter than most of them that are posted. I asked him about it and he explained in a number of ways. He said first of all the no fruit comes because he finds a lot of his patients are addicted to sugar. He said if you introduce it back into the diet early on then that sugar sets off a trigger and the body wants more. He said that leads to more of an urge to cheat..have a little bite here..a little bite there. Whereas cutting out sugar in all forms for a significant amount of time tends to break that addiction and patients find they don't need it anymore. As for nuts etc..he said almost every call from the emergency room has involved nuts etc and his patients being in extreme pain. He said it takes a while for people to really get used to chewing everything really really well. He said those calls were usually people who had eaten nuts etc and accidentally didn't chew well enough. He said now he says hold off on nuts so patients are really trained to chew properly. And he told me most importantly that fruits, nuts, etc don't provide enough protein for the amount you eat. He said I should live and breathe protein and the fact is that it will probably be tough for me just to get that in. Snacking on nuts, fruits etc is taking valuable space and reducing my protein intake. Some other doctors may agree / disagree with it but over 95 percent of his patients have reached their goal weight so for now I'm going to suck it up and tow the line. He did say if I didn't have any problem getting all my protein in and was still losing weight then let him know and they would certainly work in some fruit etc. Right now I can barely get in what I'm supposed to so I think that talk is a way off! As for my pre-op diet..it was 2 weeks of liquids only...when I went for my pre-op bloodwork at the hospital the nurse informed me that the other docs in the practice only require a three day diet. I was like WHAT? (I was starving by then). But then she told me that she has never seen this docs patients return for any surgical complications and she's never seen him be unable to complete the surgery laproscopically. So I sucked it up and continued to drink. Funny thing was after day 4...I just wasn't hungry anymore.

I want to say thanks to all of you. I had some long talks with my hubbie, I looked at my extended family (almost all my family is overweight and with medical problems) and I decided I wanted off that train ride. I don't want to be them in a few years. I had excellent health except for my thyroid before surgery and I thought it would be dumb to sit around and wait until medical problems developed before I do this. My husband was terrified at the 1% death rate but I told him...that is 1% from a population where many are going into surgery with multiple medical issues anyway...I am healthy..the chances are slim to none. He's very happy now that all is said and done. When we got back from the hospital I had a letter from my employer...they are changing our insurance carrier come January. I looked up our new carrier and they have a VERY lengthy process to getting approved. So I'm even happier I carried through. I went back for my one week follow up and I've lost 26 pounds...but that covers the two week pre-op diet of Clear Liquids as well. I'm sure I'll be back in need of help...but you guys were great!

Thanks!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!