Obesity is often associated with many serious health concerns, which is why our doctors do a detailed review of your medical history before creating a personalized treatment plan.
For qualifying patients, weight loss surgery could be the solution to jumpstarting a healthier lifestyle. At LIMARP, serving in Tijuana, MX and San Diego, CA, we offer several types of bariatric surgery to help patients reach their goals. In this article, our team explores bariatric surgery and thyroid issues so patients can be well-informed of the benefits and risks.
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
Proper thyroid function is essential for your overall health and well-being. This gland secretes hormones that affect the human body in several ways, such as:
- Heart rate regulation
- Body temperature
- Achieving healthier skin
- Your metabolism
How Does the Thyroid Gland Affect Your Weight?
When it comes to thyroid issues, the gland can be either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). This means that the thyroid produces an abnormal amount of hormones that may result in many non-specific symptoms.
Because the thyroid affects hormone levels, many individuals suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism struggle with weight loss. In fact, many have trouble shedding pounds even when exercising and dieting.
In addition to unexplained weight gain, symptoms of these disorders may include:
- Dry skin
- Dry hair
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Constipation
- Slow heart rate
- Fatigue
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, we encourage you to meet with your primary care physician. They can diagnose the issue by running a few blood tests.
Can Individuals with Thyroid Issues Undergo Bariatric Surgery?
Those suffering from thyroid problems can undergo bariatric surgery. In fact, research suggests that weight loss surgery can actually help improve thyroid function for those with hypothyroidism.
A 2017 study suggested that bariatric surgery, along with hormone replacement, can successfully reduce overall BMI. In this particular experiment, 93 individuals with hypothyroidism underwent bariatric surgery and 83 of those participants were given replacement thyroid hormone. All of these individuals required less dosage after one year and 13.2% of them did not require the hormone replacement at all.
Currently there are further studies being conducted that will give greater insight regarding the different types of bariatric surgery. The goal of this research is to determine if various procedures have differing results in bariatric patients.
What Should I Expect During and After the Treatment?
If you suffer from a thyroid disorder, bariatric surgery should not have a negative impact on your health. However, before proceeding with your weight loss surgery, your doctor will likely recommend that you address your thyroid issues first. You will be screened during your initial consultation to ensure there are no other contraindications to the treatment.
The Emotional Impact of Thyroid Issues
Since the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating hormones, patients with thyroid issues commonly experience fluctuations in mood and energy levels. It is important that you have a firm grasp on these issues before pursuing bariatric surgery.
Undergoing weight loss surgery is an incredibly emotional event, so it’s important to be sure that you can handle the major lifestyle changes that go along with it and to seek professional help if needed.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you have thyroid issues and have been considering bariatric surgery, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.