POSTED UNDER Gastric Bypass REVIEWS
62 Y.o. Female with Hypothyroidism - RNY Gastric Bypass - Cary, NC
ORIGINAL POST
I have always been fairly active and ate healthier...
nose4rosesOctober 9, 2015
WORTH IT
I have always been fairly active and ate healthier foods more often than not. When I smoked I could maintain 176 lbs., no matter what I ate. That weight is in the overweight category for my 5'2" frame, but because I worked out I wasn't flabby. When I decided to quit smoking, I knew I was going to gain weight, but my logic was, it's worse to smoke than be overweight. When I quit 8 years ago, I gained 30 lbs. in 30 days--putting me over the 200 lb. mark. It took me a full year to get over my nicotine addiction, and to this day, it is STILL the hardest thing I have ever done. I can't tell you how many times I lost the same 10-15 lbs. -- over and over again.
Then, 2 years later, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (low thyroid). I could still lose the 10-15 lbs. if I worked hard at it, but once my body would lose the weight, I would plateau....for months at a time.....and I could NEVER lose much weight after that.
And, then, I hit 60. And it was as if my metabolism ceased to exist. I bought a Fitbit and meticulously calculated calories in/calories out, and I SHOULD have been losing 1/2 lb. - 1 lb. a week; Instead, I continued to gain--until I reached my all-time high of 230 lbs. Add to that a diagnosis in January 2015 of a "very large hiatal hernia." That thing pushed so far into my diaphragm that I was out of breath just walking to my car. I could no longer go to the gym or walk 4 miles a day like I did in the not-too-distant past.
When I visited my endocrinologist in April 2015, she asked me if I'd heard of the gastric sleeve. I said I had, and from that moment she planted the seed. I couldn't do anything about it until my daughter's May wedding was over, but then I made an appointment with Dr. Paul Enochs of Bariatric Specialists of NC. I saw him in mid-July, and started jumping through all the hoops to get insurance clearance.
I went to see him for my pre-op visit on Wed. Sept. 22, and when he looked at my x-rays, he said, "you have a REALLY big hiatal hernia." Then he told me that he could still do the sleeve on me, but chances are, in 3-4 years I'd be back with another hernia and I'd need a gastric bypass.
Did I want the gastric bypass? No. I preferred the sleeve. But, I only wanted to do this ONCE, and I trusted Dr. Enoch's judgement. So, 6 days later -- before I could lose my nerve -- my surgery was done. I had the hernia repaired, the gallbladder removed, and the gastric bypass.
And I feel great! Still have a way to go, but every day I get stronger and stronger, and I don't regret my decision at all.
I know I will lose slower due to my age and hypothyroidism, but I'm okay with that--as long as I continue to lose.
As far as pain, the first 3 days were the worst. The gas was bad, but was alleviated by simethacone--once the nurses saw that walking wasn't doing the trick.
I'm still on the liquid diet. I don't like it, but I can do ANYTHING for 2 weeks :) I'm very excited to introduce the semi-solid phase of the diet next week!
Periodically, I'll update you as to my progress. When I was researching weight loss options, I found this site, and there weren't many testimonials from people my age.
Hopefully, my post will help other 60-somethings get excited about the possibility of a new lease on life!
Photos will come later.
Then, 2 years later, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (low thyroid). I could still lose the 10-15 lbs. if I worked hard at it, but once my body would lose the weight, I would plateau....for months at a time.....and I could NEVER lose much weight after that.
And, then, I hit 60. And it was as if my metabolism ceased to exist. I bought a Fitbit and meticulously calculated calories in/calories out, and I SHOULD have been losing 1/2 lb. - 1 lb. a week; Instead, I continued to gain--until I reached my all-time high of 230 lbs. Add to that a diagnosis in January 2015 of a "very large hiatal hernia." That thing pushed so far into my diaphragm that I was out of breath just walking to my car. I could no longer go to the gym or walk 4 miles a day like I did in the not-too-distant past.
When I visited my endocrinologist in April 2015, she asked me if I'd heard of the gastric sleeve. I said I had, and from that moment she planted the seed. I couldn't do anything about it until my daughter's May wedding was over, but then I made an appointment with Dr. Paul Enochs of Bariatric Specialists of NC. I saw him in mid-July, and started jumping through all the hoops to get insurance clearance.
I went to see him for my pre-op visit on Wed. Sept. 22, and when he looked at my x-rays, he said, "you have a REALLY big hiatal hernia." Then he told me that he could still do the sleeve on me, but chances are, in 3-4 years I'd be back with another hernia and I'd need a gastric bypass.
Did I want the gastric bypass? No. I preferred the sleeve. But, I only wanted to do this ONCE, and I trusted Dr. Enoch's judgement. So, 6 days later -- before I could lose my nerve -- my surgery was done. I had the hernia repaired, the gallbladder removed, and the gastric bypass.
And I feel great! Still have a way to go, but every day I get stronger and stronger, and I don't regret my decision at all.
I know I will lose slower due to my age and hypothyroidism, but I'm okay with that--as long as I continue to lose.
As far as pain, the first 3 days were the worst. The gas was bad, but was alleviated by simethacone--once the nurses saw that walking wasn't doing the trick.
I'm still on the liquid diet. I don't like it, but I can do ANYTHING for 2 weeks :) I'm very excited to introduce the semi-solid phase of the diet next week!
Periodically, I'll update you as to my progress. When I was researching weight loss options, I found this site, and there weren't many testimonials from people my age.
Hopefully, my post will help other 60-somethings get excited about the possibility of a new lease on life!
Photos will come later.
UPDATED FROM nose4roses
17 days post
TSH level affected by RNY Gastric bypass
nose4rosesOctober 15, 2015
I go to my 3-week follow up appointment with my surgeon on Oct. 20, and I have my 6-month check up with my endocrinologist Oct. 22.
In preparation of my Oct. 22 appointment, I got my blood work done. I had no other co-morbid conditions prior to surgery; The only medication I take is synthroid.
Test results for things like cholesterol, vitamin D, A1C, etc., were SUPER, except for my TSH. For years, synthroid has kept my TSH at around 1.0. Results of my bloodwork taken 2 weeks post-op show a TSH level of 5.040--about the level it was when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
I researched the effect of RNY gastric bypass on the absorption of synthroid, and I think my dr. will put me on liquid T4. That seems to work with patients who have thyroid issues and have RNY gastric bypass.
I'll post what the doctor says after my appointment next week, but if you are considering this surgery and have thyroid disease, discuss with your endocrinologist before surgery.
In preparation of my Oct. 22 appointment, I got my blood work done. I had no other co-morbid conditions prior to surgery; The only medication I take is synthroid.
Test results for things like cholesterol, vitamin D, A1C, etc., were SUPER, except for my TSH. For years, synthroid has kept my TSH at around 1.0. Results of my bloodwork taken 2 weeks post-op show a TSH level of 5.040--about the level it was when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
I researched the effect of RNY gastric bypass on the absorption of synthroid, and I think my dr. will put me on liquid T4. That seems to work with patients who have thyroid issues and have RNY gastric bypass.
I'll post what the doctor says after my appointment next week, but if you are considering this surgery and have thyroid disease, discuss with your endocrinologist before surgery.
Replies (3)
October 15, 2015
My surgeon is aware of the thyroid problem the reading was 5 last Friday he says I will be fine for surgery on 22 October. I have had a radiation capsule 12 months ago at that time my thyroid was racing now it has gone in reverse. I had all blood tests done as well as thyroid Vitamin D was showing very low, getting a bit of sun and it seems to be improving. Also had echo and heart tests done that all went well ready for the surgery now just hope it goes well. Good luck with everything I sincerely hope your follow up appointments go really well. Take good care keep in touch.
October 18, 2015
I also have under active thyroid and take 175mg daily, does anyone know if this comes in liquid form. I am sick of having a battle with my doctor , I am also having a gastric band on the 10th November .
October 18, 2015
I thought liquid was available but it isn't. Will talk to my dr. on Thursday and if I learn anything new I'll post here.
UPDATED FROM nose4roses
23 days post
3 weeks post-op, 17 lbs. down!
nose4rosesOctober 21, 2015
I went yesterday for my 3 weeks post-op appointment and I am 17 lbs. down. I am very happy with these results! I have no problem getting all my fluid and protein down, and I'm walking 5 miles or more a day. I feel like a million bucks! On Monday I go in to see the nutritionist for my soft foods diet class. Can't wait!
Replies (6)