Would you be interested in lap band surgery?
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism back in September, and since then I have been diligently taking my medication, having follow-up blood work drawn, and waiting for my appointment with an endocrinologist. I’ve been frustrated with the weight gain, my hair falling out, and constantly being tired. Mike would throw in that he’s frustrated with my crankiness, and that’s a valid complaint, too.
Finally, I had my endocrinologist appointment, and was optimistic that there would be tests to run that my family doctor hadn’t and that the doctor would have some sage wisdom about treatment options. I had my questions ready and immediately got the distinct feeling that he wasn’t taking me seriously.
All my optimism completely vanished when the doctor diagnosed me with depression, suggested I had gotten fat because I got married, asked if I ever tried Weight-Watchers, and offered lap band surgery as a treatment option. I admit that I teared up trying to defend myself, but the water works didn’t officially start until I called my mom to tell her how this incompetent doctor treated me…and again when I got home and told Mike.
I have heard lots of horror stories about doctors being rude to hypothyroidism patients and dragging their feet with treatment options, but I thought if I went in there prepared, asked the right questions, and showed that I was making an effort, that the doctor would take me seriously and we could get my levels regulated. Instead, I got the bumbling Dr. Adlar who treated me like some fat woman using hypothyroidism as an excuse for my weight gain. Never mind the pervious blood work showing my elevated levels or the fatigue, hair loss, carpel tunnel symptoms, dry skin, and joint pain that I’ve had for the past year.
Now I’m back to square one, except I’m pissed off and upset; making an appointment with my family doctor and my gynecologist to see if they have any recommendations for a reputable endocrinologist.
That doctor is an ass! I hope you get some good recommendations from your family doctor.
Julies last blog post..Yummie Tummie
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I’d see a different endocrinologist.
And in answer to your question, yes I would consider it and am.
valmgs last blog post..Did you know I’m a brute?
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Julie – I’m hoping to find a good doctor, but I think I’m going to have to go downtown to one of the research hospitals. I just don’t understand why the doctors are so reluctant to treat this condition.
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Val – If surgery is an option for you, I say do your research and go for it! I was just so upset that the doctor would suggest that as a solution when it’s just treating a symptom and not the cause. I may be overweight, but weight loss surgery is extreme for 50 pounds.
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Oh bummer! I have thryoid issues & my doctor is an idiot as well. One test comes up saying hyper, but my blood work comes out right at high/normal. He says the nuclear test is wrong, whatever. I have tons of symptoms.
The only reason they keep seeing me is I have a nodule, so I need synthroid to stop the growth. That has the nice side effect of making my heart beat fast.
Good luck in finding a good doctor. My grandma was actually treated by her gynecologist.
Ginnys last blog post..Happy Winter Solstice
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The doctor was not a good one because having the surgery does not mean you will lose weight and keep it off. You also can have complications. My father is heavier now then when he was before the surgery. The important thing is to take care of you levels because that is what is important.
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I am so sorry. I have lso had to fight doctors who seem to think every woman is depressed or anxious and every man is bipolar. Hang in there and try to get another doctor through a recommendation. It is amazing what the right diagnosis and right treatment can accomplish. It is just so damned hard to get to it sometimes.
veins last blog post..“People” Working
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I have hypothrodism too and am on meds for it.
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I’m sorry, Corrin. You know my experience hasn’t been any better either. It’s a tough road, but I hope that you find the right combination of things for you. It’s hard to stay sane, but it helps to have supportive friends and family. Shitty doctors will come and go. It’s just a part of the process.
Lauries last blog post..Ouch!
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Unfortunately there are quite a few doctors like this one who fail to realize good listening and communication are as important as science in being a medical professional. Sorry you had to put up with this idiot. I hope your next physician makes up for this one!
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What an incompetent jerk. That was very unprofessional of him.
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Girl, I feel your pain. I have hypothyroidism as well. it’;s hell on my weight, skin, and hair. Definitely look into a new doctor! That is so unprofessional. Best of luck to you!
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I have to agree with everybody. What an ass!
I am opposed to the surgery as I feel unnecessary surgery only shortens life; not improving it.
My recommendation is to try to find a female doctor. They aren’t all perfect but they understand the female perspective better.
Good luck with this and don’t let it ruin your holiday.
Have a safe, warm and wonderous holiday!
Linda Parkers last blog post..MENU PLAN MONDAY
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The doctor was not a good one because having the surgery does not mean you will lose weight and keep it off. You also can have complications. My father is heavier now then when he was before the surgery.
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Ginny – The one thing the doctor did do is check for nodules, and I had none, which makes me think that is part of the reason he wasn’t open to treating me. He said my case was so mild that some doctors would treat me and some wouldn’t.
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Dani – I agree. That was way too extreme of a suggestion by the doctor for my situation. That’s not a surgery to take lightly.
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Vein – Is there such a stigma attached to hypothyroidism that we all have to fight to get decent treatment? I had heard all the horror stories and tried to go in with a positive attitude, but it was just like everything I had heard.
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Teena – Were your doctors able to get your levels straightened out? Do you still have symptoms? I’d love to hear if you’re doing well.
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Laurie – As soon as he mentioned surgery, I thought “am I at the same doctor Laurie went to?” Completely ridiculous.
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Joan – Thanks for the well-wishes. I’m just going to keep visiting doctors until one takes me seriously!
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Karen – I’m tempted to write a letter to the board, but I’m not sure they would even care. The doctor didn’t even attempt to think scientifically about the cause of my symptoms; he just jumped straight to quick fixes.
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Amber – Thanks for stopping by, and I will definitely keep searching for a REAL doctor!
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Linda – I think in my case it would absolutely be an elective surgery, and I think the potential complications don’t even make it an option.
Have a good holiday!
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My doc put me on Synthroid and I’m to stay on it forever.
Teena in Torontos last blog post..Chia kitty is on Facebook
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I’d get a new Dr., too! Hope you find the right Doctor and get some help! Have a Merry Christmas!!
Your FL furiends,
Samantha & Mr, Tiggers last blog post..One More Day and It is Christmas
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I’d definitely get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinion if need be. I’ve been taking synthroid since I was 21 and do not have any of your symptoms (well not until I got older). Eye brows thinning out and thinning hair indicate something is wrong with your dosage. Also most doctors don’t do a full spectrum blood test. Read up on what’s what, so you go fully armed to your next visit. As for the lap band surgery… you’d have to be seriously overweight to even be considered. Hope all comes out well in the end for you!
Diane Scotts last blog post..Temptation May Start Your New Year Off On The Wrong Foot
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Diane – Thanks for the well wishes. I’ve been trying to do as much research as possible, but the available information is so conflicting.
You’re right, I don’t think they ran a full spectrum blood test and I intend on demanding one.
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I hate to hear about incompetent doctors who treat their patients so terribly. I’m sorry that you had to go through this. To think that he is a specialist who deals with Thyroid issues all of the time! I’m glad that you are going to find a new doctor and get the treatment you deserve.
Connies last blog post..End of Year Finances
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Thanks, Connie. I think I’m going to be going to Northwestern and meeting with an internalist and endocrinologist that a family member recommended.
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[...] out what’s wrong with me and fix [...]
I would..Before I do that I seek for a doctor’s advice.And read all the Lap Band Guides.
Guide to Lap-Band Surgerys last blog post..Recovering from Weight Loss Surgery
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I would consider it only if it were a viable option, which it is not. Any GOOD doctor wouldn’t recommend the surgery to someone less than 100 pounds overweight. It’s not a quick fix, it’s a life changing surgery, and should be treated as such, which it is NOT by many people. Doctors included.
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[...] my appointment with the doctor from hell, I was determined to find out what was causing my weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. My [...]