Hypothyroidism in relation to Obessity

[mmtobler]

I started taking Medication for Hypothyroidism about two weeks ago. I have had a really hard time trying to lose weight and asked my doctor to test for it as it runs in my family. My TSH was pretty high, on their normal scale of 0.4 to 4.50 mine was a 9.0 . I have thought a lot over the years about gastric bypass or something similar but never had any medical conditions to really go along with the obesity. My question is: Do you know if Hyopthyroidism is a medically legitamate reason for insrances to cover obesity related surgery.

[melbee9999]

A related discussion, HIGH TPO at 1000 was started.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

no, hypothyroidism is not an indication for obesity surgery.
Correcting the hypothyroidism may help a little, but the hypothyroidism is not likely the only cause of the weight.  It is harder, however, to lose weight with untreated hypothyroidism.
Also, most surgeons would not do the bariatric (weight) surgery until the thyroid is corrected.

[motheroffour]

You can call your insurance company and probably ask this question.  I know a fellow employee (obese and hypothyroid) looked into this with our company provided insurance and that particular company requires people to attempt a hospital based weight loss program before they will approve gastric bypass.  I've had pretty good luck maintaining by (normal) weight but I do have to eat a couple hundred less calories per day than the charts say I should be able to eat and really keep my exercise regularly or I can put a couple pounds on really fast.  My thyroid has been stable on Synthroid for many years now.

[mmtobler]

I just thought that I should also let you know that my BMI is 43. I am not sure if that is important but I though it might be.