LapBand and thyroid disease?

lapband questions

Can I have the LapBand if I have thyroid disease?

BULLS GAP, TN

Posted by Dr. Rachael Keilin+

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Dr. Rachael Keilin

The simple answer is yes, there is nothing to prevent a patient with a thyroid disorder from having a LapBand. Having said that, I would want to make sure that any patient trying to lose weight had their thyroid function optimized first. The thyroid is a major engine that drives “metabolism” or calorie consumption. Low thyroid conditions can cause you to gain wait and have difficulty losing it. Bringing your thyroid hormone level up to normal may not allow you to lose a large amount of weight, but it will make any weight loss easier than if you allow it to stay low. People with overactive thyroids rarely need help with weight loss as this condition can cause rapid and undesired weight loss. It can also cause heart rhythm problems that would need to be addressed prior to any operation.
The only other thing to note is that thyroid pills are very small and should have no problem going through the band even when the band is well adjusted.
Hope that helps!

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