Thyroid Disease Led Me To Sleeve Surgery

by Dr. Teresa A. Smith

When you suffer from uncontrollable weight gain, you try every weight loss program on the market, hoping you will lose weight. However, when your weight gain is because of Graves’ Disease, you quickly realize your ability to lose weight is hampered by the disease. This is where my gastric sleeve surgery journey began.

The thyroid gland produces a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolic rate and affects the heart, muscles, digestive functions, and bone health. Graves’ Disease occurs when there is an overproduction of the thyroid hormone. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment options include medication, radiation therapy, and thyroid removal.

It took over a year before they diagnosed me with Graves’ Disease. Because of the severity of my disease, my endocrinologist and I chose radiation therapy as the best treatment option. However, this meant a lifetime of thyroid replacement hormone to regulate my body’s metabolism. We struggled to maintain the hormone replacement dosage, and I felt tired and sluggish most of the time. In addition, my weight gain was uncontrollable. For instance, I would prepare for a special event by purchasing ‘cute clothes’ only to find that I couldn’t wear them several days before the event. My doctor and I tried many weight loss practices, but none were successful. As my weight increased, I developed additional health issues that often accompany morbid obesity, sleep apnea, elevated liver enzymes, and borderline diabetes.

Finally, my doctor recommended gastric sleeve surgery. The surgery removes a portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch (stomach). This reduction in stomach size reduces the amount of food eaten. I never considered metabolic surgery and wanted to know the success rate for thyroid patients. She indicated the success rate was high so I had the surgery. My gastric sleeve surgery was successful, with no complications. During my recovery, I decided to share my story with others who might suffer from thyroid disease or want to live a healthier lifestyle. My new show, Transform With TAS, was birthed. Transform With TAS has cooking segments and interviews with individuals working to become the best version of themselves. Transform With TAS Show premieres in March 2022 on my YouTube Channel. You can keep up with my journey by following me at youtube.com/c/DrTAS.