Alterations in Thyroid Hormones and Thyrotropin (TSH) in Morbidly Obese Patients before and after Vertical Gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Published results of studies of thyroid function in obesity and after weight loss have differed. METHODS: The circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones and TSH were studied in 30 consecutive, euthyroid morbidly obese patients before and after weight loss from vertical gastroplasty, with the aim to determine the relation between body weight loss and pituitary-thyroid axis function. Serum TSH, free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4) were measured before operation and repeated 6 and 18 months postoperatively.