stomache problems/ smoking cigarettes

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My DH had a temporary colostomy two years ago, due to a sudden drastic

infection from diverticulitis. He lost 25 lbs after being hospitalized for

over two weeks without taking food or water through his mouth. Ever since

then he started packing on the pounds and even after the reversal procedure

(removal of colostomy) he can't seem to lose weight despite exercising

daily and eating much less food than I do.He seems tired and complains of

foggy thoughts. Can such an operation (or gut problems in general) CAUSE a

thyroid problem to begin? Because before this happened he was normal in

weight, energy, mental acuity, etc. He thinks it's from stopping cigarettes

after the operation. I guess it is possible that nicotine is a thyroid

stimulant and stopping it lowers thyroid function. I have heard other

people say they became heavy and couldn't think clearly after going off

cigarettes.The doc wants him on Ritalin for ADD and welbutrin for

depression but maybe the true cause is a thyroid problem that came on later

in life (he is 48).

Does anyone have any experience with either stomach/ digestive problems? Or

an increase in thyroid problems after giving up cigarettes?