Do you gain weight with a total thyroidectomy?

Answer 1

I lost my thyroid 52 yrs ago to radiation and have had to master my condition. As long as your taking the thyroxin every morning you should never gain weight if you eat properly. Proper thyroid supplement keeps your metabolism where it belongs, and at a rate that will reduce your appetite to normal levels and give you more energy. Synthetic thyroxin (Synthroid, Levothyroxin, etc.) is a foreign substance to your body. They are inferior to natural dessicated thyroid (ArmourThyroid). Check out a website called stopthethyroidmadness.com and do not go by 'normal TSH' levels alone. Hypothyroidism is corrected when the symptoms are ALL gone. Do you consider yourself cured of cancer before all the cancer is gone? No. So inform yourself well. Use your logic and common sense. Look up ArmourThyroid.com for more info. So be your own best advocate. Also I imagine no one will tell you not to take iron or calcium substitutes within 4hrs of your thyroxin and to avoid cauliflower and brusselsprouts as these interfere with the absorbtion. Try to let the pill be absorbed under your tongue and take at same approximate time every morning. Taken at night will give you insomnia, probably. I became an expert at these things because 45 yrs of ignorant, egotistical or uninterested doctors. Too few were smart or cared. Best Wishes!

Answer 2

When the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones it becomes underactive, or hypothyroid. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your symptoms and thyroid condition.

Answer 3

If your thyroid is surgically removed, you will be put on prescribed daily thyroid medication. You and your endocrinologist will work together to find the right amount of medication. That along with an active lifestyle, healthy diet, supportive outlets, getting enough rest, and monitoring your thyroid levels will help you maintain a healthy weight.