Friday, March 22, 2024

Weight Loss After Thyroid Surgery

Your Diet During Recovery

5 Tips for Weight Loss after Thyroidectomy: What your Doctor is Missing

You can eat whatever you like after surgery. Try to eat healthy foods. You may find it hard to swallow at first. If so, it may be easier to drink liquids and eat soft foods such as pudding, gelatin, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, or yogurt.

Pain medicines can cause constipation. Eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids will help make your stools softer. If this does not help, try using a fiber product. You can buy this at a drug store.

Optimize The Free T3 Levels

With the thyroid gland being removed, your body is missing two of the thyroid hormones. With Levothyroxine, you are introducing at least one of them T4. Your body then proceeds to produce the T3 on its own. Some doctors prescribe their patients with a synthetical form of T3. But we are here to discuss how you can optimize the free T3 levels in your body.

One of the ways to do that is to take enough zinc, selenium, and Vitamin B6. One of the easiest ways to do that is to eat foods that are naturally rich in these nutrients. Another great option is taking the proper supplements.

Taking a quality probiotic is helpful as well. It will help maintain the natural microflora of the gut, thus making the absorption of the previously mentioned nutrients a lot easier. Certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and diabetic medications can interfere with the free T3 levels. Make sure that your doctor knows all of the prescription and non-prescription medications, including dietary supplements, that you are taking at the moment. Together, you can look for a proper replacement if needed.

Can You Lose Weight After A Thyroidectomy

A throidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or a portion of the thyroid gland. The surgery may be performed if a person has goiter, thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, so its removal can make it difficult to lose weight. You may actually gain weight as a side effect of the procedure. You should speak to your doctor if you wish to lose weight following a thyroidectomy.

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Risk Of Bias Assessment

The methodological quality of the included observational studies was assessed using a modified NewcastleOttawa Scale, independently and in duplicate by trained reviewers . This instrument assesses the protection against bias by evaluating how the investigators evaluated outcomes and ensured the comparability of study groups.

Finding The Right Dose Of Thyroid Medication

Colleen Lost 20 Pounds After Her Thyroid Was Removed by Eating Clean ...

As you can see, the correct dose of thyroid medication is paramount. Not only can the wrong dose affect your weight, but it can throw off just about every system in your body.

Regular thyroid function tests will be required after you have a thyroidectomy. These tests will measure your TSH, T3, and T4 levels. Your doctor may also check other labs depending on why you have the thyroidectomy in the first place and also monitor for other complications like damage to the parathyroid gland.

You will also need to test your thyroid function periodically once you are on the correct dose of medication. In addition, certain factors may require you to change your dose, such as significant changes in your weight, pregnancy, and some health conditions.

Working with a physician specializing in hypothyroidism who understands different thyroid medication options is extremely helpful, as not all people tolerate and thrive on the same type of thyroid medication.

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How Does Thyroid Removal Affect Your Body

If you have all or most of your thyroid removed, your body can no longer make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is essential for life and plays a role in most of the bodys system functions. So if you no longer have enough, your provider will recommend medication. This helps replace your natural thyroid hormone.

Without thyroid hormone replacement, you’ll develop symptoms of hypothyroidism . These symptoms can include:

These symptoms usually go away when you take thyroid hormone replacement.

If untreated, hypothyroidism can become life-threatening. That’s why your provider will order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels soon after surgery and then regularly after. This is to make sure your hormone levels stay in a healthy range and youre taking the correct dose of medication.

If you only had a small portion of your thyroid removed, theres an 80% chance you won’t need thyroid medication.

Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery

The typical incision made for thyroid surgery is known as a “collar incision” in which a large incision is made stretching from one side of the neck to the other just above the collar bone. Minimally invasive thyroid surgery refers to certain types of surgery in which the thyroid is removed through very small incisions using special techniques. Columbia Thyroid Center surgeons perform minimally invasive thyroid surgery in over 95% of patients, typically using an incision measuring just an inch to an inch and a half in length. In addition to using very small incisions, our surgeons “hide” the incision in a natural skin crease which acts like camouflage. Most people will not be able to notice the incision once the redness fades away. See our Scar Gallery section for examples of minimally invasive thyroid surgery.

At the Columbia Thyroid Center, 95% of our patients are able to go home after a 4 hour observation period in the recovery room. In certain cases, a patient may be asked to spend the night in the hospital. Patients who are asked to stay overnight generally have very large goiters, advanced cancer, bleeding disorders, a history of taking anticoagulation, or have a personal preference to spend the night. Patients who spend the night in the hospital are typically discharged by 10AM the next morning.

Also Check: Do I Have Thyroid Cancer

How To Lose Weight After Thyroid Removal

The thyroid gland produces hormones that balance all body functions, including your metabolism. Your metabolism converts food into energy, and is partly responsible for your weight. If the thyroid gland is removed through a procedure called a thyroidectomy, your metabolism is disrupted from the lack of thyroid hormones. As a result, you could gain weight after the procedure. The key to weight loss is keeping up with medical treatment and taking steps on your own to keep your weight in control.

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How Do Thyroid Issues Affect My Bariatric Weight Loss

Weight Gain After Thyroid Surgery- Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight

by WeightWise | May 19, 2015 | Options for Weight Loss, Weight Loss Surgery |

Your bodys metabolism is dependent upon proper thyroid functioning. Your thyroid places a crucial role in your bodys overall function. It secretes hormones that help regulate your heart rate, keep your skin healthy, and they help with your bodys metabolism.

Thats why individuals with thyroid malfunction, particularly underactive thyroids, may have problems losing weight. Sometimes those with thyroid problems may not be able to lose weight through just diet and exercise, though.

As such, people with underactive thyroids are able to undergo procedures like bariatric surgery however, theyll need to stay in close touch with their primary care physician to monitor their condition afterward.

In fact, a 2017 study found that bariatric surgery can be effective in treating obesity and it can also help with the overall improvement of the thyroid function for people living with an underactive thyroid. The study included 93 hypothyroid patients and 83 were treated with replacement thyroid hormone in addition to undergoing bariatric surgery. Results showed that overall body mass index was reduced, while 13.2% of patients did not need to take the thyroid replacement hormone one year after surgery, and the others required less dosage.

Also Check: How Do I Check My Thyroid

Data Collection And Management

Working independently and in duplicate and using a standardized form, reviewers collected the following information from each included study: study design, patient age and sex, sample size, type of thyroid surgery, weight and BMI values before and after surgery, follow-up time, whether patients with thyroid cancer received RAI and preparation method , thyroid function tests values, and exclusion criteria for each study.

Reasons Patients Without A Thyroid Struggle With Weight Gain

You should be aware that each patient is a little bit different.

Ive seen stories of people who gain weight immediately after their thyroid has been removed and Ive seen people who were fine for a few years and then suddenly experienced rapid weight gain.

Others still experience a slow weight gain over many years.

Whatever flavor of weight gain you are struggling with, once your thyroid has been removed will most likely stem down to these 4 reasons.

You should be aware of these reasons because the chances are high that your doctor will most likely ignore them.

It will be up to you to advocate for yourself!

#1. Your Thyroid Regulates your Metabolism

The PRIMARY reason that women gain weight once their thyroid has been removed is actually quite simple.

Your thyroid gland controls and regulates the majority of your metabolism.

You know, your metabolism, the same thing that controls how many calories you burn on a day-to-day basis which in turn regulates your appetite.

The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling about 60% of your entire metabolism , give or take a few percentage points based on the person.

We know this because of clinical studies which have attempted to estimate exactly how much your thyroid contributes to body weight.

And this shouldnt come as a surprise.

Why?

Because one of the biggest complaints of people with low thyroid is weight gain. In fact, its the #1 most endorsed symptom by women with low thyroid function.

This brings me to the next topic

Read Also: Are Home Thyroid Tests Accurate

Is Weight Loss Impossible After Thyroidectomy

What does all of this information mean for you if you dont have a thyroid?

Will it ever be possible to lose weight and get back to a normal healthy weight?

The answer is yes.

But you should be aware that your weight loss journey will be much slower than people who have a thyroid.

Thats just the unfortunate situation that you are now in once your thyroid is gone.

I usually tell people without a thyroid to expect weight loss at about a rate of 50% compared to people with a thyroid.

They will also have to try about twice as hard as the average person.

Yes, its slow, and yes its hard, but its not impossible.

Another thing that you should know is that your thyroid medication is going to be a very important part of your weight loss journey.

Because your thyroid can no longer produce thyroid hormone on its own, you will need to pay close attention to what type of thyroid medication you are using and how much you are using.

Your goal here should be to try and mimic whatever production of thyroid hormone your thyroid was producing BEFORE it was taken out.

This will almost always include a combination of T4 and T3.

If you arent familiar with T3 thyroid medications then I would recommend you look at both Cytomel and liothyronine.

These are prescription medications that contain the T3 thyroid hormone and can be added to your existing dose of levothyroxine or Synthroid.

Either source will work but make sure you do NOT neglect this step!

Its All About The Hormones

WP Thyroid Weight Loss: 55 pounds over 6 months with Before/After ...

As you can see, hormones really do control everything. Throw in aging and stress and now things get a bit more challenging.

So today Im going to give you some great suggestions which will help improve your thyroid conversion to the active T3 and maximize your fat loss. But well ALSO be optimizing your other fat burning hormones which means a faster metabolism, more energy and healthier fat loss especially in those stubborn fat areas.

So, dont worry its not your fault. There is hope, Ive got the solution and you CAN do it!

Recommended Reading: Symptoms Of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer After Thyroidectomy

What Is The Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland at the base of theneck, which is shaped like a butterfly. Its function is to regulate yourmetabolism by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. When it releases thecorrect amount, the body naturally tries to stay at a healthy weight. When itreleases too much, people tend to become underweight. And for those whosethyroid releases too few hormones, it leads to being overweight or obese.

What Are The Most Common Complications Of A Thyroidectomy

A thyroidectomy is a very safe operation with a low likelihood of complications when an experienced surgeon performs it. Although uncommon, complications are possible. Complications are more likely if your cancer or goiter are large or if youve had prior thyroid surgery.

Thyroidectomy complications can include:

  • Bleeding: Bleeding in the neck may block the trachea . This can make breathing difficult.

  • Hoarse voice: Injury to one or both nerves to the larynx can occur during surgery. This can be permanent, but usually it goes away in a few months.

  • Difficulty breathing: Bleeding or damage to the surrounding nerves can cause breathing problems. This can happen when large goiters or tumors change the shape of the thyroid.

  • Hypocalcemia: This can happen from damage to the parathyroid glands, which attach to the back of the thyroid gland. They help control calcium levels in the bones and blood. Low levels can lead to tingling, muscle spasms, and sometimes seizures.

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Familiarize Yourself With Medications

Some medications healthcare providers prescribe for thyroid-related symptoms or other conditions can cause weight gain. The following medications are associated with weight gain:

If you’re taking any of these medications and you’re gaining weight, talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. Never stop taking a medication without your healthcare provider’s input.

Thyroid Disease Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Will I Be Able To Lose Weight After Thyroid Surgery

6 month post Thyroidectomy surgery update (Weight gain & lethargy)

By | Submitted On January 28, 2010

The thyroid is an important gland for regulating cell growth and metabolism in the body. This small gland is situated just below the Adam’s apple in the throat. It is somewhat butterfly-shaped, consisting of two halves that are connected by a small piece of tissue called an isthmus.

The job of the thyroid is to absorb iodine and then convert it into two types of thyroid hormone: T3 and T4. These hormones are released into the blood and travel to every cell in the body, helping cells convert oxygen and calories to energy for use by the body. This entire process is controlled by the pituitary gland.

In the case of some people, the thyroid gland can become diseased, causing it to not produce enough thyroid hormones so needed by the body for its normal functioning. This is called hypothyroidism. Alternatively, thyroid problems can lead to the gland producing too much thyroid hormone, which is called hyperthyroidism.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include excessive weight gain, depressions, anxiety, hair loss and sexual dysfunction. Weight gain is one of the problems because the body is less able to metabolize energy and oxygen without the help of the thyroid hormone.

If you have not already talked with your doctor about whether you will need to take a thyroid supplement after surgery, be sure to initiate the conversation yourself: taking responsibility for one’s own health is always the best policy.

Read Also: What Genes Are Mutated In Thyroid Cancer

Weight Loss Tips For Patients After Thyroid Removal

You need to understand that there is no such thing as a quick-fix. We will not be sharing any weight loss secrets or unhealthy methods that will help you lose 10 pounds in one week. Instead, we will be sharing science-backed up tips that are meant to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight after a partial or a complete thyroidectomy.

Best Methods To Lose Fat Quickly

There are really 3 main keys to healthy, long-term fat loss and I’m going to simplify it for you.

  • Diet – this is one of the most important, since you can easily consume more calories than you can burn.
  • Exercise – by doing the right form of exercise you’ll burn more calories, which will allow you to eat more food or not diet as hard.
  • Supplements – the right kind will improve your “fat burning genes” by up-regulating key fat burning hormones, which means faster fat loss.
  • Recommended Reading: Can Armour Thyroid Cause High Blood Pressure

    The Relationship Between Thyroids And Bariatric Surgery

    Bariatric surgery is the most effective obesity treatment, as bariatric surgery can effectively aid in weight loss treatment on patients with thyroid abnormalities. The thyroid and its functions play an important role in regulating body weight, this can affect how your body metabolizes food and can lead towards weight gain or weight loss.

    Reduce The Number Of Complex Carbs

    Leah Overcomes Thyroid Complications Sheds Over 35 Pounds

    Take a look around your kitchen and try to identify any complex carbs. Familiar examples are white bread, white pasta, white potatoes, rice, etc. There is at least one of these examples hiding in your kitchen right now. Make an effort to replace them with a healthier option. Try eating more whole-grain bread and pasta, maybe switch to brown rice and sweet potatoes for a change.

    Eliminate any processed food, fast food, chips, and anything that comes with way too many calories and little to no nutrients whatsoever. Taking these easy and simple steps will get you closer to your goal weight.

    Read Also: How To Control Thyroid In Female By Food

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