What Causes Weight Gain Post Thyroid Gland Removal?

Posted on Sun, 1 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have gained 70# after removal of my thyroid and parathyroid. My dr seems very disinterested in this fact and I am extremely depressed about it; I exercise; eat sensibly and yet all I do is gain. The surgery was 18 months ago and last blood test showed my thyroid as .38. Any help

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Only normal thyroid levels are gonna do the trick.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Health Care Magic.

Thanks for writing.

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.

When thyroid gland is removed ..level of thyroid hormone suddenly get reduced in the body, the metabolism of body lowers down which causes weight gain no matter what.

You doctor is actually right in saying that once your levels.are sustained at normal , your metabolism will restart at a better pace again and this will burn fat.

I would suggest you not to feel dejected ,as your levels come back to normal and stay there for 6..7 months you will start losing weight.

Don't give up on exercise and diet control because you will gain more weight if you don't do that.

So in short : wait and keep your levels at normal , in some time(about a year) your metabolism will be back to normal and your will start losing weight. Good or bad nothing can be done urgently about that.

I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.

Regrads.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)

Resident M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar