Is it normal to be fat or thin after thyroid cancer surgery?

Gaining or losing weight after thyroid cancer surgery are two different things. In general, you may experience some physical changes, including weight fluctuations, during your recovery from thyroidectomy.

The first case: If you gain weight significantly after thyroidectomy, it may be due to hypothyroidism. This is because the thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human body. It is responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormones, which are essential for maintaining the body's metabolism, growth and development, and the functions of important organs such as the nervous system. When the thyroid gland is removed, the level of thyroid hormones in the body will drop sharply, resulting in a lower metabolic rate, which will cause weight gain.

The second situation: If there is a significant weight loss after thyroidectomy, it may be due to malnutrition or other health problems. This may be related to the patient's eating habits, medication, and other factors. Thyroid cancer itself may also affect the patient's appetite, leading to insufficient intake and weight loss.

Whether weight gain or weight loss after thyroid cancer surgery is normal needs to be determined based on the specific circumstances. If the weight gain is caused by hypothyroidism, it can be treated by supplementing thyroid hormones; if the weight loss is caused by malnutrition or other health problems, the symptoms need to be improved by adjusting the diet structure and strengthening nutrition. At the same time, patients are advised to have regular checkups to promptly detect and deal with any abnormalities.