Lost half my thyroid, anyone eles?

schmidt72

I've have used my fitness pal before and I lost almost 30 pounds.
However once I got comfortable I stopped.
I started having headaches 24/7 which then I stopped walking, eating properly. Fast forward I put that 30 plus more right back on.
I was a size 12 then and now I'm almost a size 20 and 225.00 pounds.
I thought I had a heartatack one night and went to the hospital.
No heartatack, however they found a 4cm tumor on my isthmus.
Three weeks ago I had my left thyroid and isthmus removed.
I understand that the thyroid has a lot to do with weight gain when it's slow.
So my question is : anyone eles had their thyroid removed and still lost weight?

Athena98501

I haven't, but it would have a similar effect to hypothyroidism. I'm at 40% off what I've read if the typical dose for complete thyroid hormone replacement (for those who've had the whole thing out).

ETA: I've lost 42 pounds in the last year, and was just above your current weight.

Bechler77

I've had my thyroid irradiated 2 1/2 years ago and I've lost over 140lbs since December of 2016. The biggest part of not having a thyroid is making sure your TSH numbers stay within a normal range. This can take awhile but eventually the numbers will stabilize.

Athena98501

Bechler77 wrote: »

I've had my thyroid irradiated 2 1/2 years ago and I've lost over 140lbs since December of 2016. The biggest part of not having a thyroid is making sure your TSH numbers stay within a normal range. This can take awhile but eventually the numbers will stabilize.

I have to strongly disagree with that degree of reliance on TSH. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is not produced by the thyroid, and thus is not a measure of thyroid function. Many have a relatively good TSH level, and don't produce enough thyroid hormone.

Think of TSH as a work-order, telling your thyroid what to do. My thyroid doesn't do as it's told, and I'm not alone there. The pituitary gland is supposed to pick up on this, and demand the thyroid pick up production (message is supposed to be sent via elevated TSH). This doesn't always happen, and in those cases, a TSH level alone is useless.

For anyone who might find it useful, here's an explanation that covers the bases well, and offers guidance on getting what you need.

https://www.verywell.com/thyroid-4014636

I had one doctor tell me "Boy, it's a shame your TSH always comes back normal, because your symptoms are textbook Hypothyroid." My TSH was tested at least every 6 months for around 20 years. I wish I'd known years ago what I know now.

HeidiCooksSupper

Both my mother (now 94) and I (now 66) had half our thyroids turn into fluid-filled cysts in our early 40s and had thyroid hemispherectomies. Both our little 1/2-thyroids kept us normal for a number of years but then we both had to start taking daily synthroid (Levothyroxin). Both of us have, with the help of our little pills, kept normal thyroid levels for decades. Neither of us has ever noticed any effect on weight. Wanna compare thyroid scars?

Athena98501

Still just on the related topic of hypothyroidism and TSH, but I just looked at a conversion chart, and realized I'm on full thyroid replacement. My TSH before any treatment was 2.0, which is decent, and wouldn't be considered anything that needed treatment without the more comprehensive testing.

chellelosesit

I have had my entire thyroid out since 2009-2010. I'm on levo, and struggled for the longest time. I gained about 75 lbs. Now I've lost about 60 in the last year, and gained about 20 again. I wish there was an easier way to get my numbers corrected and find a good doctor where I am located, because I know that it's not just TSH numbers that matter. I firmly believe that low carb is to thank for my initial success. Living without a thyroid is a constant, daily struggle though. Best wishes!

dsboohead

HeidiCooksSupper wrote: »

Both my mother (now 94) and I (now 66) had half our thyroids turn into fluid-filled cysts in our early 40s and had thyroid hemispherectomies. Both our little 1/2-thyroids kept us normal for a number of years but then we both had to start taking daily synthroid (Levothyroxin). Both of us have, with the help of our little pills, kept normal thyroid levels for decades. Neither of us has ever noticed any effect on weight. Wanna compare thyroid scars?

If I knew how to post pictures I would show you mine but the same as you I have taken levothyroxine. I had mine removed at 14yo due to Graves disease. My levels have been good with regular bloodwork and pill adjustments as I grew older.

twoisplenty

I had thyroid cancer and a complete thyroidectomy. I put on A LOT of weight and find many tasks exhausting. I have had the best luck with a Keto diet. I exercise in multiple small bursts. 5 min here, 10 minutes there. Where there is a will, there is a way!

I’ve lost 20lbs so far

Fitnessmom82

I had radition on my thyroid many years ago, I am 100% reliant on synthroid. I gain weight very easily but don't have trouble losing. You just have to make sure your levels are in order. I've had the best weight loss success with eating pretty low carb and working out a lot. I can't seem to lose with just diet or exercise alone. It's worth noting, make sure your having your levels checked frequently while dieting. My doctor now has me coming every 3 months until I get to my goal weight. I've lost 37 pounds and had to have my meds adjusted once already. Doc predicts that it will need to be lowered again next visit.