Thyroid Cancer Patients

davica321

Anyway a member who has had a total thyroid appendectomy? I had my removed when I was in my early 20's and had another surgery as the cancer came back this past March. My weight has steadily climbed since my Thyroid was removed 20 years ago. My endocrine doc will tell you that has nothing to do w/ my weight gain but I beg to differ. Any weight loss tips from anyone in the same boat as me?

deannalfisher

@CSARdiver and I and others....

when was the last time you had a full blood panel done? TS, T4, T3, RT3, FT4, FT3 - etc? if all of your levels are optimtized (since there is a wide range of normal) - you should have no issues losing weight (I think the metabolic difference of thyroid is like 60cal a day less than the average person)

CSARdiver

Your doctor is correct, but this needs some explanation. Here's what matters and what does not:

Metabolism isn't fast or slow, it just is. It's a series of biochemical reactions that have limited influence from outside factors. Hormonal impact is minimal and per clinical observation this amounts to ~5%...that's 80 kcals/day out of a 1600 kcal/day budget.

The only weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is water weight - an issue occurring with nearly all hormonal shifts. This is your body's defense mechanism to protect cells against temporary changes. It also goes away in 5-7 days with proper hydration.

Thyroid may impact appetite, but not hunger. Knowing the difference between the two is critical to weight management.

The primary driver of weight is behavior - calorie intake & calorie output.

I had a total thyroidectomy in 2000 due to cancer. This forced me out of active service in the US Navy and I transitioned from a high active military career to a cushy job in academia. I listened to much of the internet woo on hypothyroidism and resigned myself to gaining weight. I put on ~70 lbs over the next 14 years.

In 2014 I started with MFP and read up on what mattered - learned the basics of weighing my food and calorie counting. I implemented a moderate caloric deficit and gradually increased my activity. I lost >60 lbs the first year doing this. I'm approaching 4 years on MFP now and have focused my goals more on performance and strength and have lost ~20 lbs of fat and gained about 20 lbs muscle over the past 3 years.

Some key tips that really helped me:

1. Time management and prioritization. There are 168 hours in a week. There is always time for workouts, it's a matter of prioritization.
2. Routine - I have a non-functioning gland, so need to minimize impact by establishing a routine.
3. Hydration - I drink 16 oz of water 30 mins prior to every meal. This helps with appetite cravings and provides a full sensation.

There are a number of MFP vets on here with various thyroid disorders all managing weight successfully. Seek them out and learn from them.

My diary is open and I'll do my best to answer any questions you have.