Loss of appetite after thyroidectomy

[Feelingtired123]

I’m just wondering if anyone who has had a thyroidectomy also had a loss of appetite afterwards? Its 11 days after my operation and I just don’t want to eat much ( I was a big healthy eater before op) I’m trying to build myself up nutritionally so this is tricky as I feel like I’m forcing myself to eat.

[bantam12]

It's early days, expect to feel a bit wonky for a while, just eat what you can manage for now.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you I will. Yes you’re right, it’s early days.

[Nanaedake in reply to Feelingtired123]

What was the reason for thyroidectomy? If you were hyperthyroid before, you might have a lesser appetite as you would now be hypothyroid. Or do you think it might just be tiredness and the anaesthetic still wearing off.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to Nanaedake]

I have Graves so yes that would make sense, thanks for highlighting this. I guess for years ive been eating huge portions and being a real foodie, I’m just not used to it. But I literally can’t be bothered to eat an evening meal. I don’t mind a bit of breakfast but that’s it for the day.

[Nanaedake in reply to Feelingtired123]

Main thing is to stay well hydrated. Small meals often and make them nutritious.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you, yes good idea

[jimh111 in reply to Nanaedake]

Hyperthyroidism usually increases appetite.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to jimh111]

Yes I had increased appetite for many years so it’s just a surprise to suddenly not be constantly hungry. But it does make sense now I think about it

[MissGrace in reply to Feelingtired123]

Be nice to yourself and give it time. You need to recover from a traumatic operation. Good luck. 🤸🏿‍♀️

[Feelingtired123 in reply to MissGrace]

Thank you I will

[Helsan in reply to Feelingtired123]

Same with me after thyroidectomy I’ve never totally got appetite back and lost taste for some foods I loved before. I sssume you have been given Levothyroxine which for me took a while to kick in. It was good for a few months but then I became very hypo for a longtime during which I kept being told my results were fine. Being hypo definitely took away my appetite but I piled on weight st same time. If you don’t pick up after six months or so or get worse do see an endocrinologist. The surgeon managed my meds and totally missed that I am a non converter. I had really high T4 and way below level T3 with high RT3. It’s still controversial issue but I now have T3 added to some T4. You may be fine on Levo but just me aware. Hope all goes well.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to Helsan]

Thank you. I have a blood test next week and then post op appointment. But I’ve been following a few threads on here regarding T3 so I’m keen to see how I get on with just Levothyroxine. I appreciate you telling me how you got on, many thanks

[Ell17]

It's also common for appetite to be affected after any type of surgery (especially head/neck). I have only had surgery once many years ago. But, one of the things the doctor told me was that I may not have much of an appetite for a while, due to the fact that surgery of any type is still a trauma to the the body. Every person's body reacts and heals differently. He said many times it's the after effects of anasthesia, in addition. Some people even experience excessive hair fall after surgery. All I know is that he was right in my case. Food repulsed me for a year and a half. I literally had to force myself to eat. But, everything eventually balanced out.

Your body is intelligent and will sort itself out on its own schedule.😊

[Feelingtired123 in reply to Ell17]

Thank you this is so interesting and I’m grateful that you shared this. I was getting a bit concerned

[Ell17 in reply to Feelingtired123]

You're welcome.😊 It's a challenge for sure. I, like you, completely lost my appetite. I simply was not hungry, ever, for that period of time. Food just didn't taste the same anymore. It was also strange because I never felt weak or jittery, even though I had so few calories going in. Fresh fruit, jello, popsicles, and homemade vegetable soup, tea and ice water were the only things I would eat in small quantities, and that was only because I knew I had to. So, hopefully yours will be much shorter a duration than mine.

Hope you are feeling better soon.😊

[Hidden]

Before going into hospital for my TT I ordered plenty of Organic Baby foods and made lots of soup, bone broth is also easy to swallow and good for you. You could also cook food and liquidize it too. I didn't really lose my appetite only that I had to find things easy to eat.

[Feelingtired123]

Thank you for your message. Sounds like you had a fair bit of discomfort swallowing, I hope it didn’t last too long. With me it is just that I’m not hungry in the slightest. My throat is ok with swallowing. I see that from the messages that it can happen so I think it maybe will pass hopefully

[JanetGarrettN]

I had half a thyroidectomy 2009 the other remaining half in 2012. I don't really recall about appetite but I do remember that all I wanted or was recommended were milkshakes at that time. Best of luck to you. Janet

[Feelingtired123]

Yes milkshakes and smoothies are definately the best choice of drinks.

[SusanAR]

I had no appetite for about 6 weeks after my thyroidectomy. I remember I craved roast beef and melon which was a bit strange! So I ate a couple of slices of roast beef and a small bowl of melon a couple of times a day and that was it. I drank a load of water too. I was always thirsty.

My tastes also changed. I would never have even thought about eating rice or eggs before and now I do eat them. I used to drink fizzy drinks and eat noodles and pasta but I couldn’t stand them after my thyroidectomy.

[Feelingtired123]

I was smiling as I read your message as I too only want to eat a few things, poached eggs on toast and oranges. That’s it! So I’ll go with that and hope it expands in time.

I’m having my first bloods since the op soon so fingers crossed, the levels will be ok but I realise this can take a while. I’m really keen to know if I’m able to convert T4 to T3.