
Chloe McElmury
Thyroid Cancer Survivors Answer: Weight changes and thyroid cancer
We asked survivors, did thyroid cancer affect your weight?
I got motivated and lost 20 pounds
Gained
A slow gradual increase in weight
+30 lbs
Oh lord I’ve put so much on. Used to be able to drop winter weight now I feel like a moose
#1 thing I was worried about—but so far my weight has stayed within a 5lb range (as in it flucuates within that range depending on the day)
You have no idea, I’m sick of working on losing or even just maintaining it!
My weight has increased almost 3 pounds a week since my total thyroidectomy
No weight changes
Gained 10-15 pounds before surgery, 3 months post-op I feel like I’ve lost a little bit of it
BIG time. No pun intended. Cons of being really hypo
Yes
Lost 7kg
No
Yep I’ve gained about 75 lbs
Yes. I’ve gained weight and can’t keep it off.
The most fluctuations I’ve ever had to deal with— there is no maintaining
Only 3 months post op so thankfully not too much.. I’m anticipating a gain, but choosing better choices now
Tremendously. I’ve gained over 45 lbs in the 5 months. It’s the pits
I’ve lost weight when I was suppressed. Already thin, so I looked and felt very sick.
Ugh been on the up side since I was diagnosed
Omg not sure if it’s the shitty meds or just age but yes. Sure has.
Made me gain.
It’s impossible to shed the lbs!
Graves and cancer made me bloat with 18lbs of water, once I got a thyroidectomy I lost it all.
Yes, but it could be worse.. however I’m not happy with my weight
Stayed the same. Fighting for just over a year.
A lot!!!! I gained 10 kg and it is the hardest thing to lose weight, I breathe and gain one kg
I’ve gained about 14lbs that I can’t lose
Size 10 when diagnosed— now a size 14
Up up up
Increased appetite, but no energy whatsoever to go the gym and be active
After RAI I gained so much weight, it was awful
Lost 10 (1st dose) then gained it back and another 10 when my dose change
I’ve very suppressed due to a recurrence and was still able to lose over 120 pounds!
I’ve gained about 15 pounds
Yes
Soooo much weight gain and I can’t seem to lose it. Would love some recommendations!
More or less
Yee
My weight keeps going up and down, I feel like I don’t even eat much but I gain so quickly
I’ve gained about 20 pounds since my diagnosis!
My weight gain skyrocketed, I am working with a nutritionist and health dept
I’ve gained 80 pounds
Gained sooooo much. I’m suppressed so I thought I’d lose. but nope…
Up about 10 lbs
Finding it hard to lose weight despite good diet and exercise
Yes a lot, in addition to taking birth control to regulate my cycle.
More or less the same weight
I have gained almost a stone and a half and I can’t get rid of it
Weirdly no. I don’t understand it because I feel like crap and my levels still aren’t right. Grateful though.
We also asked survivors their tips for losing/maintaining weight as a thyroid cancer survivor. It really came down to staying in touch with your health and perfecting your mindset.
Mindset
Perspective is everything, don’t let this take over your life
Know that a lot is going to change, but it’s ok, you can handle it
Fatigue is real and will rob you of your energy, but find small ways to move to help your spirit
Be kind to yourself. I’m in the midst of it and still how to do that
Don’t let it take over every thought. Exercise helps a lot too but it can be hard sometimes
Give yourself grace. You fought cancer and all good fighters have some scars.
Don’t give up on your health
Keep up with bloodwork on a regular basis. Don’t let it go!
Don’t forget to get checked up every other month
Go organic, better for the hormones
Energy is key to working out with you need to lose or maintain your weight. B12 shots!
Massage therapy on the neck. There were tight spots I didn’t realize were there!
Try to eat as healthy as you can with lots of water and fluids too. Speak to your thyroid consultant.
Talk to your professionals, get connected with the thyroid cancer support groups
Try eating low-carb! It helped me get rid of that bloated feeling.
Water, water, water!
(If it's possible for you) try a smart watch like the AppleWatch or Fitbit! They can help you stay motivated.