How much weight do you lose after a tonsillectomy?

Setting: Adult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.

Do you lose weight after getting your tonsils removed?

It's common for people to lose weight after this surgery. That's because it can hurt to swallow food at first. As long as you drink plenty of liquids, this is okay. You will probably gain the weight back when you can eat normally again.

Do you gain weight back after tonsillectomy?

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT. It's not like the child is going to expand like a balloon. Mostly they gain a couple of pounds which translates into a 1.0- to 1.2-point increase in averaged BMI scores.

What day is worse after tonsillectomy?

Post-operative pain may get worse around day 3 or 4, but it should then start to improve. The speed the pain goes away depends on the individual. Some people will experience pain up to 14 days after the procedure.

How much do tonsils weigh?

The normal adult tonsil measures up to 2·5 cm in length, 2·0 cm in width and 1·2 cm in thickness. Its average weight is 1·5 g. There are about 20 crypts reaching the deepest part of the structure. Submucosal glands lie in the peripheral part.

Post-Tonsillectomy Diet: what to eat or drink after tonsil surgery, what to avoid

Do tonsils affect weight?

Across all three analyses, an association between tonsillectomy and greater-than-expected weight gain was seen, regardless of whether children were normal weight or overweight prior to surgery. The study appears in the February issue of the journal Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery.

Can enlarged tonsils cause obesity?

In a new study researchers found that childhood tonsillectomy could predispose patients to obesity later in life. The study involved 795 children from 0 to 18 years who were described as normal to overweight prior to their operations, and they were separated into three separate groups.

Can you brush teeth after tonsillectomy?

Looking after your mouth and throat

You can brush your teeth after the first night. You may have bad smelling breath as you heal. Avoid mouthwash for 1 week. You may gargle gently with a solution made of 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.

How long should I sleep sitting up after tonsillectomy?

Sleeping with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees or in a recliner for 3-4 days will reduce the swelling in the throat. The uvula (the thing that hangs down from the palate) may be swollen for the first few days and touch the tongue, occasionally causing a gagging sensation.

Are straws OK after tonsillectomy?

Your child should not drink through a straw after surgery until his throat is completely healed. Using a straw may increase the risk of bleeding. Give frequent small feedings of soft foods and cool liquids. They usually are most comfortable for your child.

Do tonsils affect height?

The chronic tonsillitis, has also an impact in the patient's weight and height, where the retardation varies about 10% from the children with normal development (5, 6).

Does your voice change after tonsil removal?

Conclusions Chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy cause alterations in some acoustic measurements, which make the voice dysharmonic and harsh. Tonsillectomy eliminates nasalance and lowers shimmer. Overall, it does not significantly alter dysphonia owing to disease.

Can adenoids affect weight?

All children in the study underwent the surgery because they had enlarged adenoids, which can cause obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB). In these young participants, weight gain as a result of removing the adenoids and tonsils to relieve breathing problems could create a vicious cycle.

Why are tonsillectomies worse for adults?

Adults also report experiencing more pain than children after a tonsillectomy. This could be related to adults have more scar tissue on their tonsils, making them more difficult to remove. Scar tissue builds on the tonsils with each infection, and adults have had more time to accumulate scar tissue.

How can I speed up tonsillectomy recovery?

Chewing sugarless gum may help speed recovery after surgery. Significant rest is imperative for at least the first 48 hours after a tonsillectomy, and all normal activities should be limited. Activity can then increase slowly and gradually.

What can I eat 4 days after tonsillectomy?

Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as applesauce, custard, yogurt, creamy breakfast cereals (oatmeal, Malt-o-Meal), pudding, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, refried beans, and pureed fruits. Most people stick to a soft diet for a day or two after surgery. After that, you can try introducing other foods.

Is it OK to cough after tonsillectomy?

Is it normal for my child to have a cough after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy? Coughs can be common, primarily after the first several hours post-op due to having a breathing tube during surgery.

Can I wash my hair after a tonsillectomy?

Generally, people may return to school or work 7 to 10 days following a tonsillectomy and 2 to 3 days after an adenoidectomy. Patient should avoid swimming and vigorous activity for 14 days or until seen by the doctor. The patient may bathe and shampoo hair immediately, but do not use very hot water.

How painful is tonsil removal?

Tonsillectomy causes mild or moderate pain in most people. However, a few people may experience severe pain for the first two days after the surgery. On the third day, the pain may start subsiding. However, some may still experience severe pain on the third or seventh day after the surgery.

How long will my ears hurt after tonsillectomy?

PAIN –Throat pain and/or ear pain is common after tonsillectomy and it can take up to 2 weeks for you to feel better. Ear pain frequently occurs between the 3rd and 7th days and results from special nerve connections. Following tonsillectomy give regular doses of pain medications 4 to 5 times a day for a week.

When can I workout after a tonsillectomy?

It is important to avoid strenuous work, heavy lifting, exercise and gym for 3 weeks after surgery. Most children are out of school for 10-14 days. Adults are usually out of work for 10-14 days but may be longer if your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity.

Why does removing tonsils cause weight gain?

Why would that have any effect on weight? One theory is that enlarged tonsils cause difficulty swallowing, prompting a child to eat less. Once the tonsils are removed, appetite returns. No one knows how to explain it, but studies show a link between the surgery and weight gain.

What are the benefits of having your tonsils removed?

What are the benefits of tonsil surgery? Surgery to completely remove the tonsils (total tonsillectomy) can help to reduce the number of throat infections. Once the palatine tonsils have been removed, they can no longer become infected – but other areas of tissue in the throat can still become infected.

Can tonsils affect your gag reflex?

Although trigger points in the mouth may vary, a gag reflex will typically occur when something stimulates the base of the tongue, the uvula, or the tonsil area. Some people may gag from a very gentle touch on a trigger point, while others may be able to tolerate a more intense sensation before gagging.

Does tonsil removal stop tonsil stones?

The only way to fully prevent tonsil stones is to have your tonsils surgically removed. This procedure is called a tonsillectomy. It is usually used to treat chronic tonsillitis. Tonsillectomies are most commonly done in childhood, but can also be done in adults.