Does Tonsillectomy Cause Excessive Weight Loss?

Posted on Sun, 6 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 6 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 16 year old who is looking to get a tonsillectomy in about 2 months. Firstly I was wondering if thermal welding was a good idea. Secondly I am 5'3'' and about 110 pounds. I am worried about losing a lot of weight during my recovery, but it is hard for me to gain weight. Should I try to gain weight now like a bear before winter?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: hi , tonsillectomy, no thermal welding. Detailed Answer: Hi , you can go for tonsillectomy after 2 months. You will not loose much weight after surgery may be 10 pounds in 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, thats it. No need to put on weight. Thermal welding is not a good option , go for routine tonsillectomy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (18 hours later)

Ok thanks , but I thought thermal welding promised less pain? Why isn't it a good option. Also by routine do you mean electrocautery?

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: hi, tonsillectomy by dissection and snare method. Detailed Answer: Hi, I meant thermal welding means electrocauterization or even coblation technique. In these technique chances of prolonged healing , Late recovery, with more chances of infection are seen. By Routine technique means by dissection and snare method, which is ideal surgical technique for tonsillectomy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T