Will my eyes go back to its normal shape after Thyroidectomy?

[ArmyWife2000]

Well  I am a 22 year old female,  5'0 ft who used to weigh 85 lbs back in 2007 before I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. I wasn’t anoerexic just built small and short so weighing 85 lbs then was normal.  I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism in June 2008 and I also have Graves Disease, I now weigh 110 lbs, I gained that 15 lbs within 6 months, that sounds skinny to most people but I used to NOT gain weight no matter how much I ate before I had a thyroid problem so I now exercise and watch what I eat since I can easily gain weight. I wouldn't call myself fat, but I'm a little chubby, my face became rounder  and  my eyes are getting bigger or they're bulging due to Graves Disease.  I just feel and look  like a  different  person from 2007 coz  of this problem.
      I honestly can't remember what medications I had last year, but I had the Radioactive Pill this past December to kill my thyroid. But I just found out recently that the hospital didn't give me enough of the RAI to kill my thyroid gland. Since I don't have any  kids yet, my endocrinologist is suggesting a surgery to remove my thyroid gland. He said it's the safest way and I won't keep changing the dosage of my medicines then. When I have Thyroidectomy,  I won't have my thyroid gland anymore so t I'll be taking Hormone Replacement Pills. My question is,  when I get my hormones balanced with the proper medication intake...will that get rid of Graves Disease and my eyes go back to its normal shape? My thyroid gland won't be there to make too much hormones so will my eyes stop bulging and my apetite goes back to normal? Thank you very much for your answers and I am so sorry it is too long. I just thought you'd want the details. Thank you

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is complicated.  You have Graves hyperthyroidism possibly with thyroid eye disease.  The eye problems come in part from too much thyroid hormone, but moreover from an immune system attack on the fat and muscle in the eye socket (orbit) - this same immune system attack is what causes the thyroid to over-act.  RAI may aggravate the eye problem.  You must still be hyper, if additional treatment is being considered.  About 15% of Graves patients will still be somewhat hyper after one dose of I-131 and will need additional treatment.  we use surgery fairly frequently for Graves, particularly in younger patients with eye disease.  The eyes will often get much better - but may take a year.

[alex32]

I had surgery last November. In December my eyes were worst, now are much better. I am waiting until next cristmas!