Hi! Congratulations on making a decision and moving forward! That’s a big step. I did not have to stay overnight after surgery, but I think that (in general), most surgeons have the patient stay 24 hours. I went home 4 hours after surgery. I didn’t have a drain put in or anything.
As far as digesting carbs, I’ve never heard of that being a problem. I’m 7 months post surgery, and I eat like I used to. I haven’t gained any weight. I eat healthy and exercise. I splurge on occasion, but I don’t take any drastic measures to maintain my weight.
I take Synthroid (brand) 112mcg for replacement hormone and started 1/4 of a pill of a 5 mcg. Cytomel pill last week (which, I have to say, has made a big difference in my energy level and mood). My free T3 labs were at the very low end of the normal range, so my doctor was fine with me trying a T3 med. along with my Synthroid. Your wife will start out with Synthroid only (most likely) right after surgery and have labs drawn every 6 weeks to see where her levels are at.
After surgery, taking Tums (calcium carbonate) for 3 weeks was advised by my surgeon. Parathyroids regulate calcium levels and they get inflamed after surgery and may not work as well for 3 weeks or so. Mine were not damaged, but I still took the Tums- 4 times a day the 1st week, 3 times a day the 2nd week, and twice a day the 3rd week. It’s a precaution and Tums can’t hurt you. I took Advil for pain (didn’t need the prescription strength pain relief). If you have a great surgeon, things should go well. Good luck! Also, I had a subcuticular stitch- my scar is barely noticeable.
