Thyroidectomy

OK, so I've been thrown yet another curve ball.

I've had nodules in my thyroid for six years now.  I go have an ultrasound every year and the nodules have never changed...until now.  This year, I have two new nodules and two of the old ones have gotten bigger.  My doctor thinks I should have my thyroid removed.

I had the thyroid uptake scan back when the nodules were first discovered with negative results.  I've also had two fine-needle aspiration biopsies in the past, both with negative results.  My thyroid is still functioning, at the low end of normal, but my doctor thinks it is not worth the risk of it being cancerous.

I was agreeable to having the surgery until I read some of the posts online about the after-effects of the surgery.  One lady gained 40 pounds, another 20 and another 19. The last thing I need is to gain weight!  Other after-effects sound awful:  joint pain, mood swings, depression, tingling hands and feet, cold hands and feet, hair loss.  What could be more fun than that?

Now I'm not sure what to do.  I guess it will all work out eventually...