I had serious swallowing and choking issues before my Thyroidectomy. I had a small bit of trouble swallowing after surgery for maybe a week but I did not have any coughing or choking issues and I haven't had any issue with either since. I am 2 1/2 years out from surgery now. I have some residual movement issue in the left Thyroid's muscle but nothing that causes discomfort or overall problem.