What does your gallbladder do?

Question

My mom had hers removed, and I never was able to find out what it does and why you need it.

Answer 1

The function of the gallbladder is to store bile that is produced in the liver before the bile is secreted into the intestines. Bile secreted into the intestines helps the body digest fats.

Fortunately, the gallbladder is an organ that people can live without. Losing it won't even require a change in diet. Once the gallbladder is removed, bile flows out of the liver through the hepatic ducts into the common bile duct and goes directly into the small intestine, instead of being stored in the gallbladder. However, because the bile isn't stored in the gallbladder, it flows into the small intestine more frequently, causing diarrhea in some people. Also, some studies suggest that removing the gallbladder may cause higher blood cholesterol levels, so occasional cholesterol tests may be necessary

Answer 2

The gallbladder is a small sac underneath your liver that stores and secretes bile, a digestive fluid that breaks down fats. Gallstones form when the chemical compounds in bile become unbalanced -- no one's sure exactly why this happens, but a fatty diet often exacerbates the problem. This HealthDay article notes that roughly 20 million Americans suffer from gallstones, and 750,000 of them have their gallbladders removed.
One procedure for removing a gallbladder, called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a relatively straightforward affair. As gallbladder expert Dr. Mark Fusco explains, a tiny camera (laparoscope) is used to avoid large incisions. He also suggests that his patients "thoroughly cleanse" their umbilicus (belly button) prior to surgery.

Since bile is actually produced by the liver, it's possible to survive without a gallbladder, but not without unpleasant digestive tract complications. Some patients suffer from dumping syndrome, in which food is "dumped" too quickly into the intestines from the stomach.

The gallbladder is like a pump. Dr. Cynthia Foster observes that without it, the liver can't secrete enough bile to properly digest a full meal and recommends herbal supplements. Many people without gallbladders have to control their diet and eat small snacks throughout the day, rather than large meals. Bile-challenged eaters should also avoid fatty foods.

Answer 3

A gallbladder stores and secretes bile, a lot like the liver. Bile is the stuff that helps you digest. It is more concentrated when it's in your gallbladder than when it's in your liver so therefore it can sometimes work better. Of course, if you don't have a gallbladder your body can still be fine.

Answer 4

MommaKaye's answer is correct. The body is constantly releasing bile (helps body digest fat). When a person eats more fatty foods, the gallbladder helps release more bile into a person's system to help digest the fat.

Since your mother had hers removed, it is best that she reduce the amount of fatty foods in her diet. Otherwise she will experience diarrhea or constipation.

Answer 5

go to this site ..or you might get the wrong answer
http://www.webmd.com/todays_news/default.htm
I had mine removed at 23