Stomach/migraines from lack of Gallbladder?

Question

I had my gallbladder taken out in Feb 2004 and I still have massive stomachaches. After my surgery it wasn't so bad but up until the last 6 months I've had extreme stomach problems such as alot of gas, abnormal belching (if I wanted to I could burp the abcs without stopping bad), headaches, nausea and bloating. Its like I can't eat most foods that I could eat before such as dairy, most veggies, eggs, spicy stuff, etc. I'm half korean so I have always been used to eating extremely spicy things, but lately, difficult. When I had my gallbladder taken out it was when my father passed away but my stomach was fine afterwards but now its gotten pretty bad. On some occasions, such as a month ago I got really ill and extremely bloated with gas that I could feel the gas moving around in my stomach and hear it very well. My stomach actually rumbled and its pretty visible outwards. Is this caused by recent stressors or should I look into other possibilities? Anyone out there have the same problem

Answer 1

It sounds exactly what I've been going through. I had a cholecystectomy in 1987 and for a while, things were all right. One at a time, I became unable to digest a whole list of foods. Most were the things you mentioned. I dont want to put thoughts into your mind, but I was once sent to the ER for something that turned out to be gas. It can get really painful-as you no doubt know. There are many different meds to handle your stomach problems, but I found, after I retired, that most of it could be handled with Tums. See a doctor and have him evaluate where all of the problems are coming from.
I'm afraid that stress is a big contributor. If you can, try to meditate and keep stress out of the picture-as much as possible anyhow. Good luck with this.

Answer 2

See a doctor and get a referral to a dietitian.

Since the gall bladder is there to break down fat so it can be digested more easily, it does seem logical that someone might have problems with fatty food after cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal).

You may need medication, or maybe it can be worked out by avoiding certain foods. A good dietitian would be able to work out a diet plan.

I'm talking about a licensed/registered dietitian with RD/LD behind his or her name. A lot of people call themselves "nutritionist" but that's not the same thing.

Answer 3

When my son had his gallbladder out, the surgeon told us that the most common problem after gallbladder removal is associated with the intake of fats. I would try tracking your fat intake to see if your bad attacks are connected with intake of dietary fats. My son gets terrible gas and/or diarrhea if he eats too much fat.