I just had my galbladder removed and am recovering.?

Question

Can anyone tell me what if any changes I should expect now that my galbladder is removed?

I have heard everthing from - you won't eat as much, to you will gain weight, to you are more likley to get ulsers, etc, etc.

Please set the stories straight for me.

Thank you very much

Answer 1

As many as 20 percent of people who have surgery to remove their gallbladders (cholecystectomy) develop diarrhea. The diarrhea may last for many years. But it often improves over time — even without treatment.

The cause of diarrhea after gallbladder removal isn't clear. Many experts believe that it results from an increase in bile, especially bile acids, entering the large intestine — which may act as a laxative.

Treatment of diarrhea after gallbladder removal may include:

Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium)
Medications that impair absorption of bile acids, such as cholestyramine or aluminum hydroxide
A high-fiber diet to give your stool more bulk
There's no evidence that dietary changes improve diarrhea associated with gallbladder removal. However, you may want to limit foods that can worsen diarrhea. These include:

Spicy foods
Dairy products
Fatty foods
Caffeine
Alcohol
Certain medications — such as antacids with magnesium — also can increase diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications.

Answer 2

I had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago. I lost a few pounds right away but then gained them back in a few months. (i think that was due to the pain medication, not the surgery) I eat the same and my bathroom habits haven't changed at all. I have no ulcers.

I have 3 scars on my stomach and i can drink whole milk without laying on the floor for hours in pain. That's the only difference i have noticed.

Answer 3

I had mine removed about a year ago. There have only been two issues that I have noticed. The first happened right after recovering. I didn't have diarrhea, but I felt sick to my stomach and then all of the sudden, I would have to... number 2. The second is, now I am not able to eat spicy foods without getting heart burn. I never had heartburn before my surgery, but I have it about 2 - 3 x a month.

Good luck, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Answer 4

The problem is every one has different side effects from this operation, Some people have no side effects at all.
But it should not effect how much you eat,or gain weight or get ulcers .The thing you must do is cut down on fatty foods
With me i became wheat and gluten intolerant then later i become diabetic TYPE2
Some people i know became lactose intolerant another became intolerant to peanuts,lactose ,wheat
you will have to wait and see how you are effected if any, but from now on if you feel ill or strange see your doctor quickly as you may be developing a side effect

Answer 5

You shouldn't gain weight they say that because you can eat foods that you couldn't without upset before.You can eat the same amount ,don't gorge yourself,Ulcers are caused by stress --not having your gallbladder out.You may experience flushing of the system known as dumping shortly after you eat for the first couple of months but this too shall pass,it is not a life long thing as many say it is.There are no long term effects from having your gallbladder out except pain relief and not having an upset stomach when you eat.

Answer 6

I've never heard these warnings. I didn't gain wait. One plus was being more regular, if you get my drift. My appetite is too good, but I don't think it's related to the gallbladder surgery. The relief from the excruciating pain was worth any side effects. Other than a little soreness, I was fine with a few days, and the scars go away fairly quickly.

Answer 7

No u wont get obese by removing GB neither u wud develop ulcers.
Rather GB stones are a cuase for hyper acidity & dyspepsia that wud be cure.
U can have ur normal diet preferably with less oil & butter & spices.
GB is just astorage for bile which is relaesed when food reaches duodnum ,now after remval of GB the bile will reach directly by bile duct. No need to worry.

Answer 8

You main gain some weight, because the gall bladder's role is to help burn down fatty foods. Just keep an eye on weight gain and you will be fine.

If you had are still in recovery, keep in mind that you could have some bleeding from the stitched area, and in all seriousness, move your bowels regularly...that is very important.

Answer 9

you know its a really funny thing... I am exactly the same after having my gallbladder removed as I was before I started having problems with it. I have had no related weight gain, loose bowels, or eating differences. But I might be the exception to the rule, I was only told that I might not be as tolerant to dairy as I once was, but it seems fine also.

Answer 10

You will be fine. You should eat a low fat diet, so your body gets used to not having a gall bladder.
If you eat fatty foods, you may get some diarrhea. This is the biggest complaint I hear from pts who have had their gall bladder removed.
You will not gain weight. Your gall bladder has nothing to do with weight gain.
You will not get ulcers. Your gall bladder has nothing to do with your stomach.
RN