My weight has BALLOONED since having had my gall bladder removed. Why?And what should I avoid to reverse this?

Answer 1

As previously mentioned, the gall bladder is involved in the digestion of fats, so not having one anymore could result in some weight gain so your diet might need to be looked at. You might be able to talk to a nutritionist about that.

However I'd imagine that having major abdominal surgery stopped you getting much activity for a while, and your levels of physical activity also play a big part in your bodyweight, so if you're fully healed up, look at accompanying a revised diet with a reasonable exercise regime (this could be as little as a half-hour brisk walk a day) and your weight will get back to normal in not too great an amount of time.

The good news is that the more weight you've put on, generally the easier it is to lose again with correct diet and exercise.

Answer 2

Somebody posted the same problem on an open forum. I had my Gallbladder out in April, After having symptoms for 5 Year. I am so glad I had the surgery!! But, I have noticed that I have been gaining weight over the last few months (About 8 pounds) I haven't been eating any differently, I have never had any problems with my weight in the past. Could the antidepressents have anything to do with it? Should I do more of a high protein diet instead now that I Had the surgery?
Forum-M.D.-KYP

06/21/05
I am not aware of gallbladder surgery specifically leading to weight gain. Also, I am not aware that you should change your diet after surgery.


I would consider checking the thyroid level as well as a testosterone level (if you are male). Abnormal levels in either of these can lead to weight fluctuation.



Another option would be to be referred to a nutritionist where a calorie count can be instituted.

Some classes of antidepressant if you are on, them; have weight gain as a side effect - .
I would consider checking the thyroid level as well as a testosterone level (if you are male). Abnormal levels in either of these can lead to weight fluctuation.


Kevin, M.D.

Medical Weblog:

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog

A surgeon has this to say:

06/19/05
Having your gallbladder out does not affect metabolism, and therefore has no direct effect one way or the other on your weight. However, some people find that after gallbladder surgery they can eat certain rich foods they previously had a hard time with, so they can gain weight on that basis.

But in general, absence of a gallbladder does not require any particular adjustments to one's diet unless there's a newfound lack of tolerance for certain things

In my extensive research, this is own observations:

Having your gallbladder out can create more problems than keeping it in. If you had your gallbladder out because of stones it is still possible to have stones in the liver- (esp in the bile ducts) -since that is where stones form. This would cause some pains. Eating and drinking and movement can help dislodge the stone, but it is still there.Your weight gain is probably caused by an anti depressant. However you will need to take a hi -lipase food enzyme now that you don't have a gallbladder to help you digest fats.


The gallbladder is involved in digesting fats, so when removed the digestion of fats is not as good as before because there is a steady stream of bile going from Liver to the small intestines instead of the amount the gall bladder would release when you ate a fatty meal.


People believe fats make you fat, but this is untrue, good fats actually help your body be able to burn the "bad" fats collecting on your thighs etc.... and because you are not digesting fat as well as before you are also not getting the same amount of good fats that your body needs for good health.


So this isn't a gurantee but try taking some bile salts (maybe available at a pharmacy) to help the digestion of fats and taking extra omega fats like flax seed or eating more salmon....maybe this could help???

Answer 3

with the gall blader remove you are sppose to be on a strict diet .