Gallbladder removal

ironmaidenchick

I had my gallbladder removed about 3 months ago and have trouble keeping any foods down, even switching to a low fat diet does not help, does anyone else have this problem?

ohpretty

When I had Gallstones, it was really hard for me to eat anything fattening, fried, or dairy until my Gallbladder was removed. Once it was removed, I was literally afraid to have any of these things for a few weeks, and was very very careful. It only took about two weeks for me to start eating normally again and I was completely fine.

virgogirl916

I had my gallbladder removed in 2009. I still have issues with my stomach.

ohpretty

I should mention that I have trouble with acid reflux about once or twice a month that I didn't have until after my removal (about three years ago, now). That goes away with Prevacid, though.

ironmaidenchick

@virgogirl916 I have been doing a lot of research and it seems it's different for everyone, but I have read a lot of people have issues for a long time, I hate it, make me paranoid to eat anything when im not home as im usually sick straight away!
Is there anything you eat which doesn't seem to be as bad as some things?

Docmahi

It varies form person to person - I have seen people who go years without adjusting, and others who dont have to modify their diet at all - if you had gall stones then it means your body wasn't adjusted perse to not getting adequate bile (unlike someone who has a dysfunctional gallbladder) so it may take a little bit longer.

as I am sure your doctor has said low fat diet is generally the best to avoid the symptoms but unfortunately sometimes it just takes more time

ironmaidenchick

Ahhhhh acid reflux is ****, I get it really bad at night time but have just been prescribed some meds to get it under control so hoping they help

ngyoung

Heard supplementing with ox bile or bitters promote more bile in your digestion can help

QuilterInVA

I had mine removed way back in the olden days of 1977. I still cannot much fat or I have bathroom issues. I had morning sickness for a full year after it was removed. The doc said some people just react like that.

Snicklefritz81

I had a bunch of problems with too much fat for about 2 years, give or take. Then made some changes in my diet for other reasons, and now I have no issues with eating things higher in fat.

I think it does really just depend on you, and your diet.

hellokathy

I thought it was just me. I had the biggest problems for months! But they told me it was because I got a pancreatitis from the surgery which then led to a large cycst pushing against my stomach. I never knew problems like this could simply come from your body dealing with the lack of a gallbladder. Further proof that the doctors involved were douches.

da1128

Definite "bathroom issues" for everyone I know who has had this surgery, especially immediately after eating. Since all I have is "sludge" in my gallbladder on occasion, surgery would be elective, meaning I'd have to pay the whole amount. Pfft! That sludge is not comfortable.

ironmaidenchick

Thanks for all your replies, wow 1977 that would have been a big surgery, I had what they call non invasive where they pulled the little sucker out through my belly button. Still pretty painful afterwards and still get pains where it used to be but definitely better than having a gallbladder attack :-)

RealMarkD

I had mine out in November, but the only problem I had after was mild heartburn after eating or drinking (no matter what it was, even a glass of water). That last a couple of weeks, and since then, no issues at all.

bellesouth18

Mine was taken out 31 years ago in 1982. I was pregnant with my first child and having sharp pain in my right side, but my OB blew it off as "just normal pregnancy pains." Well, not only did I deliver a baby, shortly afterward I delivered 19 gallstones after having major surgery. This was long before the arthroscopic procedure used now (I wish). I do remember having issues with fatty foods for a while, but don't have that or any other problems now. Just don't eat what makes you feel queasy and give it some time. Hopefully, your body will adjust and you'll feel somewhat normal again.

Edit: added 1982.

ironmaidenchick

Wow 19 stones, that's crazy! I just had one big sucker.
Unfortunately no foods are good for me at the moment, does not matter what I eat it still makes me sick, sometimes its straight after or sometimes an hour later. Im guessing give it time for my body to adjust and hope that it gets better, the only plus side is the weight loss although it's not a healthy way to lose

MaryPoppinsIAint

I guess I'm one of the lucky few... I took it very very gently for a couple of weeks after the surgery, very bland diet, easy on the system. Gradually as I felt up to it I added things back and paid attention to how I felt afterwards. By a couple of months after the surgery, I was back to eating all the foods I'd eaten before... just in smaller portions and more greens. Overall a more balanced diet, but I haven't had to cut anything out entirely.

baybeecakes08

when i had my gall bladder out it took awhile to be able to keep food down. there are still moments where if i eat really unhealthy (pizza wings ect.) that i will still throw up !!

SanteMulberry

I had my gallbladder removed about 3 months ago and have trouble keeping any foods down, even switching to a low fat diet does not help, does anyone else have this problem?

You need to go to your doc--that isn't normal. Your digestion should be somewhat better than before your surgery by now. It is possible that the surgeon damaged the common bile duct and that you have gotten some obstruction from scarring. I would go sooner rather than later. Your GP will probably run some blood chemistry studies. Good luck.

MaryPoppinsIAint

I guess I'm one of the lucky few... I took it very very gently for a couple of weeks after the surgery, very bland diet, easy on the system. Gradually as I felt up to it I added things back and paid attention to how I felt afterwards. By a couple of months after the surgery, I was back to eating all the foods I'd eaten before... just in smaller portions and more greens. Overall a more balanced diet, but I haven't had to cut anything out entirely.

ironmaidenchick

I have seen my doc and had bloods and all sorts of other tests done, so am awaiting the results, next step in an endoscopy to see whats going on inside my stomach.

epie2098

I found the following helped:

-small portions, and snacking twice a day to better align with a constant but low release of bile by the liver, which is no longer stored in the gallbladder
-going vegetarian, as I found I tolerated plant oils much better than say, on a steak or pork chop
-eating eggs, because the yolk contains lecithin, which emulsifies fat and makes it easier to digest
-absolutely eating a low fat diet, so there is less fat overall to deal with (cream to skim milk in coffee, for example)

I don't throw up, but a rich meal will have me cramping up, distended, and nauseous. In the beginning, when I was still figuring it out, if I had a few days where I'd have too much fat I'd get constipated in addition to the above.

SanteMulberry

I have seen my doc and had bloods and all sorts of other tests done, so am awaiting the results, next step in an endoscopy to see whats going on inside my stomach.

Oh--glad you are being looked after. If there is anything going on, the blood work and endoscopy will discover it. Hope you feel better soon.

bellesouth18

Wow 19 stones, that's crazy! I just had one big sucker.
Unfortunately no foods are good for me at the moment, does not matter what I eat it still makes me sick, sometimes its straight after or sometimes an hour later. Im guessing give it time for my body to adjust and hope that it gets better, the only plus side is the weight loss although it's not a healthy way to lose

Mine were really small and were blocking the bile duct and had started affecting my liver function. If you're still having problems after 3 months, I'd definitely go to a doctor to see what's going on. I hope the upcoming test helps. Has the surgeon released you yet from his/her care?

ironmaidenchick

Thanks, yea unfortunately the health system here is a bit screwed up, I left hospital the day after surgery and that was the last I saw of the surgeon, as it's considered a minor surgery there has been no follow up whatsoever.
Hopefully it will be sorted soon :-)