Depression after gallbladder removal

[Kurgan11]

Hello friends,I am in my 27 and seeking any advice from people people whose gallbladder has been removed due to polyps.

My gallbladder was removed 3 months ago due to 2 small polyps (5 mm, London 3mm) near the neck part, actually doctors advised me to keep an eye on them for a while if they change the size then removal would be an option. But since polyps close the neck, I was feeling constipated, nasua, bloating and losing appetite for at the end I decided to remove my gallbladder.

Now after 3 months of removal my bowel movements changed it is not like before (less amount of bowel). Also I feel not strong pain around my umbilicus, fatigue and sometimes bloated, even if it is 3 month after surgery, I am also depressed, all the time I am searching on the net about different deseasea. This is making me feel so bad every time.

Thanks, I found this Hub where I can find some advice and guidance

I wish healthy life and successful recovery for everyone

Thank you

Best wishes

Austin

[STEM_Dad]

My wife (when we were still married) had to have her gallbladder removed. It was full of gallstones, and was causing her regular intense pain. (The pathologist after removal said that it was just a matter of time before it ruptured, so she definitely had to have it removed.)

She experienced a change in digestion, and had to reduce the amount of fat in her diet (like trimming the fat on meat before cooking it, eating fried foods a lot less).

Recovery from the surgery takes time. She experienced bloating for weeks afterwards, even though it was done laproscopically (using small incisions, long, narrow surgical tools, and a laproscopic probe).

(Years later, she has a C-section to deliver our youngest child, and a couple of years after that she had another abdominal surgery...each time, she experienced heavy bloating.)

My dad has also had his gallbladder removed, and my mom has been told that she may have to also. They have been eating a diet that is low fat, low red meat (because of my dad also having gout), lots of vegetables, mostly complex carbs (very little simple carbs).

I know a couple of friends who had to have their gallbladder removed, too.

.....

You may have to make significant changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Many people have the procedure, but find it uncomfortable to talk about. I think that lifestyle changes due to gallbladder removal have a lot more impact on people than they realize. Some people are greatly affected. (e.g. Some discover that if she they anything too fatty, they will have to stay near a toilet for a while afterwards.)

Make sure to communicate everything you are experiencing with your doctor. Lifestyle changes can lead to depression, anxiety, even grief over loss of lifestyle preferences from before. Make sure you are getting the help you need.

[STEM_Dad in reply to STEM_Dad]

I am not a medical professional, so I don't know whether gallbladder removal might affect other biological changes that could be contributing to depression. That's definitely something to discuss with your doctor.

[Kurgan11 in reply to STEM_Dad]

Thank you for taking your precious time to share your advice, really appreciated.Since I found out I had polyps in my gallbladder, I have fear to talk to doctors and it seems they will tell me smth seriously concerning. I don't know it is because I am getting depressed.

[STEM_Dad in reply to Kurgan11]

I have learned that because I am prone to anxiety, almost anything can set it off. And any big life changes (besides big happy ones) can make me depressed.

So, if you are prone to depression, then that in itself may be the cause of the depression.

But, perhaps having your gallbladder out also affects your body in other ways (hormones, intestinal microbiome, etc). The gut-brain connection is a very real thing, proven my numerous studies already.

[Kurgan11 in reply to STEM_Dad]

Thank you STEM_Dad for very clear explanations and precious time, God bless you.

I have been struggling this abdominal weak pain and changes in my bowel for almost 2 months and it is making me feel so depressed and every time I Google it gives some serious responses which makes me more stressed.

These days, I am experiencing some physically weakness and feeling tired quickly if I walk quite a lot and stand. I want to lay down and take rest all the time. May be because it is from depression and since 3 month of surgery I didn't do any exercises and help my body to start functioning, just eating and taking rest for 3 months may be caused all of these problems.

I will try to do some exercises and stop googling and get advice from Gastroenterologist.

Thank you again sharing some advice

Stay always healthy

Best Regards

Austin

[STEM_Dad in reply to Kurgan11]

A gastroenterologist would be the expert to go to, for sure.

Walking is often a good exercise to start with, for most people. Yoga is supposed to be really good, too, but I've never given it a try.

I know that I should be exercising for my own mental and physical health needs.

I haven't had any kind of surgery GI surgery. I do have ADHD, and I've read a lot about how exercise can help improve both depression and ADHD, so I should give it a try. (I'm in my late 40s, and I've got the "dad bod" to prove it. I'd like to get fit, get more trim and develop some muscle, which I think will make me feel better about myself.)

[CLB1125]

I have had several surgeries and I can honestly say I dealt with more depression afterwards. My doctor told me it’s normal something to do with the anesthesia . I also had the gallbladder removed. You will need to change your diet. I can’t process cabbage, corn or beans and anything fatty. Severe bloating and gas. Diarrhea is common. Just be patient. You will find out what you can tolerate. And the depression will get better.

[momander]

Hi Austin,I'm so sorry you are feeling like this.

I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago and what should have been a very straightforward operation turned out to be a very complicated procedure. My gallbladder was full of stones and puss!! The pain I had afterwards was excruciating so I was opened up again but thankfully they found nothing. I got chronic constipation due to the morphine and my own opioid pain medication. I had to have a few enemas which then resulted in violent diarrhoea for 5 nights. I'm on a very bland diet just now to allow my bowel to get back to normal. No high fibre and no fruit and veg. It's been a horrible time and just really unfortunate. I've had very low days. I believe things will get better!! They have to!! The body has an amazing capacity to heal. Everything takes time. I'm taking each day at a time and hoping for the best

Please try hard not to worry too much. Things will get better. Take good care of yourself and be kind to yourself. I've got an incision that is not healing very well as they went in twice!! It WILL heal though!! I'm taking ine day at a time. I hope you feel better soon. Xx

[STEM_Dad in reply to momander]

I admire your attitude, when you've had such a rough go since your surgery.

You're very right that the body has a remarkable capacity to heal, but the effects that you've been dealing with would make many people negative, angry or depressed.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

[momander in reply to STEM_Dad]

Hi Austin,

I left out all the horrible bits!!! I have had a really awful time and i am not out the woods yet. Its just bad luck I think. I crave all the things I cant have!!! my favourite chinese carryout, a bacon roll, and lurpak butter!!! Its the kick up the backside I needed to get myself in to shape and stop eating junk after dinner at night. I have been really negative and I guess a bit angry too, and my mood has certainly been affected, but I cant change anything as they cant put my gallbladder back can they!!?? I just take one day at a time and if i see small improvements then i build on that and try to stay positive. You will get there, it just takes time.