Advice/experiences wanted for gallbladder removals especially weight loss/gain

[Steph9852]

I've been having horrendous pain which comes and goes but keeps me up all night. It's a pain in the tummy, just under the ribs and the only way I could explain it was when your really hungry it hurts. This radiated to my back. I went to the doctors numerous times and they said it was acid and to take gaviscon regularly, this didn't help but I thought they must know their stuff so just kept up with the medication and dealt with the pain. I was the getting my hair done and my hairdresser suggested it could be the same problem as she had, gall stones. So I went back to the GP who (reluctantly) sent me In for a scan. This was back in 2016 and showed one small gallstone 2cm in size. They said it shouldn't give me any more problems as it's one small one and left it to that. I didn't have an attack for a few months but then went back and said I'm concerned and luckily after finding a doctor who would listen I was sent for another scan and then referred to the surgical team after seeing it had now grown to 3cm.

They're wiling to take my gallbladder out, and I was ecstatic. Normally it's fine but when I have attacks it immobilises me the pain is horrendous.

Since waiting for my surgery date I've been reading posts online regarding putting on huge amounts of weight after removing the gallbladder and not being able to control it or lose any of it. When I thought about it I have 2 family members who have had theirs removed and they are both extremely overweight, and weren't before their surgery. I've had trouble in the past with my weight, when I hit 14st I joined slimming World and lost 2st in 6 months or there abouts. I'm still not totally happy with my weight however I'm not unhappy like I was at 14st. Its my worst fear that I will have this surgery and put on 30lb and be physically unable to loose it. I was just here I suppose asking for people's opinion. If people who have had it removed have had problems with weight or if its just a coincidence some people are experiencing this after surgery.

My surgery is booked for this Friday (6 days) and I am really nervous, I've already thought about calling up to cancel.

Sorry for the rambling.

Thank you all in advance.

[Hidden]

Hi

I had mine removed in Oct 85 open surgery. I have had stomach issues since but I don't think they are related , maybe just coincidence. I needed to out on some weight after as I'd lost so much. Having it removed didn't cause me to put on weight. Please don't cancel, it will be worth it. Pm me if you need to xx

[Steph9852 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Oldham

I'm really nervous. It doesn't help with my anxiety but I can't help but think I'm going to struggle with weight after, it's really getting me down and bringing on fibro pains. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will keep that in mind xx

[Hidden in reply to Steph9852]

You wm get over key hole much quicker but listen to the advice about when you can start exercising. They should tell you to eat a healthy diet etc xx

[Steph9852 in reply to Hidden]

I struggle with exercise due to my fibro. Swimming is the only real thing I can do so will make sure to ask when I can begin doing that again. Thank you so much xx

[Hidden in reply to Steph9852]

I too struggle with exercise due to many painful conditions but I do try and get some walking in , problem is my legs soon go to jelly and I have to sit down quickly!! Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Steph9852]

Hi Steph

I had my gallbladder out when I had my TP, as others have had too, and I certainly haven’t put on any weight...

Please don’t be nervous.

Good luck 👍

Miles

[Steph9852 in reply to ThreeSmiles]

Thank you Miles. It's nice to hear other people's experiences as well as the bad ones you'll find in a Google search. Thank you xx

[alfredthegreat]

Hi Steph.

I had my gall bladder out like miles when I had my transplant the day before miles.

I was very overweight a few years back and at transplant I was still overweight according to my height, but some of that could have been down to fluid.

It's now 16 months + since transplant and I have lost more than a stone in that time and I am considered to be at my target weight.

so it's doesn't necessarily follow that without your gall bladder that you will gain weight.

The relatives that you talk about might have gained that weight anyway.

All the best for your op.

Alf

[Steph9852 in reply to alfredthegreat]

Hi Alf! (what a great name, it's what I called my son🥰)

Thank you for your reply. Amazing to hear about your weight loss, well done 🎉

I did think that about the relatives. But since that I've googled and there's a whole thread dedicated to people not being able to loose weight.. Could always be down to choice and not calorie counting, you never know.

Thank you xx

[alfredthegreat in reply to Steph9852]

Hi again Steph,

Thankyou about my new weight and also my name Good choice for your son

I've just looked up the latest figures and it says that 75% of Britons are overweight, so it can't all be down to having no gall bladder

So don't worry and best wishes.

Alf

[Steph9852 in reply to alfredthegreat]

That's made me feel much better. I've only made this profile this evening and everyone is so kind. Thank you xx

[Hidden]

Good morning Steph9852,

Welcome to this friendly forum. As you can see you will get lots of support from our lovely forum members.

I have simply included the link to gallstones from the British Liver Trust website for added information.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Try to bare in mind that the internet can be very useful but can also be tricky - if you look hard enough for something - you will usually find 'evidence' to support it.

We would suggest sticking to reputable sites like the British Liver Trust (obviously !) and NHS sites.

If you have ongoing concerns, it may be worth having a chat with the nursing/medical team when you are admitted for your surgery.

Best wishes,

Trust9

[Steph9852 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice! I will check out the link now!

[Beauport in reply to Hidden]

I've been having problems with my gallbladder for about a year now and my consultant refuses point blank to take it out. I have compensated cirrhosis and I'm told that because of my liver condition I have a 17 - 18% chance of popping my clogs following gallbladder surgery. Perhaps this is because my condition is chronic gallbladder inflammation, not stones, so would require complete removal - not simple laser treatment.

[Steph9852 in reply to Beauport]

So sorry to hear that. Yes that maybe the case. I have no inflammation, or any problems with my liver. I only have the 1 big stone. Wish they could just remove the stone 🙃

[chell1704]

Hi Steph. I had my gallbladder removed in 2010 as I had a lot of stones. My GP kept insisting it was reflux until I went to A&E in absolute agony one night. My weight wasnt affected by the op. I took a while to physically recover but have never regretted having the op. I have to be wary of eating fatty/spicy foods but that's part due to my IBS as well. Good luck to you x

[Steph9852 in reply to chell1704]

Sounds like a similar starting story. Thank you! I rarely eat spicy foods or foods high in fat apart from once in a blue moon enjoying a pizza or take away. I'm the same with my ibs 😔 thank you x

[Hidden]

Hi Steph,

Can you have a chat to your surgeon soon about your concerns regarding weight gain after the operation? They will be best placed to advise and could always refer you to a dietitian for some specific guidance and support if needed.

Best wishes

Trust1

[Steph9852 in reply to Hidden]

I did touch upon the subject at my pre op. And her advice was "if you eat a bad diet of course your going to put on weight" which I understand. Its just having researched after finding people sticking to 800 calories and still getting the issues of gaining or not being able to loose weight which worries me. I'm planning on giving them a call tomorrow to see if I can talk through my concerns with the surgeon. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Steph9852]

you are welcome, keep us posted

[Katmando]

I remember my mothers neighbour having her gallbladder removed and she didn't put any weight on at all, she said it was a relief and glad she had it done. Try to stay positive and all the best for your op. Sure everything will be just fine,

Big hug x

[Steph9852 in reply to Katmando]

Thank you so much xx

[Casinobo]

I wouldn’t worry to much about that. I had mine out and weight gain is no different. Besides, When your Gallbladder gets real angry, Trust me, it’s coming out whether you like it or not. I don’t regret it one bit. That pain can get Super critical. I thought I was dying when mine went off. Good luck! Try not to worry. The surgery is a fairly simple one and recovery is about 2 weeks. I was back at work in a week.😀

[Marizah88]

Hello I removed my gallbladder 2015 after the birth of my first child . I was always a bit chubby and after the removal of the gallbladder I actually lost weight and even though now I have two kids I still look thin. The only thing I found out was I have slightly stomach issues after I removed it but nothing serious. I couldn’t agree more with you when you said about the pain . I still remember it .