gallbladder removal

[Hetherington]

My wife had her gallbladder removed 11 years ago and since she has suffered with bloating, diahorrea and many other gastrointestinal symptoms . She is careful with what she eats and chooses not to have sauces on her food for example, however every time she has something to eat she has to go to the bathroom shortly thereafter to open her bowels. She has, for many years , struggled with her weight but we can’t understand why her stomach swells up before she discharges her bowel after any intake of food and can’t loose weight.

[bantam12]

It’s often because theres to much bile which constantly drips into the intestines rather than being stored in the gallbladder and just released when needed. There is a treatment called Colestyramine which can stop or at least reduce the diarrhoea. She needs to talk to her GP and also look up bile acid malabsorption.

[Contra21 in reply to bantam12]

I'm due to have mine taken out in a week and terrified

[bantam12 in reply to Contra21]

The problem is Drs tell you it won’t make any difference losing a gallbladder and you can eat what you like ! may be so for some but a lot of us have problems post op. For a month I could only eat white bread and no fat yoghurt but luckily my Dr prescribed Colestyramine and it was literally life changing, I can now eat most things although I do have to be a bit picky and avoid rich, saucy, fatty foods but otherwise no problems.

Some people have low bile acid afterwards so it’s finding what works for you but there is help so don’t suffer in silence, of course you may be lucky and be absolutely fine.

Also be aware it’s a lot more painful post op than they will have you believe !

Good luck 🤞

[Contra21 in reply to bantam12]

How is low bike acid discovered? Also did you have ectopics post gallbladder removal or pre? Worried they will get bad after removal

[bantam12 in reply to Contra21]

Blood tests to measure levels but I’ve not been tested, symptoms and successful treatment were the only results I needed.

I have atrial fibrillation and frequent runs of ectopics, I was kept in hospital overnight after the op as I also have a pacemaker but I honestly had no problems heart wise.

Best not to overthink things, if you need the op then theres no alternative but to deal with anything that may happen but really you may be fine and even if not there’s solutions.

[Nikul in reply to bantam12]

Take a deep breath and go with the flo! yep mine was over 15 yrs ago after a painful flare up, there was no other choice! Bit painful cramps, (had keyhole surgery,) afterwards but tried to keep walking about, Luckily never had eating probs and crave fatty foods! Always been Veggie, now basic Mediterranean ,full fat, wheat/gluten free diet and no junk foods and NO sugar, tho hard to find anything processed it hasn’t been added to. Hope goes well! (Dims into the past, esp after the last 6 months recovery of a broken arm, there’s a,ways something!)

[Contra21 in reply to bantam12]

I have been so dizzy post surgery and very faint. Is this normal?

[bantam12 in reply to Contra21]

Not something I experienced, best talk to your GP about it.

[JudJud in reply to Contra21]

I’ve just had my gallbladder removed, op went well but I too felt faint and dizzy so I stopped taking painkillers and then felt fine , painkillers are ok straight after surgery but they do make you feel really groggy . My bowels have been a bit all over the place but I feel like things are settling now a week on after surgery. Take care

[momander in reply to Contra21]

I'm sure you will be fine!! I'm having mine out at the end of the month!! I had a double cabg 6 months ago so like you, I'm kinda that way too!! It needs out so I just have to pray everything will be OK!? What will be will be!! We can't change that. I'm trying to go in with positive thoughts!! I spoke to a nurse from my cardio rehab team today after my exercise class and she was brilliant!! Sat me down and went through everything!! She was reading from a hospital only website where surgeons and doctors write information and posts. I came away feeling so much better and reassured. You can only go in with positive thoughts and hope that everything will be OK!? Good luck with your op and I hope you will be OK. God bless. 🙏

[Contra21 in reply to momander]

You have it out?

[Pelvicblues in reply to Contra21]

Try not to worry too much as stress will only make things worse. I had my Gallbladder removed decades ago before they had laparoscopic surgery option so I had a 6 inch incision across my right side and a 5 day hospital stay. My husband had his removed 4 yrs ago via laparoscopic surgery and he was literally discharged and home by 4pm the same day! If you're concerned about the intestinal issues afterwards just know that according to my gastroenterologist that only happens in roughly 10% of the patients. If you notice it becomes an issue, please immediately contact your doctor for a prescription of Cholestyramine (a Bile acid binder medication) to take care of the symptoms. I have never had any post surgery symptoms but my husband did and also one of his coworkers. I live in the United States but I see others on this thread recommended the same medication in your area. I wish the surgeons and medical staff would let people know to watch out for these post surgery symptoms and let them know that they don't have to suffer from it but my guess is they're worried some people may hesitate or refuse to have the vital surgery which can lead to liver damage or worse. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery but don't push yourself too hard or too fast.

[Downtrodden1 in reply to Pelvicblues]

I was prescribed Quastrim light . Unfortunately a few years ago the Dr/ pharmacy couldn’t source it.

[Contra21 in reply to Pelvicblues]

You ever feel dizzy

[Pelvicblues in reply to Contra21]

I had my Gallbladder removed nearly 37 yrs ago and I never had to take meds for the excess bile issues mentioned in others - so no I didn't have any issues with dizziness after my surgery. You should consult with your health team with your concerns.

[Contra21 in reply to Pelvicblues]

After your surgery was your glucose up, get diabetes?

[Pelvicblues in reply to Contra21]

My yearly fasting glucose tests have always been on the higher side of normal but never in prediabetic zone. Since I was only 25yrs old when my gallbladder was removed (just 6mos after giving birth), I can't really say whether or not it's because of my surgery. Do you check your blood pressure regularly? My husband has pretty low blood pressure and heart rate and he gets dizzy often if he stands up quickly. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. My neighbor had fluid in her ear (allergies) and that was causing her to be very dizzy.

I'm not in the medical field so I really hope you speak with your doctor for guidance.

[Contra21 in reply to Pelvicblues]

Did you ever get bad wind pain, upper stomach? same pain I got prior to surgery was ok up until today now a.month after surgery im having same.pain

[MyStar86]

it sounds like Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) this is a link to the guts website to explain in better detail:

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

[momander]

Hi,I'm so sorry this has been your experience. I'm diluent to get mine out at the end if the month and I AM nervous but it needs doing si has to be done. There seems to be a lot of scare mongering on other forums as well as this one about this operation. You just have to go in with an open mind and hope you will be OK. Everyone I have spoken to, including 2 nurses, have said the op is fine and they have been OK afterwards. Its unfortunate some have not though. I'm wondering why you haven't thought of seeing someone in the 11 years you have been suffering? Maybe you have? I do hope you find a solution.

[bantam12 in reply to momander]

Talking about problems post op is not “scare mongering”, problems do occur and are more common than some will admit, especially the medical profession ! it’s a fact that BAM is very common and it’s treatable, plenty of medical studies and information about the subject. I don’t think it’s right that those of us who have had issues are shot down when we try to help others. Knowledge is power.

Good luck with your op and I sincerely hope you are one of the lucky ones 🤞

[momander in reply to bantam12]

Of course problems do occur post op with any operation. If you read my post again you will find that I did not say that talking about problems post op is scare mongering. I mentioned that there seemed to be alot of scare mongering about this operation in other forums as well as this one. I'm not sure what you are implying when you refer to people being shot down? I completely agree that knowledge is power as long as it is well researched genuine medical information from experts in their field and not people who think they are experts, or from DR GOOGLE!! Gosh, he certainly is the worst DR ever!! I've succumbed many times when I have been low and in search of reassurance!! Worst thing I ever did. Please do not misinterpret my post, there was no malice intended at all. 🙏

[Pelvicblues]

Contact her doctor and let them know that these symptoms started after gallbladder removal. She likely will benefit greatly from the prescription medication, Cholestyramine (a Bile acid binder medication) to take care of the problem. See my comments on this post to Contra21. The doctor may even be able to order this with just a phone call as my Gastroenterologist knew right away what my husband needed after I told him about his issues post surgery. Hope she feels better soon!

[JulyAugust]

Dear Hetherington, I think your wife may possibly have IBS. It sounds very similar. Does she also need to get up at night to empty her bowels?