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Gallbladder removal: What can I expect?

Posted by msvjv @msvjv, Oct 8, 2024

Any info from folks who’ve had gall bladder removed would be appreciated. Surgery coming up soon. Especially interested in diet tips for first few weeks and whether you did or did not suffer from diarrhea at first or continuing. Thanks in advance.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 24, 2025
In reply to @kevvieg416 "Thank you for the kind words, and for your support. I am still adapting to some..." + (show)
Profile picture for kevvieg416 @kevvieg416

Thank you for the kind words, and for your support. I am still adapting to some of the changes, particularly irregularity, but I am brainstorming with my committee of one (lol), trying a new probiotic, making sure I move even more than before, and appreciate my high tech bidet, which helps the process considerably.
I'm going back on October 27 to have the stent on my bile duct removed. It's a different surgeon, because I'm back home, but he seems great. I was advised that I've been through the worst. If there is a bile leak after removing the stent, he will but a bigger one in and allow everything to heal. Lasty, I am ETERNALLY grateful to have experienced such great care from our Canadian healthcare system over the past 57 years. 19 surgeries between the ages of 18 months and 12 years, and the only cost to my parents was bringing me comic books to read. My recent hospital stay was nine days, and I didn't have to file an insurance claim or pay a single dime out of pocket.

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I appreciate the update, @kevvieg416, and I'm glad to hear that you are still adapting to the changes. Adapting to changes in our lives is a continual process that requires effort, determination, and a positive attitude. You appear to have these qualities in abundance.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you continue to post with updates, questions, or concerns?

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katherina | @katherina | Nov 11, 2025
In reply to @kamommy "Had mine out 10 years ago. It was septic (I was septic?), so it greatly affected..." + (show)
Profile picture for kamommy @kamommy

Had mine out 10 years ago. It was septic (I was septic?), so it greatly affected the h. Pylori ulcer.
I had no after effects other than from the 3 courses of antibiotics for the ulcer. Still could not eat sugary treats. No concerns with fried foods or anything else. In the last year I have had to take a digestive enzyme with most meals, especially if the meal includes butter (I only consume organic, grass fed). 🤷‍♂️

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@kamommy which digestive enzyme do you take?

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| @hopeseeker22 | Nov 11, 2025

I had GB removed in ‘85. Perhaps resulted in BAD (Bile Acid Diarrhea). I say perhaps because already had diarrhea from intestinal Crohn’s Disease. But was saved from total dehydration when surgeon suggested taking RX cholestyramine (Brand: Questran powder). Has controlled diarrhea in me 30+ years if taken religiously. If GI objects even trying it-run! Let him shit in his pants morning til night.

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pearlpetty | @pearlpetty | Feb 21 9:51am
In reply to @cordelia "I had my gallbladder removed over 30 years ago and no problems with surgery but thereafter..." + (show)
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I had my gallbladder removed over 30 years ago and no problems with surgery but thereafter had diarrhea, especially when traveling, it seemed as the motion caused a flare up. However, after having back surgery 2 years ago, and terrible reaction to anesthesia and IV pain meds, have had issues with constipation. Would go back and forth with diarrhea/constipation went on cholestipol (low dose one per day, sometimes two if flare up) and can now travel but still some issues with constipation and hemorrhoids. Sitz baths help as hemorrhoid surgery out of question at my age. I am able to travel a bit if watch what I eat, small portions, etc. Also some exercises I learned from PT after surgery helps with constipation, and will probably continue for rest of life.

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@cordelia I am very interested in the exercises for constipation you learned from PT. I have struggled with this for years and it has worsened in the last year. I take prescription medication to help, which it hasn’t. I am wondering if the exercises are something you could explain? Thank you!

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cordelia | @cordelia | Feb 22 8:24am

I went to PT as recommended by urologist for pelvic floor therapy for issues with constipation which resulted in UTI's. These have helped immensely as well as adding avacados (healthy fat) in my diet. If you have a PT which you trust please see them for pelvic floor therapy and they can show you exercises that help. Good luck.

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