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Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery
Digestive Health | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (576)Comment receiving replies
I DO understand your plight. I had GB removed in ‘85 due to stones. Consider asking a GI (which I am NOT) to test you for BAM: Bile Acid Malabsorption. For me, I already had diarrhea due to Crohn’s. But maybe BAM exacerbated it. Good news is that my surgeon suggested trying cholestyramine powder (brand name Questran, and others). Originally created to lower cholesterol, was found to bind excessive bile. Whatever the original reason, I asked my GI about it, who commended the surgeon’s advice. Within TWO days, I was having “normal” movements WITHOUT diarrhea. And so forth for 40 years. Twice a day powder mixed with juice. If I forget a dose (rare) I usually pay for it the next day. But getting back on schedule sets all well again. For a “normal” person to take this, someone without disease-induced diarrhea, a likely side effect is constipation. For other possible side-effects, read the label or ask a GI doctor. It likely saved my life. Again, ask a professional. I receive NOTHING for this personal suggestion. Good luck.
[Sciarretta G, Furno A, Mazzoni M, Malaguti P. Post-cholecystectomy diarrhea: evidence of bile acid malabsorption assessed by SeHCAT test. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992 Dec;87(12):1852-4. PMID: 1449156.]
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@hopeseeker22 - Just wanted to put my two cents in about taking the cholestyramine powder which is often prescribed for this. I, too, took it for about 8 months. After that it didn't seem to work for me. Or maybe it was before that and I just didn't realize it. I developed what they call acquired sucrase and isomaltase deficiency syndrome (ASID) and the sucrose in the lemon-flavored one triggered my ibs. Also, I discovered after researching this product that aspartame was in the orange-flavored one which can cause cancer in the liver. Oddly enough, the packaging itself doesn't even mention that aspartame is in it. Another thing to mention is that you need to be really careful with how you take it. Even though I was extremely careful I still ended up getting a cavity from it. I decided after about 8 months to substitute it with acacia fiber and have been taking that ever since. So much better! Omg. It regulates your system. I no longer have bile acid malabsorption. I'm able to gain weight now. Gained 10 lbs back from a total loss of 28 lbs since I became ill. It regulates your cholesterol and blood sugar and it's also a prebiotic for the probiotics which I currently take. This is one of the best moves I've made and the cost is comparable. The only I can say is that I'm really disgusted of the dangers of this product.