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DiscussionPost-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery
Digestive Health | Last Active: Jul 21 1:26pm | Replies (561)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "After a very painful event I had surgery to remove my gall bladder. Surgery took 2.5..."
my friend had the same after her gallbladder surgery. Her doc gave her Colestipol which she said worked really well and stopped the diarrhea she experienced.. She only took 1/2 dose until the diarrhea subsided then she quit taking it. She said she is OK now. I think I am facing a gallbladder surgery myself but all the testing isn't done yet and I am terrified. Set to have a HIDA test on Dec 29.
Easy fix. Take fiber , laxative. Yes it will stop the diarrhea/ I promise. I tell this to anyone. I just wish someone would tell me how to stop chronic diarrhea...
Hey! I've been struggling with digestive issues for a year. (mucus in stool, pain in epigastric area, diarrhea just after waking up, nausea, burping all the time, everything increases after fatty meal) I had stomach endoscopy, colonoscopy, test for parasites, bacteria, candida, they checked my liver, thyroid.. and they finally found a lot of sludge in my gallbladder, my surgeon suggested to me that I should remove it becuase it might be a root of my all digestive issues. I agreed.
I had my surgery 7 weeks ago and my digestive health is worse than before. I often have epigastric pain (it's probably my stomach) especially in the morning (when my stomach is empty), my stomach makes loud noises like gurling after every meal, even when I wake up in the morning the first thing I hear is my stomach. Sometimes I get diarrhea after meals it can happen at any moment and it's urgent so I'm now scared about leaving my house or go somewhere by public transport.
My doctor told me to wait because my body is still adjusting to a new situation to not having a GB, but I don't believe him. I did read a lot of horror stories of people who has been struggling with diarrhea for many years after GB and it can be lifelong issue. Please be honest with me, it's possible that my body will adjust and these symptoms will dissapear over time? I can't live like that.
Oh cmon Annie! We're all on the same boat! to be honest.. english is not my first language so it's really hard for me to notice if you're writing to me as a colleague or as a mother! hahaha But I really like your positive attitude. Before surgery.... I was able to eat the whole 32 cm pizza on my own, ate a snack bar and drank a soda. Now.. I thought for two days whether to eat one egg. I'm still wondering if the surgery was necessary in my case. There were sludge and mud in my gallbladder and on the pathology report it was written that I had "cholecystitis chronica" despite this I am still of concers about the surgery.
I won't buy anything, my appointment is soon so I'll last.
Thank you! you're really helpful!
I'm so sorry for all my grammar mistakes.
Without a GB, while bile is still produced, it’s no “dumped” in adequate amounts when food is digested - especially those with fat content. Check with you Dr, but I’ve heard consistently from several practitioners that the supplement Ox Bile Acids can be VERY helpful. Also, a high % of those who’ve had their GB removed develop SIBO, due to big fat foods sitting in the stomach longer. Find out about SIBO, because it’s a critical issue that can results in several symptoms, including diarrhea. If your western MD is clueless, find a ND or GOOD nutritionist to advise you, including important info about the FODMAP diet.
It gets better in time but there are meds they can give you and a diet to follow..
I am new to this site joined because of this conversation. The last post I see is 2023. Fast forward to this year 2025. Is this conversation closed. Would like an update date from @thisisabattle. Did you find a protocol that worked for your specific issues?
I had horrible diarrhea after my gall bladder removal. What works for me is one serving of Metamucil mid morning, and 2 tablets of colestipol (prescribed) mid afternoon. You need to take the colestipol 1-2 hours after your other meds, or 4 hours before your other meds. Your pharmacist can help you with that. If I (rarely) feel a diarrhea episode coming on I take 1/2 an Immodium AD and it stops it. This method has changed my life for the better! Good luck!
Have you been tested for EPi?
I had a HIDA test. They insert a substance that tests your gallbladder. It is not painful but it is a bit uncomfortable as it produces the same symptoms you should feel if your gallbladder is not working properly. They found my gallbladder was working at 13%. I have not had any side effects after the surgery, but I used to suffer from constipation (another side effect of a malfunctioning gallbladder) and the surgery has regulated it.