Post Gallbladder removal diarrhea 2 1/2 months after surgery

Thanks, good info. You have been through alot...you are a real trooper. I hope you continue to do well.

Good Morning, Everyone! I rather lost my place here and have just found my way back to all your kind and helpful suggestions. I had upper and lower GI tests with normal results; symptoms abated, but I still went ahead with the surgery for gall bladder removal on Tuesday, March 15. Doc said all went fine. Home now with some sharp pain around the belly-button, some normal bowel movements, some not...trying to be patient with the recovery process. I have a nasty time with depression following surgery and while I know it will pass with time it's a struggle for today. Thank you each one for taking the time to connect at this site - it's hearwarming, encouraging, and so appreciated. Sincerely, Theresa

I had my gallbladder removed about 4 years ago. I started having severe diarrhea more than a month ago. I had my stool tested and now I have a diagnosis of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). My Pancreas does not produce an enzyme used to aid in digestion. I am now waiting on my GI doctor to get me an appointment to do SOMETHING! This has been a nightmare!

My gallbladder was removed about 5 weeks ago. I have had no digestive issues since surgery, luckily. I have had liver-area pain that prompted an ultrasound and MRI to check for stones in the common bile duct. (Ultrasound saw a stone in the CBD but the MRI did not.)

3.5 days ago I had some popcorn . That night, an incredibly painful bloated stomach that woke me up. The next morning diarrhea. I was surprised because I have had popcorn since surgery with no issues. I'm on day 3 of diarrhea. I've been living off dry toast and Gatorade.

Is it possible that after 5 weeks of zero digestive issues from my gallbladder removal, I can suddenly have them? Or could this be another issue entirely? My diet is fairly mild. Little to no fried foods. Normal BMI. Not sure if any of that matters.

Hi @emjae and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There is nothing worse than feeling like you can't leave the house because of GI issues. You will see that I moved your post to an ongoing discussion about exactly what you are describing.
You can see the whole discussion here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-gallbladder-removal-diarrhea-2-12-months-after-surgery/

@anniegk started this discussion and I thought I would introduce the two of you. We also have members like @doublej, @kmd0267, and @eddiebu that have had similar issues.

Prior to your cholecystectomy, did you ever have stomach issues?

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Your experience is an exact replay of what happened to me. gangrene and all. All because the doctor refused to recognize the need to remove the gall bladder. In my last visit with him following an ER visit, when asked what now? He told me "do nothing".
The moral of the story is, get another opinion.

DEFINITELY...GET ANOTHER OPINION RIGHT AWAY!

I had an identical experience. After a couple of late nite visits to the ER with pain and sickness and my Doctor telling me; "to do nothing" after I asked what do I do now. I also wound up with a gangreneous gall bladder having emergency surgery. It was a close call.
Let me ad another wrinkle of confusion. I had always blamed my post op diarrhea on the missing gall bladder, which may have been part of the problem. But another perceptive Doctor ordered a fecal test (no fun). It turned out that I had C Diff a serious bacterial infection. I was told this is not uncommon after hospitalization, rehab and prolonged use of antibiotics. I am currently being treated with vancomycin and a serious probiotic. Things have settled down to the point where I don't worry to much about locating restrooms.
PS There is an ap for your phone called "Flush" that will locate restrooms in your locale or when traveling.

I had diarrhea for 3 years after my surgery. I went 8 to 16 times a day.