Gallbladder removal: Anyone still having complications?

Posted by jtlang55 @jtlang55, Nov 1, 2018

After having my gallbladder removed 14 yrs. ago, I still have issues with digesting anything with fat. Combine that with IBS and you're in real trouble. I'm trying to put weight on while the majority of people are trying to take it off. That of course brings it's own stress and as we all know that's the worst thing for any health issue. I am currently on a anti biotic and am being balanced off with a probiotic. Seems to be helping my stomach and the diarrhea associated with IBS. This is the first thing that has made me feel normal after seeing multiple gastroenterologists with no positive results. Is anyone familiar with Lypo Gold. It's an enzyme that is suppose to help aid with fat digestion. Just wondering what input anyone has on how it works and their results from taking it. Thank you.

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angdickinson | @angdickinson | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @scolio "@jb112073 I guess it sounds like it doesn't matter what you eat or drink, anything and..." + (show)

When I feel like I’m in a “flare” I can’t eat anything without feeling worse. Things like broth and toast and eggs have been the most tolerable.

scolio | @scolio | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @angdickinson "When I had Covid in February, I lost about 10lbs but gained them back as I..." + (show)

I've heard that very sudden weight loss, as well as fasting, can cause gall bladder problems. Both my mother and her mom had their gall bladder removed, so I try to find out what I can do to hopefully keep mine.
Oh, wait, am I reading that your weight loss was *because of* the gall bladder problems?

angdickinson | @angdickinson | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @scolio "I've heard that very sudden weight loss, as well as fasting, can cause gall bladder problems...." + (show)

Yep, my weight loss was because of the gallbladder issues. My Mum also had her gallbladder out when she was in her 20s.

debhammel | @debhammel | Oct 3, 2023

I had a laparscopic cholescystectomy in January, 2013 and have had minimal side effects. Generally, just softer than normal stools. However, after a bout of food-related diarrhea on 9/9/23, I have been having loose stools anywhere from 1-6 times per day. Taking Immodium to manage. Saw my PCP a week ago and stool tests were all negative. I'm seeing my gastroenterologist on 10/10/23. Currently following a low FODMAP diet with some small improvement.

scolio | @scolio | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @angdickinson "Yep, my weight loss was because of the gallbladder issues. My Mum also had her gallbladder..." + (show)

Yes, I kind of wonder if genetics could partly play a role here. Anyway, I don't know if anything in this link could shed any light on the troubles you've been having:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/digestive-problems-after-gallbladder-removal-1945193

scolio | @scolio | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @angdickinson "I am a 33yo F. I had my gallbladder removed four months ago after losing 30lbs..." + (show)

Hi, @annako , I think you mentioned both PCOS and Hashimoto's? I've heard of a supplement called inositol recommended for PCOS. So I wondered if anyone had said inositol may be either beneficial or contraindicated for Hashimoto's. It seems like at least a few people think that inositol may be helpful for some people with Hashimoto's.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30506520/

"clinical studies have shown that after treatment with Myo-inositol plus seleniomethionine (Myo-Ins + Se), TSH levels significantly declined in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism due to autoimmune thyroiditis. The treatment was accompanied by a decline of antithyroid autoantibodies. After treatment serum CXCL10 levels declined, confirming the immune-modulatory effect of Myo-Ins. Additional research is necessary in larger population to evaluate the effect on the quality of life, and to study the mechanism of the effect on chemokines."

I don't know how you feel about supplements. I have tried a few myself, and I've found a few that are very helpful to me. What works for one person won't necessarily be good for another, though.

On a different note, I think I've heard that a low-fat diet can help both before and after gall bladder removal. I have slowly learned to make my diet lower-fat, and I feel like it helps me.

One more idea: Have you ever asked for a test to see if you may have trouble digesting gluten? Either celiac disease or gluten intolerance? I think that maybe there are genetic tests for it, too.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9612360/

blecompte | @blecompte | Oct 3, 2023

I had my gallbladder removed 17 years ago. Have suffered from severe constipation since. Drs just say to take stool softeners and fiber supplements. Any suggestions?

annako | @annako | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @scolio "Hi, @annako , I think you mentioned both PCOS and Hashimoto's? I've heard of a supplement..." + (show)

Thank you for your post but it wasn’t my question someone else posted it

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 4, 2023

In reply to @debhammel "I had a laparscopic cholescystectomy in January, 2013 and have had minimal side effects. Generally, just..." + (show)

Hello @debhammel and welcome to the Digestive Health support group on Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing your experience with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Many of us have found the low FODMAP eating plan to be helpful with GI symptoms.

You mentioned that you are seeing your gastroenterologist later this month. It this to get some answers to the problem of loose stools?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 4, 2023

In reply to @scolio "Yes, I kind of wonder if genetics could partly play a role here. Anyway, I don't..." + (show)

Hello @scolio

The link you provided to the article on digestive problems after gallbladder surgery was very informative, especially about the Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. I appreciate this very helpful article.