Dealing with symptoms after Gallbladder surgery

You are very welcome!

Don't you love how the surgeons "mention" stuff, especially when you are on heavy-duty painkillers? How are we supposed to remember that stuff?

Anyway, did they give you a tube-thing to breathe into in order to maintain lung function post-op? If so, be sure to use it. Check to make sure you are using it correctly. I didn't know that I was using mine incorrectly. Probably because I was on pain meds when they gave me instructions on how to use it.

If they didn't give you one of those tube things, ask your doc about breathing exercises. I think they are pretty important for avoiding pneumonia when you are breathing shallowly.

If it takes you awhile to get prescriptions filled (rural area, etc.), then you may want to ask your doc about getting an antibiotic filled and in your home just in case.

I strongly suggest that you ask for and get a written report of the surgery. Your primary might be able to wrangle one out of the surgeons, if you can't get one from them yourself. Most of my doctors use electronic records, which I can access through their patient portal or through my health insurance portal.

Sorry to dump more advice on you...Your situation just reminds me so much of what happened to me. I wish that I had had more guidance back then.

Shoot, I thought of something else...You may want to check with your PCP about when it would be appropriate for you to see a pulmonologist or to get some respiratory therapy in order to make sure that the incisions don't turn into adhesions that interfere with your breathing. I think that is what happened to me and that's why I still get significant discomfort sometimes when I need to breathe deeply.

Again, sorry for the advice dump.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Hi, 26yof 8 week post gallbladder removal and around week 3 started experiencing frequent lighthead and dizziness. Suggestions? Doctors are stumped. Healthy diet, hydrating and otherwise feel great.

I'm 17 weeks post-op and still having these symptoms .I hope yours goes away ..I wish I have an answer for you..

Hello, I have been having really bad diarrhea for about 6 weeks, thinking it would go away. I finally started taking Colestipol the last 3 weeks and the doctor even had me double up to 2 pills, 2X day. That did not help and I called by Gastrointologist, but of course only got her nurse. I call twice in which they did not call back until I called them again that same day and the nurse said she would text and email the doctor. Well 3 days later, still no response, so I called again. They made some excuse as to why I did not get a call back. They wanted to pawn me off on a nurse assistant and I said NO, I wanted to talk to my doctor. The doctor finally called about an hour later and said she was going on vacation, but to continue to take the Colestipol and a immodium if I needed to. The when she gets back a week later we will have a telehealth appointment. Does anyone find this acceptable? Also, does anyone have any experience with Colestipol?

I had my gallbladder surgery in Dec 2022. Have had lots of GI issues since. None before but everything seems to bother me nos. I have been given given an Rx for Colestipol and it does settle things down for me. I also started Bentyl that relieves some of the feelings of intestinal burning.
This has been such a horrible journey for me, and I do hope the Colestipol helps you. I find I only need one a day.

When I first had my gall bladder out many years ago, I only had a few problems,, but now it id much worse for some reason.

Your GI’s lack of responsiveness is totally unacceptable. I suggest that you find another GI. Can your primary care physician recommend someone?

Yes, I am trying to find someone else that will take my insurance.

I developed bile salt malabsortion after removing my gall bladder. It causes almost constant diarrhea and stools are orange.I live on diarrhea pills. I have to stay away from fatty foods.

I am 4 months post op and I am still struggling with diarrhea. I am afraid to eat anywhere but at home. I basically have it controlled by diet, but there really isn't a whole lot I can eat without worry and sometimes even "safe" foods are not so safe. What medication do you take? Is it prescription?