Uncontrolled diarrhea after gallbladder removal surgery: Any advice?

@jfperrone - I did not have diarrhea after my surgery, but years later I developed chronic diarrhea. I was then told at Mayo that the bile acids now would flow more into the intestines and can cause diarrhea. One of treatments tried was bile salts to prevent the bile acids from being absorbed, called cholestyramine. It did not help me because my diarrhea had another cause. Otherwise, Imodium and diet plus electrolytes- Pedialyte is best.

@jfperrone Diet is the main thing that will help. There is no one-fit-all diet. We are each different. Basics that seem to help everyone is to avoid greasy foods. That said you do need a little fat in your diet. Sweets are another thing to not eat too much of. Some people can handle chocolate and some not. Rich probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir.. or search for a probiotic supplement that works for you. I tried several before I found the one that helps me.. Align. Oatmeal can help.. it has both soluble and insoluble fiber. Some fibers can help firm the stool.

I think most people will tell you they still have a “dump day”. I do, but not as watery as they used to be, but I am on a opioid for pain that helps to firm too. I want to be off the the opioid. Not sure what will happen if I do, but I will deal with it. Before I discovered the probiotic supplement the diarrhea would usually hit me in mornings and I could go somewhere after 9 am. It would also hit me within one to two hours after eating, so I planned not to eat if I had an afternoon appointment. Dinner dates could be a problem. I have never been much of a going out to restaurant person. I was no longer working at an out of home job so that was not a problem either.

I and my husband did a cross country trip in 2008 and again in 2010 with out rv trailer in tow. We kept our clocks set to Eastern Time. and I was all good to travel by 9 am Eastern Time... except second trip when I had a stomach bug hit and my husband did too. We stayed put for 4 days. My doctor pre-prescribed anti-diarrhea med and antibiotic.. just in case I got sick, but we had to call home and get some for my husband. .. despite all we had fun. 🥳

Take your diet slow and easy to start with. .. sorta like when you have a stomach bug. Keep a food journal so you will know what works and doesn't work for you. You may want to increase your number of meals from 3 to 4 or 5. Avoid junk food. Right now you need good nutrition in you.. because you will lose it until you figure out what works for you.

Zee Gee

I have read the comments from a number of others who had their gall bladder removed and I guess my experience so far is better than most. I had the op 10 days ago and because it must have been difficult they kept me in hosp 2 more days. Currently I have a drain sticking out of my stomach which I empty twice a day. (Very difficult to sleep with that thing sticking out of you.) I have a little soreness but no actual pain. I have zero appetite but manage to eat the minimum. I have been drinking a lot of water; eating jello, toast fruit and a little cheese. Still the problem continues. I was told to drink Propel water which has the electroiytes you mention. Any suggestions dietary or otherwise would be appreciated.

I'd like to invite fellow members @fourof5zs @astaingegerdm @annief @johnetteg @princessd and @claytamos into this discussion as they too have had surgery to remove their gallbladder.

@jfperrone, you may also be interested in this discussion:
- Complications/symptoms after Gallbladder Surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nausea-pain-and-headaches-after-gallbladder-laparoscopic-surgery/

When did you have surgery? You said that you're feeling very weak. You may need to start to replace lost water and the salts you need called electrolytes. Have you been staying hydrated? Are you able to have things like soup broth, fruit juice or sports drinks?