Question:
Is there a connection between gall bladder removal and food tolerance?
I've been reading the various questions and I have wondered many are having problems tolerating food also had their gall bladder removed. I would like to hear from people who've had it removed and those who haven't. Thanks Angela — Angela P. (posted on September 5, 2000)
September 5, 2000
Hi Angela: I had my gall bladder removed during my surgery as well. It
was basically healthy, but I wanted it removed anyway and my surgeon
complied with my wished. (My history is that post-operatively, if it can
go wrong, for me it WILL go wrong, and I already had a suspicion that my
gall bladder wasn't acting right, along with family history, and didn't
want to have to have a second surgery). Anyway, like Barb said (hi
Barb!!!) digesting fats is the only thing effected by removing the gall
bladder, and I really don't eat enough fats to have any kind of a problem.
I can pretty much eat anything I want, whenever I want, and I do. Of
course, my tastes and desires have changed since WLS. It's all good,
though! Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY (divided) 7-29-99, 120 pounds
gone forever!
— Jaye C.
September 5, 2000
Hi, I had my gallbladder removed two years before surgery (I developed
gallstones during my pregnancy). For about several months afterwards, I
had a hard time adjusting to certain foods: anything with fat didn't digest
well, or onions, or anything super spicy (not sure why on that one). But
after this period passed, I knew what to eat and what not to eat and
everything was fine. Then when I had my WLS, I again went through an
adjustment period that has finally evened out. I have heard some people
have a harder time without a gallbladder, some have it easier.
— Beth B.
September 5, 2000
I had my gall bladder removed about 9 1/2 years ago because I developed
stones after going on one of those crazy low-cal diets (640 calories per
day). I had about 2 months between when I began having the
"attacks" and when I could have my gall bladder removed because I
was in college and needed to finish my exams. Because the
"attacks" were so painful - the only thing more painful would be
childbirth, but they're pretty close on the pain scale!! - I ate nearly no
fat at all. After the surgery, I found that I could tolerate some fat, but
not much. I just couldn't digest it properly anymore. After time though,
my body compensated and (according to my doctor) my bile duct enlarged and
began storing bile and functioning as my gall bladder had previously.
Needless to say, I found that I was again able to eat all foods with no
problem. Let's just hope that after my surgery (open RNY - scheduled for
9/28) my bile duct doesn't talk to my brand new redesigned digestive system
and tell it how it can compensate!!
— Terry M.
September 5, 2000
Hi...I had my gallbladder out a couple of years ago and while I can eat
pretty much anything without trouble, stay out of my way cause I'm RUNNING
to the bathroom within 30 minutes of eating. That's the only problem I've
ever had.
— Keri A.
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