Need some tips for gallstones!

[Kellyj574 30]

Hi all, I was sleeved in January 2013. I have been experiencing several episodes of an incapacitating pain. And last night the doctors were finally able to pin it down to gallstones.

(Side note: originally when I had my surgery I had Kaiser insurance, now I have something else and my surgeon isn't able to communicate with me--insurance politics or something silly like that--anyhow-) I advised the ER doctor and every other doctor that saw me that I have had the surgery. Once they figured out what was happening they advised me to eat a low to no fat diet to help keep the pain away.

That being said, how do I do that!? I eat mostly meat and cheese and yogurt! How can I eat mainly fruits and veggies when I NEED PROTEIN!? I guess I can always supplement (my doctor was never really an advocate for supplements... His reasoning was why would you consume unnecessary calories when you can just eat a steak and be satisfied?) so I really never had the chance to learn the way of the supplements. And not just supplements but what foods are a good choice that are high in Protein and low in fat?

Teach me your ways fellow sleevers! I need all the advise and help I can get!!

Thanks in advance for the help!

[No game 14,436]

Leaner Poultry: chicken Skinless Breast meat Lean or Extra Lean Ground chicken

Turkey Skinless Breast meat Skinless White Meat Lean or Extra Lean Ground Turkey

Fish;

Cod and tuna

flounder, grouper, halibut, mahi-mahi, perch,red snapper, sole,

Dairy:

Fat free cottage cheese

Fage 0% Greek yogurt

[Meliss000 283]

I'm in a similar situation, I am having symptoms of gallbladder. so I also am going as low fat possible. I'm having an ultrasound on Tuesday morning. Good luck to both of us!

[Kellyj574 30]

Thank you so much Laura! That list will really help!

And good luck to you also Meliss! It is so very painful, but I'm going to try a few home remedies and eating lower fats before resorting to surgery. I've had my share of medical bills for the year! Haha

But really thank you- both!

[BlessedBeyondMeasure2012 296]

So I just had my gall bladder taken out two weeks ago. I went in having pain, they put me in the hospital that day and took it out the next. It wasn't making me sick, just hurting. The ER doc told me that it was only going to get worse until I got it out. Apparently the stones I had were small which made them more likely to get in one of the ducts and cause an obstruction. The best treatment would be to get it out. There is a medication called Actigall that can help with it if there is a reason that they aren't going ahead with getting it out. Talk to your regular PCP. Yes doing low fat and relatively bland will help but you need to get it out of there. I didn't realize that losing a lot of weight can put you at risk for gall stones, then there are the 4 F's (fat, forty, fertile, female -- and I fall into all but the forty catagory) that put you at an increased risk. Apparently I was just asking for my gall bladder to go crazy!

[mooregirl 74]

I'm 6 weeks out and praying I don't have to have mine taken out! No problems yet. I wonder how long post-op before it isn't really an issue anymore?

Jamie

[kchristian 64]

My doc put me on a 6 month script for actigall starting right after surgery to prevent this mess! I am surprised to see how many docs don't!

[DeniseM 238]

I just had my gallbladder out on Monday- I got to the point where even plain, skinless chicken breast was causing me pain- the only thing I could tolerate was Protein Shakes. I was miserable. But now, even though I am in pain from surgery I am back to eating whatever I want, so that's good. In a few more days I'll be all healed up and good to go.

[No game 14,436]

My doc put me on a 6 month script for actigall starting right after surgery to prevent this mess! I am surprised to see how many docs don't!

Mine did too. I really think that if any of you reading this are pre op or newly sleeved asking your surgeon about this prescription can save you a lot of pain trouble and money in the future.

[devonmae 56]

My doc put me on a 6 month script for actigall starting right after surgery to prevent this mess! I am surprised to see how many docs don't!

Mine too I've had no problems with it

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I tried everything! Nothing worked and I had to get it removed.

[SleevedinOhio 0]

Same thing here. I had a few issues pre-surgery (which I now know were gall bladder issues) and no symptoms for the 6 weeks post surgery while I was on puréed and soft foods. But the pains returned when I was given the go ahead to eat normal foods.

Surgery 5/22/13 and I had my gall bladder removed last Friday 8/16. Feeling much better already except for surgery discomfort.

Good luck to everyone

[blumoongirl 7]

How did you deal with the pain during your attacks?

[SleevedinOhio 0]

How did you deal with the pain during your attacks?

Up until a week before the surgery, I thought it was severe gas pains. Then I was convinced it

was Constipation.

I would lay down or recline and hope it got better. Tylenol doesn't help but rest often did.

If you suspect gall bladder problems, get to the doctor ASAP. It is common for folks with rapid weight loss. I feel much better already

[Beach Lover 1,084]

How did you deal with the pain during your attacks?

When I was going through all my problems before mine was removed they put me on an over the counter called omneprazole. It was a lifesaver!! I had one horrible attack that came on out of no where and I took the omneprazole and before I got to the hospital it was under control. Check with your doctor to make sure it is okay but it works great!