Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I know rapid weight loss can cause gallbladder issues. For those of you who had to have your gallbladders removed, what were your symptoms? And how was the recovery?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know rapid weight loss can cause gallbladder issues. For those of you who had to have your gallbladders removed, what were your symptoms? And how was the recovery?


I had VSG surgery along with gallbladder removal and hernia repair on 10/11/17. I had no symptoms the just discovered stones during pre-op testing and said it would be best to remove my gallbladder. All is well no complaints. Just taking it easy. Walking and taking my prescribed meds.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago, long before the WLS, due to very restrictive diets. I'm 2.5 weeks out now and I think I start feeling some pains on the left side right under my ribs. It could be related probably to gall, as the post-op diet is quite restrictive and gall doesn't go freely from my liver. But this is just my guess, I'm not a doctor.

Other than that, gallbladder removal sometimes causes a chronic diarrhea, especially if you get some fatty foods. No other issues so far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Missytee said:


I had VSG surgery along with gallbladder removal and hernia repair on 10/11/17. I had no symptoms the just discovered stones during pre-op testing and said it would be best to remove my gallbladder. All is well no complaints. Just taking it easy. Walking and taking my prescribed meds.

I asked to have mine removed at the time of VSG surgery because I was told years ago it would eventually need to come out due to gallstones accumulating. I attempted to relay this to my surgeon through his staff but it was close to the time of surgery and it didn't really go anywhere unfortunately. Wish it had been taken care of all at once like you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, temkins said:

I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago, long before the WLS, due to very restrictive diets. I'm 2.5 weeks out now and I think I start feeling some pains on the left side right under my ribs. It could be related probably to gall, as the post-op diet is quite restrictive and gall doesn't go freely from my liver. But this is just my guess, I'm not a doctor.

Other than that, gallbladder removal sometimes causes a chronic diarrhea, especially if you get some fatty foods. No other issues so far.

I don't have the pain but terrible vomiting. Docs think gallbladder might be the problem (ultrasound shows its full of gallstones).

Do you happen to remember if vomiting was an issue for you before it was removed?

I just don't want to go through a second surgery, especially feeling like this, if its not going to fix the problem

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't have the pain but terrible vomiting. Docs think gallbladder might be the problem (ultrasound shows its full of gallstones).
Do you happen to remember if vomiting was an issue for you before it was removed?
I just don't want to go through a second surgery, especially feeling like this, if its not going to fix the problem

I had vomiting south mine. It had to come out 3 months after surgery. The pain was the worse tho. Mine had stones and started a blockage.

Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, tinytummy17 said:


I had vomiting south mine. It had to come out 3 months after surgery. The pain was the worse tho. Mine had stones and started a blockage.

Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

That's why I'm confused! I did feel some achiness in that area with certain foods prior to my pre op diet but nothing I would describe as pain and nothing since virtually cutting fats out since pre op dieting. But the vomiting is brutal. Since 10 days post op and seems to be getting worse.

I'm so lost :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Ready2Live! said:

Do you happen to remember if vomiting was an issue for you before it was removed?

Not in my case. I just had a terrible pain all night long at my back, couldn’t sit. Took lots of NSAIDS with no success. Next morning I was at doc’s office, had Ultrasound and a surgery in a couple of of days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Symptoms of a gallbladder problem:

Pain: The most common symptom of a gallbladder problem is pain. This pain usually occurs in the mid- to upper-right section of your abdomen. It can be mild and intermittent, or it can be quite severe and frequent. In some cases, the pain can begin to radiate to other areas of the body, including the back and chest.

Nausea or vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of all types of gallbladder problems. But only chronic gallbladder disease may cause digestive problems, such as acid reflux, gas, nausea, and vomiting.

Fever or chills: An unexplained fever may signal that you have an infection. If you have an infection, you need treatment before it worsens and becomes dangerous. The infection can become life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body.

Chronic diarrhea: Having more than four bowel movements per day for at least three months may be a sign of chronic gallbladder disease.

Jaundice: Yellow-tinted skin may be a sign of a common bile duct block or stone.

Unusual stools or urine: Lighter-colored stools and dark urine are possible signs of a common bile duct block

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Temkins and Berry78. I have consistantly read about the pain being the most common thing.

I guess I am really trying to see if anyone improved after removing their gallbladder when vomiting (and/or diarrhea) was the only symptom.

I'm feeling pretty bad and can't imagine doing another surgery right now if it won't help.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My symptoms were pain in my stomach radiating to my back. Sometimes I would vomit. The pain lasted for hours. It was awful. Had my gallbladder out two years before surgery and haven’t had any issues since. Best decision ever.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I asked to have mine removed at the time of VSG surgery because I was told years ago it would eventually need to come out due to gallstones accumulating. I attempted to relay this to my surgeon through his staff but it was close to the time of surgery and it didn't really go anywhere unfortunately. Wish it had been taken care of all at once like you!


Yes...I’m glad my doctor did everything at once too.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I actually had no problems. I didn’t even know I had stones until my pre op testing.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I need mine out but I'm trying to wait until next year due to work. I don't have any stones but I was having pain so the doc gave me a HIDA scan and the results came back abnormal with an Ejection Fraction of 86% (normal per my surgeon is in the 30-60% range). Since I don't have stones my surgeon is comfortable letting me manage the pain and we will be removing the gallbladder after the 1st of the year.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×