Bile Salt Malabsorption after Cholecystectomy

Your GP will inevitably refer you to a specialist called a Gastroenterologist - and he in turn will order the necessary tests he believes suit your specific miriad of symptoms. It helps to tell your GP about the choleysestectomy being 11 years ago & go from there. He may be your doctor but will probably not recall. I have BAM. Please let me know how it all goes for you.I am taking regular Cholyestermine BID & it has helped considerably. 

I can't tell you how relieved I am to find others in a similar situation.  Until now I've felt like the only one on earth suffering in this way.  I'm waiting to have my gall bladder removed, and have been told my condition will worsen - but have no other option but to go ahead once my lungs have improved (but that's another story!!).  I've been gaining/losing weight for a few years now, then miraculously lost 3 stone only for my condition to drastically worsen and now over the last 18 months have gained almost 5 stone.  Depression has also gotten a hold as nothing I do controls the situation, doesn't matter if I starve or eat.  I feel very sorry for all you sufferers out there, but god am I glad that I'm now not the only one.  Maybe I should send this link to the benefit people when the time comes round, as they obviously didn't believe my condition and stopped my benefits last year.  I've sent a request to join the facebook page in the hope that I'll be able to find you on there for easier access and probably less public postings.  Previous medications haven't worked, so this week started on Colesevelam  and Ondansetron tablets.  

The same thing has happened to me I have gained 2 stone since  having 

 my gall bladder removed. . I  go to the gym it has made no difference.Its  affecting my whole life.xxx

 I was unable to have my gallbladder removed via keyhole surgery due to a heart problem. However,  I too was eventually diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption and found that I gained weight rather too quickly - although this may be age-related as I am 79! I'm not sure what one can do except cutting out obvious fats (half-fat milk, low-fat spreads etc). Have you been prescribed Cholestagel (Colesevelam) tablets? These are usually used for reducing cholesterol levels, but are most effective in treating the BAM. I take three tablets at night - no more

diarrhoea, no more worrying about 'where is the nearest loo?' and no longer having to avoid dining out!

It may be worthwhile having a word with your GP about this. Much of the weight could be fluid retention, especially in the evening when one can feel bloated. I do hope this will help you.

I have gained 2 stone in the last 6 months so I know where you are coming from.

I had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago. diarrhoea became a constant until about a week ago. I'm not sure how this will turn out but someone put me onto a simple fix which so far has worked. A week without running to the toilet. Apart from swapping to a slightly higher protein diet, reduced processed foods considerably which isnt a bad thing anyway, TRy this for about 4-5 days and see what happens. Buy something called Lepicol plus. I got it from Holland and Barratt. I use one teaspoon full in a morning mixed with 3 desert spoons of greek yogurt and 1 large teaspoon of 100% peanut butter. (make sure the peanut butter doesnt have added sugar etc,) Tesco in UK sell large tubs of Meridian Smooth 100% Peanut Butter. Mix all together. Make sure you drink a glass of water after it. It has transformed my life. Lets see how long it lasts. 

I had my gallbladder out 10 years ago and suffered from the constant diarrhea after eating. I was on Welchol at first but, it became to expensive for me to afford so I lived without it by adapting a strict diet avoiding all spicy and or fatty foods and never going out to eat. I did that for more then 5 years but, even then I would of bouts of diarrhea a few times a week. I finally found an relatively cheap otc alternative called Lypo-Gold Digestive Enzyme which is about $30 USD. I take 1 or 2 before any meal that contains high fat content. But, usually I just need 1 before a mean that contains fat. If I have a Bacon Cheeseburger or a Steak then I take 2. I am now mostly regular with no severe diarrhea. Occasionally a couple times a year I get the the diarrhea urgency but, even then I know to start looking for a restroom. But, I will settle for a few times a year rather then a few times daily. I also have eliminated all Spicy foods. Spicy foods are the only thing I cant tolerate now and I havent found a solution for that. I sincerely hope you have it under control by now but, if not give Lypo Gold a try.