Did you experience a lot of symptoms/complications after having your gallbladder removed?

I had mine taken out several years back. Now my gallbladder issues had been going on for near 20 years. To be fair I had no idea I even had a gallbladder issue, was told it was acid reflux.

I had a attack that lasted pretty much a month, because all my past doctors told me acid reflux and just told me to take a otc. Finally I could take no more and went to the er. That is where I discovered it was my gallbladder and not only was it infected with the biggest stones they had seen but I had pancreatitis.

I wouldn't wait. Only lingering thing for me is if I don't watch what I eat I have digestive issues but let me tell you, I'd take that over the pain any day of the week. I'm sleeping better my stress it lower cause honestly I was at the point I had no idea when a attack would hit. Now I can eat what I want, no restrictions. Wish I had done it years ago.

Hi Brittx3, you can only use these sites as a guide and peoples experiences.  You are PERFECTLY right in your thoughts as we are all different but let me assure you I do NOT want to live the rest of my life like I am.  I am hostage to diet, I am always in fear of what I can eat for fear of an attack, I have been like this for some years and did not even know it was the Gall Bladder and I personally am willing to take the chance of removal even though the Dr's are not!!!

Yes some people still suffer after removal and they have to take anti acid meds or other forms of diet still but when you understand what the digestive system does and I have learned a lot by coming on this site it is not surprising that some suffer after removal.  What you have to weigh up is, do you want an organ in your body which is failing anyway, let alone what it causes you in illness in your life?  There is a good chance with me and my situation that my Pancreas maybe involved too but I cannot even get the Dr's to believe what is staring them in the face through scans.

I know this is scary and I do not particularly want mine out but I do not want to live as I am with these attacks and even by what people have suffered after removal sounds a lot better than the torment I live now, it all sounds easy peasy, key hole surgery blah blah blah but surgery is surgery and a organ removal is not something to be taken lightly as there is ALWAYS a risk to any operation, mistakes happen and unexpected things may be found so its chance?   Unfortunately we have to trust others but all I know is I do not want these attacks NOR the chance of one.

I cannot guide you and it would be wrong for me or anyone to try doing so but educate yourself by reading these stories in sites like this and actually find people in your life who you can speak too.  My mother has been through it, I have spoken to nurses who have been through it and most say they are glad they had it removed even though some have to take meds as well.

What I find amazing is, the Dr's themselves seem to be totally unaware of what the Gall Bladder attack is and what it is like, when reading this site it is perfectly clear, so you then have to ask yourself WHY are Dr's like this?

There is no easy answer to your post because I still after what I have said have the same feelings as you.

Good luck and hope you make the right decision.  

Simply put no I haven't.

Pre op I read a lot, dr googled etc to prepare and I went into my operation prepared to be in pain, feel awful for weeks and even after that have potential problems.

Instead I felt instantly better no pain, no laying around feeling sorry for myself, no lifting for 12 weeks the only physical restriction and no food restrictions I've found except real high sugar like boiled sweets and some desserts.

It’s a risk either way... my was operating at 20% and my attacks were sent bad that I didn’t question remove my mine. Although once that was diagnosed and I changed my diet during the week leading up to my surgery, I did feel better. I would get a HIDA scan to figure out its operating percentage if you haven’t already. Everyone is different.. I am 8 months removed and now I’m having issues again, mine may or may not be gallbladder related but I’m going back to dr to attempt to figure it out. Take probiotics and journal your diet daily. This will help and you’ll see what you can eat and drink. Dairy and fatty foods suck. Bland... veggies and baked or grilled chicken only, it sucks...

Although everyone is different, I think it's fair to say that you won't be okay in one week. The whole digestion system changes after the gall bladder is removed and you will have all sorts of tummy issues going on.

Gas pains, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, to name but a few. For me, it's been a daily issue and not one that I am enjoying. No one told me to expect this and like you, I had heard that you can eat "normally" within a week to two weeks. It's just not true.

Think of it this way, your stomach and digestion system is now changed. It has to find ways to re-adjust itself to working order. The bile issues are only one of what it has to contend with but is all messed up and needs a fair amount of time to get back on track.

I would say it is far more realistic to think your eating won't be closer to okay till after about one to two months (if you're lucky).

I wasn't given a choice in what to do. I started having severe gall bladder attacks daily. The pain was extreme and had me in ER on an IV drip to just get by in the day.

You don't want to let yourself get to that point!

I was diagnosed with gall stones close to two years prior and messed about and thought to myself that it was fine and I had time.

When the gall stones and gall bladder decide enough is enough, you will find yourself in the worst pain you can imagine and the worries about how your eating will be after surgery, won't even matter at the point. You'll just desperately want relief.

I hope you make the best decisions for yourself and take care of your body. Unfortunately, gall bladder issues don't magically go away (despite the promises online).

Hi there

I agree totally, recovering from the surgery is the easy bit but like you eating has become the challenge, I suffered from horrible gastritis for a few weeks, like you rightly say the digestive system is trying to adjust. I hope you are well and truly on the mend and send you a hug from a fellow gallbladderless survivor!😊

I feel it is very under publicized re the dissolving possibility of cholesterol type stones and I feel it is essencial

for every one to ask his or her gastroenterology surgeon  about that fact.......  Ursodioxycholic will dissolve gall stones of type. Surely this is a better option than the knife?

It's two years now with no symptoms whatsoever for myself and I would not think of saying that if it were not true.  I had had a biopsy not related to my gall bladder that took two months to heal below my navel. I did not want to contemplate another operation soon after that surgery. All mt GPs refused to write me a script for Urso but my surgeon said he was willing to let me give Urso a go and fully understood the situation.

After noting that 5 stones that were symptomatic were reduced to two that were made much smaller and Asymptomatic he was pleased with the fact that they had avoided the surgery that one of his registrars said was inevitable........

This proves beond any doubt that many of those learning still have a lot to learn and this applies to not only medical but any profession.

How come an engineer knew more about the dissolution technique better than the lady gastrologist who said she knew every mortal thing about gall bladders ? That situation was unforgivable because once a gall bladder is removed it's gone forever.  Some people have closed minds which again is contrary to good practice.........  I hope my surgeon who is top notch had a word with her ... then again as things are in the NHS as in all other big organisations----  I doubt it !

The answer is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH.......  While any one is doing that read the report that in the USA it has been found that a low fat diet in some instances CAUSES gall stones!