Diet for Gallstone sufferers?

Hi Bernal

I find your post worrying on a couple of levels.

Firstly (as you know if you are studying), Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension. You do not need a medical background to become an Osteopath, although you do study the details. Study is completed in 1-4years in most western countries, rather than 7-10yrs needed, to be considered a specialist in any specific medical field to do with a specific system of the body. This is outside of the initial Doctor training.I post this here, not to belittle you, (and I apologise if any offence has been taken), especially as Osteopathy is a vital treatment system for many disorders and issues, however - it is NOT considered as a successful treatment for any Gallbladder issues.

This form of therapy is NOT suitable for an internal, comparatively tiny, well protected Organ that is less than 15% Muscle tissue. You cannot massage it, stretch it, or physically manipulate it. You can improve it's ability to function BEFORE you have a first Gallstone attack, by maintaining a good posture, as slouching can stack your other internals organs onto it, effectively, and you can indeed help it along after your attack. But after your first attack, your Gallbladder is permanently affected and 'disabled' for want of a better phrase. It gets more damaged, the more attacks you have. This had been proven in many years of scientific studies to find alternative cures, other than expensive surgeries.Follow on attacks cause further repairable damage, leaving surgery a necessity. Life with a Gallbladder after the first attack, can be between a few months to 15 years. It is rare to live that long with Gallstones these days as people's fat content in diets have risen, and people's attempts at various alternative methods have left them in critical conditions, and so now, it is more likely to be opted for removal within the first 5 years, after the attack.

2) If your stones are large enough to not be able to pass into Bile Duct system, then you are in trouble, and in real risk of serious complications. Yes, people do live happily with a Gallbladder full of stones, and never have a single attack, but you have already had attacks, so your Gallbladder is already disabled.The strength of a spasming muscle is incredible, and there are many many cases of stones being forced towards the Bile Duct System and jamming, or blocking the Bile Duct system. This means you have a constant pool of Bile stuck in the Gallbladder. If this happens you have the real risk of a ruptured Gallbladder, which if untreated, is fatal. You also can have issues with Bile being forced back into the Liver, and this in itself will cause repairable damage to the Liver, to the point where it can be fatal.

If your stones are that big, and your have had such attacks that it has impacted your study, with pains so bad you thought you were in labour, any self respecting GP, or Medical Professional, would NOT be telling you to manage on diet alone, without surgical referral. Globally, they would be opening themselves up for any number of negligence law suits.So if that's the advice you have received, then please, get copies and keep all of it on file, in case of a needed Compensation Claim, and get a second opinion. A Doctor alone would not be able to advise you properly as they have no specialist training in that field.

3) Lecthin aids the Liver's ability to emulsify fats. It DOES NOT actually emulsify fat itself. When taken, the Liver is known to increase the acidic properties of the Bile, this makes the body work harder to pump the Bile through, and break down the fats at a marginally faster rate. This is information gained from a massive 1998 study, based in the USA, into the reaction of forms of non-invasive Gallstone Treatment, that involved animals and 15,000 volunteers in many countries aross the Western World, with an even split into ethnicity and gender, and even sexual preferences. It was considered a landmark study into the field, and widely reported across various medical journals including The Lancet. Lecthin alone (and it was something I myself took), is not a cure for Gallstones.

Bizarrely enough, it was discovered that ladies during their period, and in the week running up to that time,, can often have gallstone attacks occurring more frequently. It is thought to be nerve related, and research is still on going, looking into that or if it is hormone related.

4) Aloe Vera is great for a number of things. The study proved inconclusive in it's assistance with the Gallbladder's function, and not successful in aid Gallstone size reduction, however the study did recognise it beneficial in gut support and other ailments. This is now under it's own study, not connected with Gallbladder disorders, alongside other Cactcus and Succulent plant extracts.

5) Not over-eating is a good idea, as you will be aiding your body to break down smaller amounts of fat. This will have an impact on your Gallstone attacks, but you can still not over eat and have life threatening attacks. Weight loss also is known to have an impact on the pressure reduction on the Gallbladder. Not over-eating would also help this area. Over eating does not avoid an impacted colon. This is a common myth, that can be researched on many many many medical websites, by reputable sources. Not saying that you found it here, but more as a general point to whoever reads this, but Wikipedia is not a reputable source.

6) YAY!!!!!!!!! So glad you don't believe the Gallbladder flush articles.... and hopefully that you haven't tried it. It works by actually forcing the Liver to over-produce Bile on a massive level, with all the oil, triggering the Gallbladder to violently spasm. There have been many reports of stones being expelled from the body, however when tested none of these were found to be stones. They had no calcium or Bile content at all, and all stones were still present afterwards, in the individual Gallbladders. What did happen was that as a result of people trying to avoid surgery, it is reported that over the last 8 years, as more and more internet sites appear that report their alleged success, there has been a rising increase in the admittance levels into hospitals for treatments, after 'flush' triggered attacks.

______________________________________________________

I post this response after over 8years of personal, specialised study into Gallbladder issues and Gallstones (I started when my mother had serious complications from her Gallstone attacks, and I wanted to learn how to help). I am not a Doctor or Surgeon, but I have a recognised degree in the medical field. After I myself fell victim to Gallstone attacks, I stepped up my obsessive research as I wanted to find any alternative that I could, to avoid having surgery. With my own complications, surgery itself was a life endangering risk, and I was told I had a 10% chance of survival from that alone.

I tried to diet control it for several years, with varying degrees of success. The problem was that for the most part I was ok, until the stones had grown so large that, upon advice, they had me bedridden in agony for 2 and half years, while I waited for a suitable surgical environment and date, often with Gallbladder resulting infections. During that time, I became ill-er and ill-er, and it left me severely nutritionally deprived, as all I could eat was skinless, lean, organic chicken fillet, that was grilled without seasoning, until it was bone dry, and water and apple juice. Even the Palm Oil used across the board in pill Capsules and coatings triggered attacks. I was told I needed urgent surgery, however it took that long to set up a safe surgical environment, due to a rare condition I suffer.

I was bedridden, because every time I sat up, it crushed the stones against the severely damages Gallbladder lining, and the surrounding organs, and the surgeons ordered it safer, while things were surgically organised, for me to be horizontal. The only thing I was allowed to do, was do a set exercise routine every day to avoid muscle wastage.

My stones were so big, that breathing was painful at times. When it came to surgery - I was in there 6 and half hours, with 4 surgeons working together. I volunteered to be a guinea pig for a ground-breaking new type of surgery, which was filmed and broadcast live to Surgical Hospitals around the world. It took longer than they expected, as more work was needed to break down the huge compacted stones, for removal. It would have been shorter time under the knife, had I have had surgery after the attacks became more frequent and had started to impact my life greatly.

Also as my Gallbladder was so damaged, it was tougher than they had expected to remove - They said had it been left for even a few weeks longer, I likely would have not survived. I only wish I had done it earlier, rather than had kept avoiding it, thinking the occasional attack was ok to deal with...even when they started happening at least once a week, I still thought I could beat this thing - even with all my knowledge that my Gallbladder was doomed.

I was petrified of surgery, like you wouldn't believe, and that fear drove my obsession. In those 2 and half years, I studied the organ itself to a microscopic level, the conditions, treatments, complications, etc, around the clock, obsessively. It was all I could do, and all I could think of. I had pictures and notes on the wall around my bed relating to the subject, and I spoke to people and specialists around the world. Some of my report on what I learned, and compiled, along with more advanced work my surgeon was doing already, was published within the Lancet, and distributed globally to the many research teams. I also worked closely with my surgeon, who is considered one of the UK's leading authorities on Gallbladder disorders. The only method that is consistently mostly successful is the surgical removal of the stones and the Gallbladder itself.

You can still have Gallstone attacks after surgery, these are considered Phantom attacks, and are shorter lasting. If you have phantom attacks, you should get checked out that Bile isn't leaking into your system from the surgical site. You can have Bile dumps, where the liver dumps a load of bile into the guts sending the guts into spasm causing diarrhea, and in some cases vomiting. Fibre in the diet can aid this. And Gallstones can re-develop in the Liver, but this has occurred in vastly less that 1% of surgery records. Many people also will always feel a dull ache (as I do) after surgery, and this can be life long. It is important you get checked should you have this pain, to make sure nothing is wrong. It is considered to be nerve damage, but at this time, it is not understood if this is true. But there are currently trials with various medical injections and sonic treatments for this happening around the World. Also there are several foods that you might find make you feel nauseous, or give stomach cramps after surgery. There are cases where people feel that their life is worse off after surgery, I won't lie, and they feel it was the worst thing they ever did, but there are treatments available and the percentage of this is so small, it is worth the risk. You simply learn to work around any effects, and it is more common for patients to say they are happier after surgery than before with the attacks.

Recently publicised studies have found that you need to re-teach your body to cope with food, after surgery, and this has made improvements on occurrences of Bile dumping. This should start from day one. It has been shown that people who immediately indulge in a favoured fatty food after surgery, is more likely to have Bile Dumping issues further down the line. If you re-introduce foods slowly and in small amounts, you give your body a chance to adapt more successfully. It makes sense to me, as if you had a leg chopped off, you have to learn to balance and walk again, and go through physiotherapy for some time afterwards. We use our Gallbladders every day all the time - so it makes sense to me, that it's worth doing a bit of 'physiotherapy' with your food intake, to allow you to adapt.

Believe me, I more than understand you trying anything you can do to avoid surgery. I also am happy that your current method of diet control is working for you, and recommend that you keep actively avoiding high fats, increase your fibre and listen to your body.What works for one, might not work for another, and it is important that anything published for public reading is accurate, and based on genuine medical studies, from reputable sources, that have also taken into account other methods other than surgery. But whatever you do.... should the attacks continue - do not leave it too long. The consequences are far too serious to leave unattended forever.

As I have said before - any advice or opinions I give are NOT a replacement for proper medical advice, by a specialist, and should not to be used in order to delay treatment. Untreated Gallstones can be fatal, and I cannot be held responsible for any issues arising as a result of any readers, you, or people you know, trying any alternative methods I have mentioned. Always seek medical advice, from a Gastric Specialist as soon as you can.

Best of luck.

I spent half and hour typing out a reply but it has been deleted before I could post it so here is a summary:

1) I haven't said osteopathy is a cure for gallstones.

2) I haven't said aloe or lecithin is a cure for gallstones

3) I have only stated it has stopped my attacks not cured anything at all

4) I have spoken to specialists, how do you think i got properly diagnosed?

5) I respect you have a morbid view of this condition but many live with no problems at all (my aunt is one of these people).

6) I haven't told people to opt out of surgery I have just said what works well (for me) with attacks rather than taking painkillers which reduce the GIT's mucosal lining and can exacerbate the issue.

7) Because I have chose to go via a human physiology based route in condition management doesn't indicate that I am making others do the same its it just saying what I have found works well for me and is beneficial overall for the health of my entire GIT.

8) I do not view the body as a set of organs, everything works together so if one thing doesn't work well the rest will be effected.

9) As a woman (of 31 years now) I have suffered with premenstrual constipation for a long time, far longer than any GIT issue and any increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity is likely to aggravate an inflamed organ, is that not common knowledge? Especially if the tissue causing symptom lies right beneath the organ in question (i.e. Transverse colon to gallbladder).

10) Having watched my mother deal with her GB being taken out I have seen the lack of support which is given to people who have this done as well as the consequences of having it removed which is exactly why I have chosen to manage it myself. This is only my choice and if the methods stop working I will definitely consider surgery.

My main point in posting is just to show what I have found stopped my pains not what cures nor what dissolves, its merely to show ways that can work other than NSAID's and the like.

I hope that makes it a bit clearer, sorry for the bullet pointing but I could be bothered typing the whole thing out again. If you wish to know more feel free to ask I'm far from shy.

Bernadette.

I forgot to mention lecithin is an actual emulsifier, used in cooking for that exact purpose too. Anything else as said feel free to ask and I'll respond as soon as I can x

I appreciate you sharing your experiences Bernal, you may know what you are doing (I don't doubt that you are your own expert and its vital to listen to your own body), but others may not have any background information and take things on surface level. And that is why it is vital to be clear, as you now have been - that it is just what worked for you. I do hope no offence was taken as none was intended - I just feel it vital that people understand the condition.

Lecithin is converted in the body, into Acetylcholine, a substance that helps nerve impulses travel throughout the brain. It has been shown to be effective in memory disorders and Alzheimers. To be effective in GI issues, you need to ingest a fair amount - not just a capsule or 3 a day, or be on it long term, and have it drip fed through a vein. It has been proven to have no impact on Gallbladder function itself, or on a change in Bile PH levels. As a side note here, the Lecithin available in most high street stores, is synthetic, or genetically modified, and has Palm oil added - and frustratingly they don't actually have to tell you its a GM product with Palm Oil on the label! I find that outrageous personally. If you take this, you might want to look for an organic, plant, or pure variety. Lecithin is indeed used as a cooking aid to prevent sticking. It does not stop the fat being an issue for the Liver to combat, it works as a separator, if you like, of the fat from other molecules, allowing Bile to get to the fats easier, it is highly disputed over it's effectiveness of actual Liver function improvement, as studies have seen nothing significant so far. The reason for the study showing a higher success rate of a long term drip fed programme is, I believe (can't find the article! grrr!), something to do with blood saturation levels, and that getting into the mucous linings of the stomach and guts, so getting to the fats faster, and aiding the separation of fats from other molecules, off the top of my head. Could be wrong on that point.But as it's working for you - then you are totally right to do as you are doing and keep on taking it. It's important to listen to your own body.

Sadly when you present at your GP with symptoms, you are usually given a course of Ibuprofen/Naproxen, and Co-Dryamol, or stronger, along with Lansoprazole or Omeprazole to protect the stomach lining, which quite frankly may already be stressed by the whole GI trauma happening when you have a Gallstone attack. If you go to hospital, you are given Morphine. Another powerful (albeit different) painkiller. I do believe there are better ways of managing attacks, as you yourself have found.

I never implied that you had not sought out medical advice - merely that with such excruciating pains, it is unusual/rare for a medic to advise you to go away and self treat and diet control....especially when the implications are so costly.

I do not have a morbid view. I have a realistic view. I have years of knowledge of this exact topic, and have studied in depth the alternative treatments. I am sorry you seem to have taken my replies as a personal attack. I respond to give people knowledge, and a better understanding of how it all works. I am the first to admit I am not the world's leading expert, or even a national expert in the GI field, but by sharing what we know, hopefully, someone, somewhere - might not even be a medical professional, will come up with the ultimate answer in this surgery being banished from need. Believe me - medical science has not been right all the time with me. I am the first to doubt medical science, but I am also open to acknowledge proven fact, through blind trials, extensive studies, and personal experiences from myself and those around me, who are more heavily involved in the field than I am. I also did all I could to avoid surgery, after the first attack, as to me the Gallbladder is still a vital part of the anatomy as a whole. Just because you can live without it merrily - doesn't mean it's the right thing to whip it out at the drop of a hat. Look what happened with the latest news on the Appendix, for example. Millions of people had theirs out, and are fine, while millions more are not. Now new research shows that removing the Appendix should only be done as a very last resort, as it does have a function in the body.

You are right - as I said before - thousands of people live with gallstones trouble free. I never denied this fact. It is said that every single person in the Western world has stones. I am so glad that not everyone has attacks.

I also agree that the body is effected as a whole. It is important to take care of it as a whole. You initial posts mentioned Osteopathy in connection with Gallbladder health, or implied such, and for those who didn't know what it was - I explained. Osteopathy is an amazing and wonderful form of treatment for a lot of people. If you are qualified, or soon to be, then I know you know this, and you are part of a group of wonderful people that are doing some real good in the medical fields. I just want it clear - none of what I have said was intended to cause you offence.

I am interested in what you said about your premenstrual constipation. I don't know if it's worth bringing up with your GP, should you have further Gallstone attacks. Make a note of when your cycle starts, and ends and mark it in relation to your attacks. This is something that the researchers are looking at now. There are a growing number of reports that are seemingly linking attacks to monthly cycles. Still early days in studying, but if you find there is a link for yourself, then maybe you can work out a precautionary lifestyle to adopt in those 'risk of Gallstone attack' days. As a side note - and purely hearsay as I have no real knowledge or experience of the PC condition, apparently eating 3oz more of a good quality organic mature cheese, everyday, in the 2 weeks before your bleed, helps PC and cramping. Of course - this is no good if you hate cheese, are lactose intolerant, or it sets off your Gallstone attacks. Also Nettle Tea is apparently of benefit, for constipation of any cause. Anyway - you know how best to manage that one. I can't verify either myself - although I do love cheese, so in my case, any excuse to eat more of it is great! lol.

As for lack of support for patients - yup! It's disgusting! I hope your mother is doing ok. Also I hate that a lot of surgeons don't give patients the full information. This is something that I have complained about for years to various organisations, not just about Gallbladder issues, but other medical issues too. Information should be given openly and freely, and not left to people to research it themselves, where they could end up in trouble, by following leads from non-reputable sources.

Once again, I do apologise for the offence that appears to have taken. That was not my intention from the outset, or in future. I wish you well and hope your current pain-free condition is maintainable for the rest of your life.

Jinny

Hi Jinny! I wasn't offended at all just got frustrated with my previous post being deleted before i hit post!

I agree lecithin doesn't make any improvement to liver function in itself though milk thistle is advised for supporting the liver's functions more than lecithin.

Osteopathy is a great study though I agree the amount we learn is never enough. In fact most osteopaths feel they don't know enough even after years of successful practice, given the detail in which they need to know the body and every interaction that takes place it is quite understandable but to be able to detect things from forming a whole picture of the body's state is more realistic as a primary health care provider and I think should be taught to GP's also.

The NHS is in a bit of a bad way at the moment so I don't think the post-op support will improve anytime soon which truly is a shame, especially as diet advice is pretty important to help the GIT adjust to the changes.

Jinny given your level of knowledge on cholelithiasis have you ever considered doing a blog on it? I think that would be really helpful to people who have just been diagnosed as its pretty scary if you are in the dark on it, especially when of the articles which come up are of those naff GB flushes!!

x

Hi to Bernal and Jinny, I came across your forum while looking for diet tips.

I followed your discussion with great interest and I wonder if you can help in some way.

At my first scan about four years ago I had a GB full of little stones. the docs wanted to remove my GB but fear kept me from going through with it, fear and the fact that the docs seemed to have a conveyor belt attitude. At my last scan I was told I have one stone of 13 mm. No mention of any other stones. I think I had one caught somewhere once.

Having hypothyroidism was the cause I am told.

I have had a few episodes of a dull ache around my body but nothing that has had me rushing to the hospital. I know that eating the wrong stuff brings on this dull ache, so I only make a mistake once in a while.

Now my problem is, that my docs won't take the GB out now because I have developed chronic diverticulitis. am between a rock and a hard place, no help from doctors ...her comment was, Let's wait and see. And then ushers me out. and I don't know what to do.. I read stuff about bile salts malabsorption after GB removal and it is like a horror story..I keep turning up at blind alleys until I came here. I hope you see this post as no one seems to know anything.

I exercise every day by doing cleaning jobs and walking two lively dogs. I just turned 60 and have just become a grandmother for the first time. Hit the anxiety button, due to which my doc has tried unsuccessfully to put me on anti depressants.

I don't know what to do anymore and feel quite alone in this. Obviously I need to keep going as long as possible but I feel later years are going to be bleak.

I don't know if anyone is still following this forum, I can' together to see my doctor for about a week and this has been going in for about a month. I have the option of seeing another doc , not my regular doc, next week but in the meantime, what would you do for very loose motions with gallstones and diverticulitis.

I am sick of being sick.

Hi Designergirl12

Sorry to hear you are struggling.

A couple things..... firstly - I am not a owner/moderator, or anything other than a participant in this forum, that I discovered when I was initially heading towards having GB surgery myself. - which I eventually did, after being so very terrified before hand.

Secondly - I don't really know a great deal about Diverticulitis. My understanding of it is that small pockets, or polyps or bulges, start to develop on the lining of the intestine, and they become inflamed or infected, causing several complications.

From a brief look through books I have, and the fact that you mention loose motions, I would say you would need to increase fibre in your diet. I don't know where in the world you are, so I would say start with oatmeal or porridge in the morning. Look for a brand that has the highest fibre content that you can find.Most people with Diverticular Disease are recommended to eat between 18g (0.6oz) to 30g (1oz) of fibre a day. Doctor's can customise your diet to work out just how much you should be having based on height and weight ratios.

Fibre can be found naturally in the following:

Fruit like: Apples, Bananas, Pears, Apricots, Pruness, - amongst others.

Vegetables like: Beans, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, - amongst others.

Nuts like: Almonds, Brazils, Peanuts, - amongst others.

Starchy foods like: Wholemeal/grain Bread, Wholegrain Rice, Brown Rice, Wild Rice, and Wholemeal/grain Pasta, Sweet Potatoes, - amongst others.

You can get fibre suppliments from pharmacies or drugstores, or your doctor, or health food shops.

If in the UK, I personally found Slippery Elm Bark Tablets, by a company called Potters, sold in Holland & Barret, helpful.

Also drink plenty of fluids because this will help prevent side effects. If you can cope with Peppermint Tea, or Camomile Tea, then all well and good - if not - drink as much water as you can.

I can imagine how sick and tired of being ill you must be..... but hang in there. It sounds like you are doing a lot to keep active and fit, but now it's time to get really pro-active with your other health, and keep fighting your Doctor for help and referrals to specialists.

Stay Strong.

Jinny

Hi Jinny

Thank you so much for your detailed reply, that is so kind of you to put this together. Having a really bad cold, still going, and the resulting bad motions, I am rethinking my eating habits. My poor body!!

I have not eaten oils or fats for quite some time but am going to try to limit what foods i eat to see what is best for me, reintroducing things as and when I feel ok.

I am in the UK, near London.

I will definitely give Slippery Elm a try, especially the tea as it is recommended.

Thank you once again, I am so grateful for your kindness.

Hi designergirl12

Being ill is so frustrating, especially when you feel like no-one is listening.

Ask to be referred to a Specialist. See the other Dr next week too if you are struggling. They might know something the original doesn't. The Diverticulitis is a totally different condition to Gallstones. They have different treatment needs, but upping fibre content in either is highly beneficial.

I take 2 tablets, 3 times a day of the Slippery Elm Bark Capsules about 20mins before eating anything.

Get a diet regime, in terms of eating patterns. That may help too. Don't know - that would be a specialist to help you with.

Demand a referral!

Jinny

I will, and thanks ever so much again.

:0)

Hi All

I am on the waiting list to have my Gallbladder removed as i have a large stone, and the gallbladder keeps getting inflamed and infected. I can cope with the feeling sick and the pain most of the time. But could someone please advise me the best diet for me, to help with the symptoms and to loose weight before the

operation, as i know the weight problem does not help, plus the weight is putting a strain on the Hietas

Hernia surgery i had a few years ago.

Cheers Chris

Hi Chris.

Just want to make it clear - all opinions I give are based on my own experiences, and things I have learned from research, and practice, and talking to others, only. You need to speak to your Doctor about these things too, before any radical changes.

It has to be as low fat, low oil, a diet as possible. For me it was relatively easy to do that, as everything I was eating was a set off point for me, so I hated eating. I was stuck on skinless plain grilled, organic chicken breast, baked sweet potato, water with porridge, and apple juice and water only for over a year. It was very unbalanced and unhealthy but there was nothing else I could do.

Get as much fibre in your system every day as possible. You also need to take care of your guts, so you need soothing products, such as peppermint oil capsules, peppermint tea, camomile tea.

Drinking pure apple juice (NOT from concentrate stuff) every day does help - they don't know why - it just does.

You need to become a labels investigator with your foods. The oils and fats lurk in the most innocent of items. Its even in bread. Palm oil is a big trigger for a lot of people, and that dreadful stuff is in sooo much. Search for it and cut it right out of your diet.

Try and eat as naturally as possible. So no marinades, no oil dressings. Grill lean meats, steam, boil, bake... try to avoid shallow frying or deep frying.

Pork and other pig products (Ham, sausages, pate's, Bacon) is a huge trigger - so cut it out entirely.

Artificial sweeteners are your enemy! They, like Palm oil, are in sooo many products, including breads, and a hell of a lot of diet foods. Get them out of your diet and look for healthier options. Natural raw honey is a great sugar substitute.

Caffeine can be an irritant - try and reduce that, or cut it out.

Some people find fizzy drinks of any kind a trigger. You have to experiment and see what works for you - keep a food diary just for you and no one else, and learn about your body and triggers, and mood effectors. etc.

As for weight loss..... The best thing I ever did was find a proper Personal Trainer. They do cost - but the current personal trainer who I'd recommend hands down, works outdoors and with a gym, so I don't have to pay the cost of gym membership, and he charges less that the average monthly gym membership. There are a growing number of trainers that believe fitness should be accessible and will negotiate a fee, if you tell them your budget. I see him 3 times a week, for about £10 a session. It IS a lot of money - but its worth the investment if you can do it. If you cant - walk. See if you can brisk walk an hour a day. If you can afford it - look for Zumba classes, or other physical classes. I was over 21 and half stones, and in a just over a year and half, I got down to 13.8 stones. I must be clear - I did it to get fit, NOT to lose weight. I went in with a different mindset. The weight was never an issue in my head, so when I did lose weight, I was actually in a bit of shock (not in a good way) and needed time to mentally readjust to this new person I was seeing. But the fact that I wasn't hung up on weight loss, was a big bonus to getting there.

If you can't afford gym stuff - ask your Doctor (in the UK) about the Weight 2 Lose programme, and the prescription to exercise. This is a free weight loss programme, and also a subsided gym access. I did this, but I found I preferred and had more success with the one on one full instruction, rather than guided notes, printed off the internet by my initial assessor, to follow and left to get on with it. Make sure if you do the Prescription To Exercise thing, that you check out the costs. Get to the gym as much as possible (3 or 4 times a week), but.... check whether it would be cheaper joining the gym in the first place on your own. If you think you are more likely to attend if you have to check in with someone, then stick with the subsidised programme.

Sleep and stress can also affect you - so get a regime in your life going.

But above all fibre, fibre, fibre..... its the best thing you can do....but make sure its balanced or you will get a runny tummy! lol.

Best of luck.

Jinny

I'm a vegan. I also avoid spicy foods and eat small amounts of veggies that are high in fat, like avocado. I limit those. No fried foods either. I also use coconut oil and drink fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies with agave and hemp seeds for the extra protein. I drink A LOT of water. I exercise as well. I lift weights and do a lot of running, not for everyone though. This has helped with my gallstones. I've lived with them for over 4 years now. They refuse to do surgery on my unless it's infected. It took some time but I have really gotten into the hang of vegan cuisine. I had to go to extremes like this to avoid the pain. I still get spasms but they aren't as painful as before and not as often.

I feel very low today, I went to the doctor and I am always nervous when seeing her and tend to babble or not understand her questions. She always answers my questions with a vague reply.

My back has been hurting for about three weeks now and from what I can work out she thinks that my liver is not releasing enough bile because my motions are different each day. With diverticulitis this is a worry and I am in need of some comfort.

When I asked her about the pain all she said was, well, you know you have a gallstone. She said, re the liver, that she would give me something to take. That is how vague she is.