1. Community
  2. Liver and gallbladder
  3. Gallbladder Problems

Gallstones and weight loss?

Posted , 8 users are following.

zt1980
zt1980

Can anyone experienced weight loss with gallstone attacks?

Please let me know

Thanks

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • katherine42413
    katherine42413 zt1980

    Posted

    Hi, yes it is usual to have weight loss with gallbladder problems as your body is having problems with foods that are fatty, spicy or very rich and you tend to reduce the amount you're eating and the variety of foods. I lost over a stone in weight but there are people on here that have lost a huge amount.

    Hope this helps.

    • zt1980
      zt1980 katherine42413

      Posted

      Thanks

      Do you gain back the lost weight after an operation to remove gall bladder?

    • katherine42413
      katherine42413 zt1980

      Posted

      Its been nearly a year since I had my gallbladder out and I've put on just about half of it as I can now eat normally but it did take me several months before I put weight on and then it just goes on gradually as I've re-introduced foods to my diet. Some people do put it back on quite quickly but its all dependant on each person. 

      I kept my diet low for a while and only ate small amounts, I still struggle if I eat too much and very uncomfortable with anything fatty or rich so I'm still careful but thats no bad thing. 

    • zt1980
      zt1980 katherine42413

      Posted

      Thanks for letting me.know.

      My only concern was weight loss of 9kgs with symptoms like heart burn indigestion and abdominal pain and ultrasound suggested gallstones with other things normal. I didnt hav ct scan to look for things more serious as I am concerned abt weight loss so That y i am asking here if weight loss does happen in this condition of wht others have experienced?

      Bit relived now

      Thnx

    • katherine42413
      katherine42413 zt1980

      Posted

      I had mine removed as my gallbladder wasn't functioning properly and it gives similar symptoms as those with gallstones. Alot of people do tend to loose alot of weight especially if it takes sometime to diagnose. Goodluck and I hope you get a diagnosis soon.

  • Beenthruit
    Beenthruit zt1980

    Posted

    It is normal to experience some weight loss with gallbladder problems before surgery. This is party due to nausea, sickness and diarrhoea symptoms. Loss of appetite plays a part in it too as does having to eat a fairly bland low fat diet to try and control symptoms leading up to surgery. After surgery it all depends on whether patients who had a ‘bad’ diet before their gallbladder problems, slip back to old habits. If they do, they will put weight on. If they eat healthily, they won’t. It’s just the same as for anyone else: eat more than you need or eat unhealthy fatty foods and you will put weight on. Obviously some fat is needed to have a balanced diet. Some patients even continue to lose weight if they still have symptoms such as nausea/diarrhoea following surgery.

    I, personally, dropped 3 dress sizes in 6 months before I had surgery. In  the 7 months since surgery, I have continued to lose weight but at a much slower rate. My weight is stabilising. I think this is due to the fact that fatty or spicy foods make me bloated and cause pain, so I avoid them now. I’m now at a healthy weight and weigh myself weekly.

    • Beenthruit
      Beenthruit zt1980

      Posted

      Yes I had multiple stones. Had to have open surgery as my common bile duct contained 60+ stones which were too large to be extracted with ERCP. 

      I’ve always eaten healthily and chosen low fat options as I’ve struggled with my weight for a few years, however I realise now that my portion control was awry. You can get fat on fruit if you eat enough!! I now measure/weigh most food I eat at home and I use MyNetDiary to calorie count. You can download this app free. It also gives suggestions and analyses your diet to ensure you get a balance of nutrients. It’s been a life line for me.

      Lost 5 stones in total in 18 months. I have to wonder if gallbladder issues can cause weight gain?

    • julie1717
      julie1717 Beenthruit

      Posted

      Thx I'm downloading my net diary atm smile I definately think people with gs gain weight .ive had swollen legs belly and been short of breath for 3 years which my dr put down to my heart so put me on heart drugs. Was just getting worse so finally referred me to a cardiologist who Sid no heart trouble and to stop all my drugs. Next thing you know I'm having acute gs attack. Since being home leg and belly swelling gone and not short of breath. So somehow possibly related to the liver I think it makes you retain fluid. Anyway things are now on the up smile just need my op once it's safe to do so.

  • Mrsoscared
    Mrsoscared zt1980

    Posted

    Hi 

    oh ves , I lost 3 and a half stone and all my muscle mass in 10 weeks that’s 49 pounds in 10 weeks I was half convinced I had cancer .

    im now 5 months post opp and back up 28 pounds.

  • julie1717
    julie1717 zt1980

    Posted

    So pleased to read this and all the replies. I had acute attack 16 days ago and was in hospital for 7. Had ultrasound scan and MRI which just shows gallstones but loads of small ones. Anyway since coming home I've lost 1stone in weight. Ok I knew it was because of what I can v can't eat now but also reassuring this happens to lots of people, thx everyone this has made me feel much happier smile 

    • reese2016
      reese2016 julie1717

      Posted

      Hi Julie:

      what did you mean regarding you have lost 1stone in weight?

      Was it 10 pound?

      Thanks.

      Reese

    • julie1717
      julie1717 reese2016

      Posted

      No 1 stone IE 14 pounds (l b ).since then I've continued to loose weight at 1 lb per week but more when have p flairs of gallstone pain or eaten anything with hidden fats. Now lost 2 stone 5 lb .still awaiting surgery - hope I've not much longer to wait .

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.