Gall Bladder Removal

Okay, I need the expertise of my boardmates. I had my ultrasound last night and everything went well but I do have gallstones and will need to have my gall bladder removed. My question is this: how will that impact me on the other side? Not initially, but down the road when I'm back on normal food. Is it going to affect the things I can eat or how I process them? What is the gall bladder for and if they remove it, will I have to be on some sort of pill for the rest of my life? Any information is appreciated. Thanks, guys! Stef

Mornin' Stefanie, I also have to have mine out. I know my sister and her son both had theirs out. They don't have to take any kind of medication because of it and neither one has had any kind of problems. However a friend of mine had her gall bladder removed and couldn't eat licorice anymore. Go figure. I think that you can do just fine normally without your gall bladder, but for us, I'm not sure if there are any long term affects from removal. I am keeping my eye on this to find out what anyone else has to add. Didn't think about that before you bought it up. Good going! And first thing in the morning too! Thanks! Mary

Had my gallbladder out 3 months after Rny and to be honest i havent had any problmes eating anything now then when i had the gallbladder in I dont take anything for missing the gallbladder i can say this much thank god its gone Best of luck to you

Gallbladder: a digestive organ which stores bile (produced in the liver), used in the digestion and absorption of fats in the duodenum. The gallbladder is an organ situated under the rib cage, next to the liver and pancreas. It stores bile, a liquid made by the liver to emulsify, or suspend, fats in a watery solution. The gallbladder contracts and forces the bile into the small intestine when we eat. Gallbladder disease results from gallstones forming in the gallbladder. Too much cholesterol or bile salts can lead to the crystallization of cholesterol and the formation of gallstones, which obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder. Often, there are no symptoms; however, if a stone blocks the outlet of the gallbladder, a gallbladder "attack," or pain, may develop. Some gallstones can be managed with drugs or by dietary adjustments, such as drastically cutting down fat intake. However, surgical removal of the gallbladder is the only "sure cure." Following surgery, patients are instructed to first follow a low-fat diet. They may add fat back into their diet gradually. People can live perfectly normal lives without their gallbladder because the bile duct, which is found superior to the gallbladder on the visceral side of the liver, simply enlarges to assume the bile-storing role. Unless they have unpleasant symptoms, there is no need to change the diet after the gallbladder is removed, but persons with or without a gallbladder maintain a well balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grain products, which are also low in fat. Found at "goaskalice.com"

Thanks, Jen! You rock! *diva seal of approval* I feel much better now.. (I realize now I could have done a google search *doh* but I'm glad I have you guys to talk about these things with) Stef

Well, sure you could have done a google, but what fun is that!?! Plus, you give some of us rookies something to think about, and an idea of some things to expect, and an opportunity to google the right things ourselves. Thank's for the "diva endorsement"! Now I know I'll win the primary.... Have a good day!

Its main function is to collect and concentrate the bile that the body uses to digest fats. After removal, people who eat foods that are high in fats (which post op we shouldn't be doing anyways lol) can have problems digesting it. Rapid changes in weight (either up or down) among other things, can cause crystalization of the bile (gallstones), pain and inflammation of the gall bladder. Noone in my family has theirs still and I begged my surgeon to take it out but of course the insurance wouldn't pay if it wasn't sick. I take Actigall to prevent the crystalization (hopefully). So I guess what all my rambling is trying to convey, is that you don't really need it, and lots of people function just fine without it. The process of digesting highly fatty foods shouldn't be an issue because ya won't be eating them anyways Huggzz, Cathy

I had my gall bladder out 10 years ago, BUT some and I mean SOME (which also means NOT ALL) patients who have "laproscopic colostectomy" can have dumping and I DID! so I already know how bad dumping can be, of course its been 10 years now and I dont have this often anymore, but since dumping is a side effect of the surgery it won't matter!! Debby

I also had lots of stones. I had mine removed during surgery, I didnt feel any different, I was one of the lucky ones, I didnt have pain after surgery, just discomfort. I was told when just your Gallbladder is removed the post op procedures would be to eat a low fat diet at first, but with the RNY surgery, thats automatic. I was also told thats since I had the surgery, I wont be eating enough fat in the first place to cause anything abnormal. You'll do just fine.

They removed my gall bladder during my surgery also, the only thing I notice is, I'm lactose intolerant now.