Question:
Is there a connection between gall bladder removal and food tolerance?

I've been reading the various questions and I have wondered many are having problems tolerating food also had their gall bladder removed. I would like to hear from people who've had it removed and those who haven't. Thanks Angela    — Angela P. (posted on September 5, 2000)

September 5, 2000
Hi Angela: I had my gall bladder removed during my surgery as well. It was basically healthy, but I wanted it removed anyway and my surgeon complied with my wished. (My history is that post-operatively, if it can go wrong, for me it WILL go wrong, and I already had a suspicion that my gall bladder wasn't acting right, along with family history, and didn't want to have to have a second surgery). Anyway, like Barb said (hi Barb!!!) digesting fats is the only thing effected by removing the gall bladder, and I really don't eat enough fats to have any kind of a problem. I can pretty much eat anything I want, whenever I want, and I do. Of course, my tastes and desires have changed since WLS. It's all good, though! Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY (divided) 7-29-99, 120 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

September 5, 2000
Hi, I had my gallbladder removed two years before surgery (I developed gallstones during my pregnancy). For about several months afterwards, I had a hard time adjusting to certain foods: anything with fat didn't digest well, or onions, or anything super spicy (not sure why on that one). But after this period passed, I knew what to eat and what not to eat and everything was fine. Then when I had my WLS, I again went through an adjustment period that has finally evened out. I have heard some people have a harder time without a gallbladder, some have it easier.
   — Beth B.

September 5, 2000
I had my gall bladder removed about 9 1/2 years ago because I developed stones after going on one of those crazy low-cal diets (640 calories per day). I had about 2 months between when I began having the "attacks" and when I could have my gall bladder removed because I was in college and needed to finish my exams. Because the "attacks" were so painful - the only thing more painful would be childbirth, but they're pretty close on the pain scale!! - I ate nearly no fat at all. After the surgery, I found that I could tolerate some fat, but not much. I just couldn't digest it properly anymore. After time though, my body compensated and (according to my doctor) my bile duct enlarged and began storing bile and functioning as my gall bladder had previously. Needless to say, I found that I was again able to eat all foods with no problem. Let's just hope that after my surgery (open RNY - scheduled for 9/28) my bile duct doesn't talk to my brand new redesigned digestive system and tell it how it can compensate!!
   — Terry M.

September 5, 2000
Hi...I had my gallbladder out a couple of years ago and while I can eat pretty much anything without trouble, stay out of my way cause I'm RUNNING to the bathroom within 30 minutes of eating. That's the only problem I've ever had.
   — Keri A.