Question:
What diet/life changes must be made after gallbladder surgery?

I had an Open RNY on 5-8-01 and now I have tons of tiny gallstones. I will be having a "double" surgery this Friday (3-1-02) for gallbladder removal (he thinks LAP) and a rotator cuf repair. Anyway I'm not sure how hard a double surgery is going to be, but one of the things I wonder about is what happens after gallbladder removal? Can I no longer tolerate fats? Will getting the gallbladder removed help me to start losing weight again? My weight loss pretty much as stopped cold at the 6 month mark... it is almost month ten now! Nothing I can do will start weight loss again. Also what are bowel movements like post op? I hardly go, except once or twice a week anyway. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.    — Danmark (posted on February 27, 2002)

February 27, 2002
Daniel, I had my gallbladder removed 9 years ago. It was so full of stones that the doctor told me no bile was getting through. To this date I have not had to change my lifestyle because of this except that I was no longer in pain! As far as losing weight, the only weight you will lose is whatever your gallbladder weighed. I think your best bet to jumpstart your weight loss is to eat your protein and up your exercise.
   — Lynn R.

February 27, 2002
I had my gall bladder removed about a year and a half ago. I didn't really change my diet afterwards. I did have about 2-3 weeks where nothing tasted good and I had trouble eating much, but that didn't last :-( As for bowel movements, I was prepared to be badly constipated after surgery and wasn't. I think my bms are often a bit looser.
   — [Anonymous]

February 28, 2002
I had my gallbaldder removed at the same time as my RNY. i had one pencil eraser sized stone. I am still on the same diet ( high protien, low carbs), I can eat anything w/out dumping. I don't think you should worry. Also, gallblader surgery is basically " a piece of cake" compared to other surgeries. ( I've had a bunch!!) As far as bm's mine are a yellowish color and usually soft. I've only had trouble once since my surgery and I know it was due to lack of water. You'll be fine!!!
   — Cindee A.

March 1, 2002
since my RNY/gallbladder surgery in November 01, If I eat I better be close to a bathroom. My surgeon says this is common with gallbladder removal.Have a good day & GOOD LUCK!
   — [Anonymous]