Question:
Gallbladder symptoms -help from those who've had theirs removed after WLS

I am wondering about the symptoms of gallstones and gallbladder problems for those of you who have had theirs removed after WLS. I am 4 weeks post-op and think I am developing problems with mine. I posted earlier, but wanted more information, anything you can help me with would be great! My symptoms are pain in my right side, across the belly button, that radiates to my back. It is really a constant pain. But I am only 4 weeks post-op. (Lost 35 pounds LAP RNY) I am seeing my surgeon on Monday and will seek his attention, but wanted some support from you guys, THANKS so much! :)    — Lezlie Y. (posted on June 29, 2002)

June 29, 2002
I had my gallbladder removed a little over a year ago. I haven't had WLS yet. I had problems for years, but the tests they did did not show up for gallbladder until it was at the point of an emergency. You will find that you just can not tolerate certain foods: anything with citric acid (lemonade, oranges, orange juice, etc), anything greasy, nuts, tomatoes or any tomato based food (spagetti, vegetable soup, etc). There are sharp pains in the right side, around and below the belly button. The only thing that seemed to subside these pains for me was to take a nice long soak in the tub or put an ice pack or heating pad on the area. After gallbladder surgery I must warn you that it takes some time for the body to adjust. You will be plaged by severe diarrhea for about a month. Taking lomotil does not seem to help much. I found that taking Citrical several times a day helped. If you have any more questions, email me.
   — Susan P.

July 1, 2002
It felt like someone was squeezing me so hard from the inside, a inescapable pain. Then, as fast at it came- it was gone. Almost making me believe that I had imagined it all ("maybe it wasn't that bad?") until it did it again. It had not rhyme or reason- meaning I'd eat something one day- it would happen, eat it again the next day- and it wouldn't. So trying to avoid it was impossible!
   — Karen R.