What Happens When You Have Your Gallbladder Removed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Normally, the gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, releasing it when you eat to aid the digestion of fat. When the gallbladder is removed,

bile is less concentrated and drains more continuously into the intestines

, where it can have a laxative effect. The amount of fat you eat at one time also plays a role.

What foods should you avoid if you have no gallbladder?

  • fatty, greasy, or fried foods.
  • spicy food.
  • refined sugar.
  • caffeine, which is often in tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks.
  • alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits.
  • carbonated beverages.

What are the side effects of having your gallbladder removed?

  • Difficulty digesting fat. It may take your body time to adjust to its new method of digesting fat. …
  • Diarrhea and flatulence. Indigestion can cause diarrhea or flatulence, often made worse by excess fat or too little fiber in the diet. …
  • Constipation. …
  • Intestinal injury. …
  • Jaundice or fever.

Can I live a normal life without a gallbladder?

Living without a gallbladder

You

can lead a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder

. Your liver will still make enough bile to digest your food, but instead of being stored in the gallbladder, it drips continuously into your digestive system.

Can having your gallbladder removed make you gain weight?

Post-surgery, your body acclimates to changes brought about by gallbladder removal, it impacts how the digestive system process food. In few cases, this prompts weight gain. The body will be unable to digest fat and sugar productively.

Why does my poop smell so bad after gallbladder removal?

Some people may experience yellow diarrhea or smelly poop after gallbladder removal. The larger amounts of bile reaching the colon may cause irritation resulting in diarrhea with a yellow hue. The

increased amounts of bile salt

can also make one’s bowel movements have a more potent smell as well.

Is it harder to lose weight without a gallbladder?

Without the gallbladder,

the body cannot store as much bile

, and it does not break down as much fat. While the possible immediate adverse effects of surgery, such as diarrhea, may lead to weight loss in the short term, gallbladder removal may actually lead to a higher long-term body mass index (BMI).

Can I drink coffee with no gallbladder?

Caffeine contains acids that can cause your stomach to make more acid and drain faster. This can lead to stomach pain and discomfort after having gallbladder removed.

Are eggs bad for gallbladder?

The gallbladder produces bile that helps the body digest fats. A high intake of fats, and especially saturated and trans fats, may put extra strain on this process. Researchers have found that people who consume red, processed meats, and egg as part of an overall

unhealthful diet have a higher risk of gallstones

.

What supplements should I take if I have no gallbladder?

Include moderate quantities of virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados. Take a liver supporting supplement. This should include

Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Artichoke

which all work in synergy to enhance the production of extra bile.

Does your liver work harder without a gallbladder?

Without the gallbladder, the liver still produces the bile necessary to digest fat in food. But instead of entering the intestine all at once with a meal, the bile continuously drains from the liver into the intestine. This means it may

be harder

and take longer for your body to digest fat.

Can you drink alcohol if your gallbladder is removed?

If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at

risk for other complications

during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.

How do you know if your gallbladder needs removed?

  1. bloating.
  2. nausea.
  3. vomiting.
  4. further pain.

How soon after gallbladder surgery can you eat pizza?

Fried, Greasy, and Junk Foods

While you recover, don’t eat junk foods like pizza and potato chips. You don’t have to avoid them forever. Allow yourself some of these foods once in a while after you recover, but try and limit it to

once a month

and in small quantities.

How much work will I miss after gallbladder surgery?

You might get caught in traffic. For a laparoscopic surgery, most people can go back to work or their normal routine in

1 to 2 weeks

, but it may take longer. For an open surgery, it will probably take 4 to 6 weeks before you get back to your normal routine.

Does not having a gallbladder make you poop more?

Some people who did not previously have more than one bowel movement per day will find themselves

having more frequent bowel movements

after gallbladder removal. These can sometimes be loose and watery, and be accompanied by a sense of urgency.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.