Gallbladder, Nutrient Absorption and Weight =/

[imnewgirly]

Hi guys been a while since I checked in! I think I still recognize some names!

I have an interesting question I hope you guys will be able to provide some insight. =)

A little over a year ago I found myself in an emergency situation and had my gallbladder involuntarily removed. Not knowing anything about gallbladders and how they can or cannot affect weight, digestion and nutrient absorption; I'm struggling with low stamina as well as wanting to lose the 15lbs I've gained since I lost my gallbladder.

I am lucky because post surgery I am still able to eat whatever I want. However, I don't seem to have as much energy as I did before I had surgery. Is my missing gallbladder preventing me from absorbing the nutrients from food(and or supplements) I would normally absorb during the digestion process?

Neither of my doctors really have any post surgery advice other than "just be glad you don't have any digestive issues related to the surgery and that you are still able to eat whatever you want." <-- That's nice and all, but I feel like my stamina has taken a dive and I just don't have the energy levels I used to.

I've had a thyroid panel and a hormone panel done and both are normal( I am a little hypothyroid but supplement with t4 and a little t3 per my dr.).

Anyone able to offer advice? Or sympathy? LOL
Look forward to your advice

 

[RottenWillow]

Hi guys been a while since I checked in! I think I still recognize some names!

I have an interesting question I hope you guys will be able to provide some insight. =)

A little over a year ago I found myself in an emergency situation and had my gallbladder involuntarily removed. Not knowing anything about gallbladders and how they can or cannot affect weight, digestion and nutrient absorption; I'm struggling with low stamina as well as wanting to lose the 15lbs I've gained since I lost my gallbladder.

I am lucky because post surgery I am still able to eat whatever I want. However, I don't seem to have as much energy as I did before I had surgery. Is my missing gallbladder preventing me from absorbing the nutrients from food(and or supplements) I would normally absorb during the digestion process?

Neither of my doctors really have any post surgery advice other than "just be glad you don't have any digestive issues related to the surgery and that you are still able to eat whatever you want." <-- That's nice and all, but I feel like my stamina has taken a dive and I just don't have the energy levels I used to.

I've had a thyroid panel and a hormone panel done and both are normal( I am a little hypothyroid but supplement with t4 and a little t3 per my dr.).

Anyone able to offer advice? Or sympathy? LOL
Look forward to your advice

Why was your gallbladder removed? Was it gallstones? Have you had a comprehensive liver panel done recently? If not that's your first step. Liver disease can definitely cause body fat gain.

 

[RADAR]

98% of all gallbladder problems are caused by gallstones, When you have a problem with your gallbladder, like gallstones, your doctor may recommend that you have gallbladder surgery to remove your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is an organ that you can live without, but some people need to avoid certain foods after gallbladder removal, since the gallbladder is involved in digestion.
The gallbladder is a small organ that sits under your liver. It stores, concentrates, and helps secrete bile, a liquid made by your liver that helps digest fatty foods.

If you need to have surgery to remove your gallbladder, your liver still makes enough bile for normal digestion. Even so, it is not unusual for people to have some difficulty digesting certain foods in the days and weeks following gallbladder surgery.
If you are hospitalized, your medical team will help you transition from a liquid to a solid diet almost immediately after your gallbladder surgery. If you are recovering at home, you will need to introduce foods slowly, and consume mainly clear liquids, like broth and gelatin, at first. If you feel ready and are not nauseated, you can slowly begin introducing solid foods back into your diet as you start feeling better. But you may need to avoid certain types of foods for a while.

More than half of people who have recently had gallbladder surgery report problems with digesting fats following their surgery. This is because your gallbladder is no longer there to control the release of bile into your intestines after eating a meal. Instead, a small amount of bile is now directly "leaked" from your liver into your small intestine at a slow, constant rate. It can take a few weeks for your body to get used to this change, and you may experience bloating, diarrhea, and gas after eating fatty foods during this time. But most people can return to a normal diet within a month after having gallbladder surgery.

Foods to Avoid

While your body adjusts, it is a good idea to avoid high-fat foods for a few weeks after having gallbladder surgery. High-fat foods include:

Foods that are fried, like French fries and potato chips
High-fat meats, such as bacon, bologna, sausage, ground beef, and ribs
High-fat dairy products, such as cheese, ice cream, cream, whole milk, and sour cream
Pizza
Foods made with lard or butter
Creamy soups or sauces
Meat gravies
Chocolate
Oils, such as palm and coconut oil
Skin of chicken or turkey
High-fiber and gas-producing foods can also cause some people discomfort after gallbladder surgery, so you may want to introduce them slowly back into your diet. These include:

Cereals
Whole-grain breads
Nuts
Seeds
Legumes
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Spicy foods may also cause some gastrointestinal symptoms for a short time after gallbladder removal.

If you need help devising a diet plan after your surgery, ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian.
Although it is common to have some food-related symptoms after surgery, it is important to contact your surgeon if you experience the following symptoms, since they may be symptoms of a serious complication:

Persistent, worsening, or severe abdominal pain
Severe nausea or vomiting
Yellowing of your skin, called jaundice
No bowel movement for more than three days after surgery
Inability to pass gas for more than three days after surgery
Frequent diarrhea that lasts for more than three days after surgery
While some digestive symptoms are normal immediately after gallbladder surgery, it is best to call and let your doctor know if you are having any problems with eating or digesting your foods.
There are meds that can help with