pain and diarrhea after gallbladder surgery

Three weeks ago I had my gallbladder removed.  I have a lot of pain under my right breast area such as a sharp pain, which radiates to my back.  I keep having diarrhea everytime I eat.  I have been taking mylanta and zantac 175, but I'm still having trouble.  Should I call the doctor?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Gallbladder stores and concentrates bile. When a meal is taken ( especially fatty it contracts and bile flows in to small intestine.
If gallbladder is removed the bile directly flows in to the intestine. This causes diarrhea which will improve over a period of time.
If pain persists reevaluation should done to look for stones in the bile duct and other related and functional disorders.
You should consult your doctor for evaluation.