15 yr old to have GB removed - diet changes following?

About a month ago, my healthy 15 year old son had a first ever gallstone attack. Thinking it was an appendix, it was discovered thru an MRI that he had about a 1.5 cm gallstone in his GB. About a week following this incident, we paid a visit to a gastroenterologist who said the GB needs to be removed. Since then, he has been watching what he eats - still having some cheeseburgers without bacon, some Doritos, hardly any pizza, etc -- and has had no ill effects.

However, in my research, I see these horror stories about people having had their GB removed only to have ongoing bouts with bloating, diaherra (diarrhea), aches, bowel expectancy, etc. I have another consult tomorrow with the doc in preparation for the surgery (lapro) on Thursday, 7/8. Iconcerned (and plan to talk extensively with the doc tomorrow) -- what are the chances that some of the things I read in this forum can may occur? wonder if a w2ait and see approach is taken -- after only one attack, what is the likelihood he could have another? Will he necessarily need to restrict his diet permanently? If some of these r4eactions happen to him that happen to others, it doesn't sound like he has any recourse. I will also note that I have seen a number of posts here, and have talked with others, who have had no ill effects on the removal of their GB.

Thanks for additional info you can provide.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Our surgical colleague has answered this question below in his comments, and I agree with everything that was written.  I'll reprint it here since comments don't get saved:

"The significant majority of people who have their GB removed have no ill effects at all: the GB stores bile, does not make it. So the same amount of bile still gets into the intestine which is where it does its job. Bile storage was important before civilization, when you might go for days between meals. Since we eat regularly, we don't need to store bile. It's true that in some people, there are side effects: mainly diarrhea, especially after a very fatty meal. Most don't have it; those that do can usually control it easily. Nothing is 100% in medicine, however. The only option to surgery is no surgery; a stone that size will not dissolve. It's possible he could control attacks with diet; but many people have attacks no matter what they eat. The odds of a 15 year old who's already had an attack making it through with no more are pretty slim."

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Vegas1]

Can a swallowing problem be reversed just by the change in diet ? . I have had a hiatle hernia 5 years and refluxe I am on ppi's but about 4 months ago I started eating heavy meals and after a month, started to have trouble swallowing food to the point now that I choke severly unless I drink a lot of wine that relaxes my esophagus I am going back to the gastro in 8 weaks but for now I am going on a liquid diet and hopefully the swelling or whatever is causing this will subside thanks .

[surgeon]

The significant majority of people who have their GB removed have no ill effects at all: the GB stores bile, does not make it. So the same amount of bile still gets into the intestine which is where it does its job. Bile storage was important before civilization, when you might go for days between meals. Since we eat regularly, we don't need to store bile. It's true that in some people, there are side effects: mainly diarrhea, especially after a very fatty meal. Most don't have it; those that do can usually control it easily. Nothing is 100% in medicine, however. The only option to surgery is no surgery; a stone that size will not dissolve. It's possible he could control attacks with diet; but many people have attacks no matter what they eat. The odds of a 15 year old who's already had an attack making it through with no more are pretty slim.

[te971]

I am a 33 year old male...I had my gall bladder out almost three weeks ago.  I have some cramps and diarrhea after eating fast food but it doesn't last long (30-60 minutes).  Those symptoms are starting to decrease now as more time passes by.  Most foods from home do not cause a problem.  99% of the time I feel so much better than I did before my surgery.  I am very glad I went through with it.  If your son has been suffering as bad as I was, I think he will be glad he went through with it.  There was really nothing to be nervous about the procedure.  There is some abdominal pain, the strongest being the first night, but it is very tolerable with mild pain medicine.  I found that sleeping in a recliner or at least propped up for the first several nights really helped.  Good luck to him!

[surgeon]

Having such symptoms in the first few weeks after surgery is fairly common: it's likely to disappear with more time

[yoshi]

your problem may be all that acid reflux is erroding the lining of the esophagus,let us know what doc has to say.

[patch2cats]

My 48 year old husband had his Gallbladder removed in April 2004
and is having complications,hence what I'm doing on this site.As near as I can find out he is suffering from what is called DUMPING SYNDROME which is a complication that can be a result of surgery.I knew to look for this after I visited with a nurse.When searching under that title I found DrDonnica.com and there was the connection to his surgery. Now I know that not eveyone will have complications due to the surgery but my husband is,his Gallbladder was only operating at a minimal of it's capacity so he chose removal. On the other hand I've had trainning in natural health and know from others in the field that any condition can be treated and maybe even reversed. If I were you I would seek out all the help/options prior to surgery that I could find. I have a friend who was suffering much the same as your son but opted to change his diet and did a cleanse and is doing fine. Surgery is not always the answer and as my husband is finding out can bring on more complications than what you had prior to it.Good luck what ever you decide.

[Coleena]

Just wanted to let you and everyone one else know. Regarding comments on 6-23-04 refering to Vagas Nerve. Went to doc yesterday and to my amazement my doc seems to think this could be THE VAGAS NERVE. I never said one word about the Vagas Nerve. So for all of you out there I just have one comment. Just because you or a patient of yours has never experienced symptoms or diagnoses of something you are not aware of, DON'T DIS-COUNT IT! All of you seemed to make fun of or question vegas1's comments about the Vagas Nerve. Don't dis-count someone that has been suffering for years and has done numerous studies on their own. Just because we are not docs does not mean we don't have a brain! Thanks and Vegas1 I will keep you posted!

[shano]

Colleen, I tried to send you an e-mail about the posting you had on the forum and the e-mail address seemed to be wrong.  Could you let me know what it is.  My mother has the same stomach/heart problems you were talking about having.
Thanks