Feel worse after cholecystectomy

[Siamo Uno]

I really do wish I had researched a whole lot more before I had my lap chole done. Yes I did have two very tiny gallstones and some mild inflammation, but I feel so much worse since the surgery, which was done on Sept 1st. I already had diarrhea issues before the surgery, and that has been exacerbated by the surgery...I have no appetite, I have lost lots of weight, and every morning I have several loose bowel movements with cramping. I only start feeling a bit better by midday....I still have pain after I eat, even if it is not a fatty meal. I have talked to my surgeon and she says to just wait it out, it may take a few months for my digestion to settle. And she said she would prescribe Questran if I still have diarrhea after a couple more weeks. I still have pain in the area where the gallbladder was as well..it's so tender I can't even touch it. I had a hysterectomy back in April and am dealing with surgical menopause so that is certainly not helping matters any....gallbladder surgery was not something that I needed after all I have been through....I am really regretting my decision to have it removed....do the digestive issues get better in time? Please someone give me some hope that I am not always going to feel like this....

[nbagranny]

I am 11 months out from my lap chole.  I still have diarrhea, pain in the area where the gallbladder was, etc.  I can't go anywhere without risking getting very sick and running from bathroom to bathroom.  I don't know if it gets better or not.  My mom had hers out in her 30s and when she was 76 she still had pain, diarrhea, and vomiting of bile.  So I am not of much help to you.

[bostongal]

I had my gallbladder out 2 years ago.  I felt great after the surgery and believe that you should be feeling better, not worse.  Also it's concerning that you are sore where the gallbladder was and makes me wonder about your bile duct.  I am dealing with diarrhea (10-30x a day) but for me it started after a small bowel resection due to an obstruction.  If you are still struggling ask for the Questran - it works miracles for many many people and ask your GI doc to check that pain out.  

Hope you are feeling better.

Meg  

[Siamo Uno]

Thanks for your reply. :) A lap chole is short for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is removal of the gallbladder. Like your aunt, diarrhea is my main problem although my dr. keeps insisting it iwll get better in time.

[Avas Mom]

I had my gallbladder out but i have no clue what a lap chole is?! anyways so your saying you had it out and still are ill? I dont know what to say because you shouldnt feel any worse! i felt great when mine came out. All i can think is that maybe a stone got caught somewhere..which happens even after the GB is out. I would say give it another week or so and if your not better than you really need to let your dr know you need him to do something. I know my aunt said after her Gb was removed she had diarrhea for a yr and lost 50 lbs...i wish i had that prob i need to lose a good 50 lbs.

[Siamo Uno]

Please will someone comment? I really need some advice and reassurance. I am sure there are plenty of people out there who have had their gallbladders removed. Thanks.