Weight Gain after GB surgery

[Lee R]

I had my Gallbladder out in April, After having symptoms for 5 Year.  I am so glad I had the surgery!!  But, I have noticed that I have been gaining weight over the last few months (About 8 pounds) I haven't been eating any differently, But I am on and antidepressent. I can't seen to loose any for the weight!!  I have never had any problems with my weight in the past.  Could the antidepressents have anything to do with it?  Should I do more of a high protein diet instead now that I Had the surgery?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not aware of gallbladder surgery specifically leading to weight gain.  Also, I am not aware that you should change your diet after surgery.  

Ensure that the antidepressant you are on does not have weight gain as a side effect - there are some classes that might.  

I would consider checking the thyroid level as well as a testosterone level (if you are male).  Abnormal levels in either of these can lead to weight fluctuation.

Another option would be to be referred to a nutritionist where a calorie count can be instituted.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician.

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

[surgeon]

Having your gallbladder out does not affect metabolism, and therefore has no direct effect one way or the other on your weight. However, some people find that after gallbladder surgery they can eat certain rich foods they previously had a hard time with, so the can gain weight on that basis. But in general, absense of a gallbladder does not require any particular adjustments to one's diet unless there's a newfound lack of tolerance for certain things.

[Lee R]

Yoshi, Thanks for your help!!
I have been on zoloft for 9 months and never gaines weight like this. Do you think I might be a combination of it?

[yoshi]

you can google and find put why anti depressant cause weight gain,i ran across it once about what it does to hormone or something,but I have come across books on prozac and many people have gained weight like 50 lbs being on prozac.

[susannak]

Yoshi can't confirm what is wrong with Lee unless yoshi is Lee's doctor.  Could well be whats wrong but no way anyone here can say that for sure.

[yoshi]

the natural antidepressant is seratonin which you can make by exercising.

[painfullyliving]

Hi I had my gallbladder taken out about 10 years ago and ever since then I still get pain in my stomach, off and on almost like the sharp pain I had with the bladder attacks.  if I drink milk or eat a cracker it sometimes goes away.  Why is this happening?

[Sarah Connors]

Your pain is most likely due to some gastric pathology, would need an upper GI exam for confirmation. Could be Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer(Because of to the symptoms mentioned).

[astros18]

Having your gallbladder out can create more problems than keeping it in. If you had your gallbladder out because of stones it is still possible to have stones in the liver since that is where stones form. That is the source of your pain. Eating and drinking and movement can help dislodge the stone, but it is still there.Your weight gain is probably caused by your anti depressant, however you will need to take a hi lipase food enzyme now that you don't have a gallbladder to help you digest fats.

[Xiaoya]

A related discussion, Gaining weight after gallbladder removal was started.