Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
486306 tn?1208749009

What should i expect?

I am 16 years old. I have been sick for the past few months. We couldn't figure out what the problem was. Then the other day i went to my doctor for the second time in a week. He suggested i get my gall bladder tested. The next day i went to the outpatient lab where they did a ultrasound and found no stones. I thought this was good news until after i had my other test done. The next day we recieved a phone call saying that my gall bladder was only functioning 9 out of 100. I would have to have surgery. I have been researching this procedure. It is making me rather depressed because i can never get a straight and honest answer for what it will be like after my surgery. I don't like surgeries much at all, but i realize i need this done. My main concern is if i will lose weight or gain after my surgery. I have been trying to lose weight now for a while. I'm scared that i will have this done and gain weight back or not be able to lose any. Is it possible for me to lose the weight and feel much better after my surgery? I'm not sure when i have to have this done, but from what i know it's suppose to be soon. Feedback is greatly appreciated.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Ok, so, you are not alone! I had the same thing when I was 14!! I didnt have stones but instead my gallbladder was not functioning or contracting! Mine was 11% out of 100, and it only got worse. I had the same concerns so I waited until i was 16 and it was miserable. The truth is, when it has to do with the inability of your gallbladder to function, it cant get better. Only worse and increasingly painful. Eventually it might get to the point where you can barely eat at all. I am 19 now and my scars are unnoticeable. I did not gain any weight and the surgery went fine and I was finally able to live again. I won't lie to you though, I still have to watch what I eat, the surgery isn't a miracle worker but in your case i think it might be necessary.
As far as weight loss goes, I don't think this should be a factor of your decision. Yes, you may lose some weight because you can't eat after surgery, but thats just as temporary as anything else. Since I had gallbladder problems, I changed my diet drastically. I stopped eating fatty foods and it really helped. When your gallbladder isn't working, it has a really hard time contracting, fatty foods make it necessary for it to contract, and when it cant, all the bile gets stuck an built up. this is why you are having so much pain.
Yes, surgery is scary, but those doctors know what they are doing, the recovery time is only about a week or two, and yes, it will hurt, but they give you good pain killers for that. I have 10000 more info about it if you need it. Just let me know!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The only way to treat gallstones is a gb removal.

Some people gain weight after gb removal, since they don't feel pain after the meal anymore - and they stop to avoid eating.

There is no direct link between gb removal and weight gain/loss. You gain weight as much as you eat. If you were avoiding fatty foods to avoid pain, then just keep this good habit after gb removal.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem