gallbladder removal problems

[PRINCESS696]

I had my gallbladder removed 4 months ago, and ever since then I have been experiencing nausea, bloating, burping, fullness on the upper part of my stomach, acid in my mouth, gagging, acid taste in my mouth and some pain right side where gallbladder was removed it feels like throbing pain on and off. I have lost some of my appetite and just over all feel awful! how long does this last? I read on the internet that it could last for months or even years? I also have experienced some vomiting not alot and soft stools as well as dirrahea.. what can be done to help with these symptoms until they go away on their own time?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I suggest an upper endoscopy be done to exclude various upper GI diseases like GERD, an ulcer or inflammation.  

A 24-hr pH study can also be done to exclude GERD.

Loose bowel movements can be a long-term side effect in a minority of cases.  Decreasing the amount of fat intake can help in these instances.

These questions can be discussed 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[elaine92164]

I had my gallbladder taken out 9 months ago and still have all of those symptoms.  I now have GERD.  Constant pain in my chest from acid reflux.  I wish I could say it gets better but it hasn't so far.

[PRINCESS696]

Hi Elaine, thank you for posting your comment. It has been one hell of a time and I just feel worse without my gallbladder than without... I can believe you still have the same symptoms that I do after 9 months... my doctor thinks i have GERD too but I have to have an xray done still. I am just so tired of all these awful symptoms... I have tried Prilosec-OTC and Protonix but it didn't work I got other awful symtpms from that...

[jaimasand]

I have been operated since May 2007 ,same symptoms ,so many tests .
Passing each day is a challenge .

There is a change in body and it has to be accepted ,The only way out is fight it out .
There is a strict schedule to be followed in terms of Food(small meals) , less Stress,Rest ,meditation and prescribed medicines .
To ensure lot of water intake , keep acidity under max control

To Keep Anxiety at low levels .One Doc recommended to have a Chewing Gum only to help forget irrespective of what is happening Below .Its just a psychological way to overcome .

Compared to ease with which Doc conduct surgery , i wish if someone could come up
with solutions to lead a healthy life post GB Surgery .There would be lot of takers for that.

[morgaine]

hate to say but 5 yrs on and I'm still suffering many of those symptoms.
sounds pathetic but having a less than helpful dr and also having had a hiatus hernia repair, leaving its own mark, its been hard to know whats related to what. there seems a great divdie between yes gallbladder removal has side effects and no it doesnt. if any one has any ideas where to get more facts that wud b great,
  good luck,
                Morgaine

[termite57]

I, like one other person in the forum, seem to have developed a pouch effect in my stomach, post-gall bladder surgery. My stomach doesn't look any different, but when I lie  on my side the middle of it under my belly buttom flops to that side and pulls at my muscles from the other side -- uncomfortable. I can also feel an extra weight inside when I'm lying on my back, like it's resting on my backbone, but that's the most comfortable position. I know my surgeon said my stomach muscles won't be as strong after surgery, but this seems ridiculous. It there undue damage to my diaphragm and muscles because of the surgery -- it was over 9 months ago.

[VincentVols]

I had my gallbladder removed in Aug. 2007.  My recovery was slow and seemed to have the same symptoms as you have been experiencing.  I went back to my doctors several times after the surgery only to be told "that's what happens after surgery".  Some days were so bad with nausea & loose stool that I found it hard to work or do daily activities.  I slowly started missing more and more work and the effects started taking over life in general.  
Prior to my gallbladder surgery I was a 27 yr old female (2 kids) weighing around 155-160.  Now, just 8 months later I weigh 120.  I have completley lost my appetite and eating simply hurts.  I have little to no energy on a daily basis.
After being told the nausea was "stress" or "in my head" - I had to change doctors (this was very difficult to do right in the middle of a problem, but I am so glad that I did.).  Once I got to the new Dr. who was determined to figure it out, they started testing me.
I had CT scans, Endoscopy, Ultra Sounds, and so many more test that all showed absolutley nothing, and it was extremely frustrating.  I have been to two GI Dr's, but thankfully this last Dr. has taken the bull by the horns and found a diagnosis.
After a "gatric emptying exam" the Dr. found that I have Gastroparesis. You may want to read up on this to see if the symptoms fit your problems.  I had done several google  and internet researches before and never found anything on Gastroparesis.  
I wish you the best of luck and hope that you get the answers you need really soon.

I am curious to know if any other "Gastroparesis" patients had their gallbladders removed before coming down with these symptoms.  After reading the chat rooms online their seems to be some type of connections between the two.

Best of luck!