Should I remove my gallbladder?

[kamikazee]

I just recently found out that my gallbladder is only functioning at 20% can this cause loose stools, severe bloating, chronic fatigue, and abdominal cramps?

[kamikazee]

Ok thank you all for your reply I'm starting to think that maybe having it out isn't the way to go seeing how I hear nothing but negative results, unless you know for sure that it is the cause of your symptoms which in my situation I do not.

[michell221]

I just had mine removed last week .  It was functioning at 22% and I had same symptoms.  Surgeon told me in a few rare cases the upset stomach is caused by a bad functioning gallbladder.  He also said a few have more diarrheah problems after GB removal and still have pain.   I have had upset stomach 15-20 times a day since having it out last week.  The nurse said this should slowly calm down.  I will let you know how it goes.  In the mean time I would do as calgal suggests and try to modify your diet.  In my case this really did not work for me.  After you get it out though you mostl likely will have to modify your diet anyway and will likely have trouble with some foods.  I have only been able to eat chicken turkey fiber cereal banannas and very bland no fat food this week.

[wolfprincess]

Unless you have stones I wouldn't do it. I had stones no choice but I wish I would have had one. I have had to change lots of things due to other problems that have occured sense removel. Check all other routes.

[CalGal]

Kamikazee, if you can modify your diet to a low fat one, and if it tamps down a lot of your symptoms, it might be worth waiting to have your GB removed. The incidence of post-surgical problems in persons with only a low EF and no other problems with the GB - like gallstones - is very high. Many surgeons these days are not automatically suggesting that someone with a low EF have their GB removed.

Problems with the GB can produce a range of symptoms, and those symptoms can mimic a host of other GI problems, so it can be difficult to say yes those symptoms are specific to a lowered EF. In general, too much bile release equates to diarrhea and lowered bile release can result in constipation since bile is an 'intestinal irritant.' Bile typically helps to stimulate the movement of fecal material in the large intestine. But a lot of people experience a 'spastic' release of bile which isn't really going to show up in a HIDA scan or in other tests, and that now seems to be found in numerous individuals and it may actually 'underlie' some of the symptoms that many people find with GB issues.

You may want to discuss the situation further with your doctor.