Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a standard procedure for gallstones. People who undergo gallbladder removal surgery may experience changes in their body weight ahead of and following this procedure. While some people may experience weight loss, others may experience weight gain after gallbladder removal. It is essential to understand the reasons behind these changes and how to manage them effectively.
The Gallbladder's Role in Digestion
The gallbladder is a small organ located in the upper right abdomen, just underneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, which is a substance that the liver produces. Bile moves to the small intestines to help digest the food. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats. When you eat fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion.
Gallstones and the Need for Gallbladder Removal
Gallstones are collections of hardened substances that form within the gallbladder. These stones can cause ongoing episodes of abdominal pain, inflammation, and infection. They can also cause blockages in the cystic duct or the bile ducts between the liver and small intestine. These blockages can lead to further complications, such as pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. According to the NHS, a cholecystectomy is the most effective treatment for gallstones and their complications, in most cases.
Weight Changes After Gallbladder Removal
A person may experience temporary weight loss following gallbladder removal surgery. However, some research indicates that they may experience weight gain in the long term. In some cases, gallstones do not cause any symptoms. In other cases, they can be very painful and irritate the gallbladder or pancreas.
Initial Weight Loss
Several factors contribute to weight changes after gallbladder removal. Some side effects of general anesthetic following surgery, such as nausea or vomiting, can cause weight loss. Some people may experience prolonged diarrhea after a cholecystectomy. Doctors are not sure why this happens, but it may be the result of excess bile in the digestive system. As the gallbladder functions as the standard storage space for bile in the body, losing it means that bile enters the digestive tract. Pain medication and constipation can also affect the desire to eat, which could reduce a person’s intake of calories and contribute to weight loss.
Read also: Weight Changes After Gallbladder Surgery
According to older 2010 research, recovering from surgery can cause emotional and physical difficulties. The method of surgery can determine how long it takes for a person to resume their usual diet and introduce physical activity. Traditional, or open, surgery tends to come with a more difficult and painful recovery. Some surgeons may recommend that people speak to their doctor if they are still experiencing loss of appetite and weight loss a few weeks after the surgery.
Potential for Long-Term Weight Gain
While some people will lose weight initially, they may see an increase in their BMI in the long term. Some individuals may experience weight gain if they compensate for digestion discomfort by consuming high-calorie comfort foods, or if their activity levels decrease during recovery. Additionally, some people might not experience significant changes in digestion and might continue to indulge in fatty foods, leading to weight gain. The disruption in bile flow can sometimes cause digestive issues that lead to bloating and water retention, contributing to temporary weight gain.
Managing Weight Changes After Gallbladder Removal
A person may be able to manage these weight changes with diet and exercise. The safest ways to manage weight include:
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and fiber
- Eliminating empty calories from certain sugars and fats, such as those in sweetened beverages and candy
Ideally, adults should do 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity every week, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Living an active lifestyle is essential for weight management after gallbladder removal. People should consult with a doctor about when it is appropriate to return to or begin an exercise regimen after surgery.
The doctor will likely recommend taking time to rest and recover after surgery. However, once the doctor clears a person to return to exercise, walking, biking, yoga, and swimming may be excellent choices. A person who wishes to lose a significant amount of weight in the years following a cholecystectomy should speak with their doctor for advice and support. People should never attempt a fad diet as a rapid solution for weight loss after gallbladder removal. These diets may not work, and they can be dangerous.
Read also: Keto diet after gallbladder removal
Dietary Recommendations After Gallbladder Removal
A high-fat diet may increase the risk of developing gallstones. As a result, medical professionals may advise people to eat low-fat foods for several weeks before the surgery. After surgery, most people can slowly return to a regular balanced diet, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). A doctor may not prescribe a specific diet, but a bland diet may help a person reduce abdominal or digestive discomfort after surgery.
Healthy eating habits after gallbladder removal based on a bland diet may include:
- Avoiding fried, fatty, and greasy foods
- Avoiding spicy foods
- Excluding foods that cause gas from the diet
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Eating smaller meals
- Eating foods that contain low amounts of fiber
Specific Foods to Include and Avoid
Add food to your diet that includes green vegetables, whole grain, fresh fruits, and low-fat dairy products including milk. Avoid canned and frozen foods that contain added sugars, salt, or sauces. Select foods that have low added sugar, trans fat, saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
According to the NHS, common side effects of gallbladder removal include:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Swelling, bruising, and pain where the surgeon removed the gallbladder
- Pain in the abdomen and shoulders
A person experiencing these side effects should ask their doctor about how they can manage them. It can also be helpful to track foods or drinks that aggravate or trigger side effects and exclude them if possible. Keeping a food diary can help a person track and eliminate potentially problematic components of the diet with a doctor’s guidance.
Read also: Diet Recipes for Gallbladder Health
People should report any symptoms that may indicate complications of gallbladder removal surgery to a doctor. These may include:
- Fever
- Worsening or severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting that does not go away
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Skin wounds that are warm, red, draining pus, or painful
- Passing pale stools or dark urine
Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Gallbladder Removal
Losing weight without a gallbladder requires strategic dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. Since the digestion of fats becomes less efficient, focusing on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber is crucial. Avoiding high-fat, greasy, or processed foods can reduce digestive discomfort and promote weight loss. Incorporating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage digestion and prevent overeating. Regular physical activity is also vital, as it boosts metabolism and supports weight management. Staying hydrated and monitoring portion sizes are additional strategies that can help optimize weight loss efforts. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your diet based on how your digestion responds.
Dietary and Lifestyle Habits
Prioritize a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which support digestion and overall health. Limit intake of saturated fats, processed foods, and sugars, as these can exacerbate digestive issues and hinder weight management. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Stress management techniques, like mindfulness or yoga, can also positively impact weight control by reducing emotional eating. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your digestion and nutritional status.
The Role of Fiber
Increase the fiber in your diet. This can help make bowel movements more regular. Add soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, to your diet. Foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean proteins like poultry, fish, and legumes, support weight loss and digestion. Avoid high-fat, greasy, and processed foods to minimize digestive discomfort and promote weight management.
Gallbladder Removal vs. Bariatric Surgery
Gallbladder surgery and bariatric procedures serve different health objectives, though both can influence weight. Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is performed primarily to alleviate symptoms caused by gallstones or inflammation and does not aim to induce weight loss directly. It involves removing the gallbladder to improve digestion and reduce discomfort, with weight changes being incidental rather than the primary goal. In contrast, bariatric surgery-such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy-is specifically designed to induce weight loss by restricting food intake, altering digestion, and affecting hormonal signals related to hunger and satiety. These procedures are often recommended for individuals with severe obesity and related health issues.
Considering Weight Loss Surgery After Gallbladder Removal
Considering weight loss surgery after gallbladder removal is a decision that should be made cautiously and in consultation with healthcare providers. Typically, bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, and who have attempted other weight management strategies without success. If you have undergone gallbladder removal and are struggling with weight issues that impact your health, discussing your options with a bariatric specialist is essential. Timing is also crucial; it’s generally advised to wait until your digestive system has fully stabilized post-gallbladder surgery before considering additional surgical interventions.
Addressing Diarrhea After Gallbladder Removal
Diarrhea after gallbladder removal seems to be related to the release of bile directly into the intestines. The gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, releasing it when you eat to aid the digestion of fat. The amount of fat you eat at one time also plays a role. Smaller amounts of fat are easier to digest. Talk with a healthcare professional if your diarrhea doesn't go away or becomes more severe, or if you lose weight and become weak. Your health professional may recommend medicine to slow down intestinal movement, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D). Medicines that decrease the laxative effect of bile, such as medicine containing cholestyramine (Prevalite), may also help. A multivitamin also may be recommended.
Seeking Professional Advice
Some surgeons may recommend that people speak to their doctor if they are still experiencing loss of appetite and weight loss a few weeks after the surgery. It is always recommended to have at least six small frequent meals through a day after a couple of weeks from your gallbladder surgery. Avoid taking a larger meal in one sitting.
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