I've been in pain for the last week or so w/gallstones and have been told I may need gallbladder sugery (ct scan first), and it conserns me. I've heard stories of diarrhea, needing to use the bathroom immediately after meals, and that some people still end up with stones afterwards. So my question is; has anyone had positive effects from a GB removal, or positive effects from sugery alternatives?

Thanks

I had my gallbladder out almost five years ago. I didn't have so called attacks, I was just in constant pain. Turned out my gallbladder had become non-functional and wasn't emptying.

From time to time, I would get a bout of diarreah after eating fiborous breakfasts, but that would be it. Occasionally I still have phantom pains on my side like my gallbladder was never removed but I guess that's just from eating something that would be too acidic or fatty.

Bottom line though, if your doctor recommends you have it removed, I would because you basically will be pain free as opposed to the way you are now.

The operation is virtually minor if done laporoscopically, you'll be sore for about a week (at least I was anyway) but you recuperate easily.

Thanks. I've read on other boards people complain of pains that are similar to their pre-sugery state. Dr's have a medical tearm for it. I've also read that some people still get stones after the gb is removed. Thanks for the cheering up! It's nice to hear that someone has had a relativly easy post-surgury. Question: Do you have to take suppliments w/every meal? Or take any medication constantly now that your GB is removed?

Thanks!

Hi sugarfreeless. I'm one of those unfortunate GB surgery folks who suffered from chronic diarrhea after surgery, but I would have my GB removed again in a heartbeat. The pain, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. was too much to bear. And there are meds your doc can prescribe after GB surgery if you end up with chronic diarrhea - which I'm taking now with good success. Get it done - it's no big deal - can be done laproscopically and you're feeling pretty much like new within a couple weeks.

Keep us posted,
Katie G

No, no supplements for me. I just eat, or try to eat a very balanced diet and take a multivitamin plus a calcium-magnesium pill everyday.

I feel really good and I even served Easter dinner five days after my surgery, so it's really not that bad.

I have heard that you can get really sick if you have a bad attack though, very seriously in fact, so I'd get it out if I were you. Best of luck and post when you have your surgery scheduled and I'll send some prayers up for you! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks! I appreciate all your experiance and views, both of you...

Have either of you tried any sugery alternatives before surgery? Have either of you heard of success stories from alternatives? The nurse I spoke w/today said that some people can do naturally it if they can take the pain (if no blockages occur that is).

I'm not saying I wouldn't get the gb removed if the doc said to. I would just like to try something before it gets that far.

Thanks!!!

No, I never even gave an alternative a thought to be honest with you. I was just glad that I finally had a diagnosis and was going to be rid of the pain. Having lost my father to cancer when he was rather young, I really didn't mind the surgeon checking out all my organs anyways just to make sure I didn't have something else going on besides the gallbladder problem. Luckily, all organs were just fine.

I suppose you can investigate that kind of option, but I'd still do what your doctor recommends. Good luck!

sorry to hear about your Father...
I plan on listening to the DR. just wanted to see what else was out there.

Thanks for your kindness. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Cool, thanks. I'll check it out

I had my gallbladder out this past July, after suffering most of the spring with weekly attacks. I was in such pain, losing sleep from it and living in fear of the next attack that I decided to have the surgery. I am really glad I did, I have not had any pain since then and have not had any digestive upsets at all. However, I did make improvements to my diet (actually started before the surgery) mainly cutting out most sweets, fried foods and highly processed foods. My surgeon told me I could eat anything again after the surgery, but I decided to play it safe and figured it was better for my health anyway.