Side Effects to Know About After Your Gallbladder Removal

Men and women have their gallbladder removed every day due to inflammation and pain in their gallbladders. While gallbladder removal surgery is common and necessary for helping patients feel better and live a more pain-free life, there are side effects that are important to know about after your gallbladder is gone. While none of these side effects pose a serious risk, and many of them are preferable to gallstone pain, it is still necessary to know what you may experience after you have had your gallbladder removed.

What Is Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

The gallbladder is responsible for storing and releasing bile to help you digest fats. Some people may develop gallstones in the gallbladder or the bile duct, which results in pain, nausea, and bloating. Dr. Moore uses Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery with Firefly technology. With this system, Dr. Moore is able to remove the gallbladder more safely than other methods. 

If you are experiencing any pain from gallstones, it is important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Moore as soon as you can. 

What Are Common Side Effects After Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

Removing the gallbladder will relieve much of the pain that you experience due to gallstones. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some side effects that may result. While these are not common for every patient, it is important to understand what you may experience after your gallbladder has been removed.

Difficulty Digesting Fat

Without your gallbladder, your liver is not able to digest foods in the same way. Finding what your body can handle can sometimes be challenging after your surgery. Most patients are unable to eat foods high in fat as well as fried and greasy foods after their gallbladder removal. However, even if your diet consists of some healthy fats, your body may not be able to digest it as well as it once did.

Diarrhea

Many patients experience indigestion after their gallbladder removal. Without the gallbladder to collect the bile from the liver, the bile can soften the stool, which could lead to diarrhea. To help correct this issue, you can increase the amount of fiber in your diet, though this is an issue that may or may not continue with the loss of your gallbladder.

Constipation

While diarrhea may be a longer-term issue that you will need to manage after your gallbladder removal, a short-term side effect that many patients experience is constipation. Constipation can result from the anesthesia used during the surgery along with dehydration. It is important that you maintain a healthy diet with recommended foods and plenty of water.

For more information about gallbladder surgery, please contact Patrick Moore MD, FACS by calling951-477-5700.