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09/10/2009 - Questions and Answers
Gallstones, Gall Bladder and Pain: Can you still have gallstones after gallbladder removal?
By: Novoviva webmaster
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The gall bladder is an organ that does not really have a vital function, but that does not mean that it can not cause any problems. Very simply, gall bladder pain is typically caused by gallstones. The gallbladder pain is experienced when the gallstones become large and travel to the ducts where they then block them.
A proper diet is one of the options to stop a gall bladder pain. The most important thing is to learn yourself what foods you cannot tolerate and omit them from your diet. But Can you still have Gallstones after removal of your gall bladder?
Question
Can you still have gallstones after gallbladder removal ? I have been in pain for a couple of weeks associated with what I feel feels like knots in my stomach, top portion middle area of chest under breastbone area. I do not have an appendix or female organs, due to surgery. Please send me an opinion on this . Anything is much appreciated. Thankyou!
Answer
We can appreciate your concerns as it is scary to continue to experience pain after thinking the surgery performed will get rid of all your pain. You should consult your treating doctor for an assessment of your symptoms, to out rule any other possible underlying medical condition. However, to answer your first question, once the gallbladder is removed, one cannot have, in most cases, gallstones anymore. We can help you glean some understanding of the gall bladder and its function, which may be helpful to you.
What is a Gall bladder?
The gall bladder is a small organ that assists the activity of the liver. The job of the gall bladder is to store and concentrate bile. However, the body can function adequately without it if certain dietary precautions are observed. Temporary digestive difficulties after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) are not uncommon and the reason for these problems is usually a difficulty in the digestive system handling fats in the diet. Fat and certain fat-soluble vitamins require bile in order to be absorbed. When the gallbladder is present, it stores bile that the liver makes. During a meal, the gallbladder contracts, releasing a pool of bile into the intestine that is used for fat absorption. After cholecystectomy, bile is still produced by the liver, but is released in a continuous, slow trickle into the intestine. Thus, when eating a meal that is high in fat content, there may not be an adequate amount of bile in the intestine to properly handle the normal absorption process.
Diet after gall bladder removal
Diet wise, you will now be past the stage of clear liquids, once passing gas progress to full liquids (milk based, soups, pudding, etc.). You may then advance slowly to a regular diet as tolerated. Loose stools initially are not uncommon. No long term dietary restrictions or changes will be required (most people do better without their gallbladder). The most impotent thing is to learn yourself what foods you cannot tolerate and omit them from your diet, which preferably should be a LOW FAT DIET. But reintroduce foods slowly and little at a time. Remember, the key is to eat what you can tolerate and each person is different, so what others may tolerate you perhaps may not.
PCS is an abbreviation for post-cholecystectomy syndrome. The term post cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of symptoms after cholecystectomy. These symptoms can represent either the continuation of symptoms thought to be caused by the gallbladder or the development of new symptoms normally attributed to the gallbladder. PCS also includes the development of symptoms caused by removal of the gallbladder.
Two types of problems may arise. The first problem is continuously increased bile flow into the upper GI tract, which may contribute to esophagitis and gastritis. The second consequence is related to the lower GI tract, where diarrhea and colicky lower abdominal pain may result. You would need to discuss your particular symptoms with your own treating doctor so you can be investigated, diagnosed and then suitably treated.
The best relief is prevention. Gall bladder pain is a direct result of gall stones. Gall stones are directly related to the diet you intake.
If you want to find out more about gall bladder pain we recommend you these links:
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome
Is your gall bladder necessary?
Pain After Gall Bladder Removal?
You can read more about all this in the Health Center: Bladder Problems.
Created on: 09/29/2006
Reviewed on: 09/10/2009
Reviewed on: 09/10/2009
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My gallbladder was removed seven weeks ago. Four weeks after the surgery I began my regualr physical activities and developed a constant sharp pain under my ribs on the right side. The pain level fluctuates, but is most noticable on inhale, which is most of the time. I was first told by a trainer it was scar tissue and was only irritated during physical activity, but the pain is all the time now.
i had my gall bladder removed in sept 02 from having about 100 marble sized stones and here it is 7 yrs later and just had an attack the other day. i was wondering if i am still producing stones and found this site and found my answer. it was very helpful. so now i know i will have to deal with it for the rest of my life but to answer some of the questions here, a high fiber diet with whole grains and lots of fresh fruits and veggies is the best way to go. i have found that if i eat good all week i can tolerate a greasy meal once in a while with out all the abdominal upsets. also yogurt is more tolerable than milk and icecream. i hope this helps all of you.
I just had my gallbladder removed on 10-06-09 and let me tell you I still have alot of my symptoms since before the surgery... I still get the fullness in my chest, and throat area along with back pains that I was told was associated with the gallbladder.. Upon removeal they didnt find any stones but on the hiatus scan my gallbladder wasnt functioning properly. I am so over this. I have gone back to my GI doctor and he has diagnosed me with GERD but only by my symptoms..I had a scope done back in september only for it to show gasterioustis Sp? and man I am just feeling like its getting worst and worst. I swear they are over looking something but they won't listen to me.. Could I still be having these same symptoms 2 weeks after my surgery?
First of all, I'd like to say thank you for answering my question! Second, although the question was answered, I am still puzzled because I had the surgery to have the gall bladder removed last year, and now all of a sudden, I am experiencing the pains again. What does that mean? It feels just like before the surgery!
As mentioned in the article, a percentage of people experience postcholecystectomy syndrome, which may be related to alterations in the flow of bile. There are many possible sources of postcholecystectomy syndrome pain, including the liver, biliary tract, the gallbladder remnant and cystic, and the pancreas, among others. If you continue to have pain, work-up by your doctor will help to establish a diagnosis and determine appropriate options for treatment.
A good diet is important after gall bladder removal and before gall bladder removal. Diet is an important aspect in many diseases, and gallbladder is one of them. A good diet help the body eliminate some of the gallstone which could cause problems. A proper diet needs to be maintained after the gall bladder removal because without the gall bladder, digestion becomes difficult and you need to 'help' your body ideally with a liquid or semi-liquid diet if possible.
I just had my gallbladder removed 9/18/2009 and at midnight after a dinner of lemon peppered chicken and broccli cheese rice (I ate one chicken breast and all the rice in the instant packet because I was hungry) I had chest pain similar to a gallbladder attack on 09/22/09. Now I also went to work that day (I have a desk job so its not too bad) and have had no other pain associated with the surgery. Except some shoulder pain, which is normal. My question is, why would I have had what felt like a gallbladder attack 3/4 days after surgery when I no longer have a gallbladder? Did I just do / eat too much so soon after surgery?
It is not uncommon to have pain or temporary problems with digestion after your gallbladder is removed. The main reason is that it is more difficult to digest fats, which require bile in order to be absorbed. Bile is made by the liver, and when the gallbladder is present, bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the GI tract when you eat. After gallbaldder removal, bile continues to be produced by the liver, but is released in a continuous, slow trickle into the GI tract. So, when you eat a meal that has a lot of fats, there might not be enough bile in the intestine to for normal fat absorption. Sometimes this can cause pain, diarrhea, or bloating.
As mentioned in the article, up to 40% of patients who have had their gallbladder removed experienced post-cholecystectomy syndrome or similar symptoms. A proper diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be the best way to control these episodes of pain.
Thank you so much for taking time to reply to the post! I actually went to my doctor who had some tests done and he said my liver functions were elevated. He wanted me to check into the hospital because on the day the tests were done I felt quite ill, and had a few cases of dark yellow urine. Luckily by the time the tests came back I was feeling great and everything was normal again! It was pretty scary being told to check into a hospital though. He said the reason for the attack, and the nausea afterword would most likely be because I passed a missed stone. Makes sense seeing it felt like an attack, and I was nauseous afterword. As for the tests, well I was taking pain killers with a high dose of tylenol in them so that could account for the elevated functions, not to mention the fact that my livers still figuring out how to function without the gallbladder. He has ordered more blood work on Monday and if everything has returned to normal I should be on the path to recovery and not need to check myself into a hospital (I'm praying I don't have to do that as I want to get my life back and I feel healthy). I'm now off pain killers and have been for a few days. I feel much better, my pee is normal color again and has been for a few days, and I'm drinking plenty of water to keep my body flushed. I will admit, I am a little scared about Monday though.
Hey it's the same guy again. Just wanted to let you know that I feel find now and everything is okay, all levels are normal again. My doctor think they missed a stone and it passed. I actually feel very good and have even lost a lot of weight and am eating healthy. I don't mind it so much, I get to re-discover my love of strawberries, and peaches while still being able to eat a slice of pizza from time to time. There is hope so those of you who are scared please hang in there. I know it's a very scary time after surgery.
what food should be included in a diet after gall bladder removal?
After gallbladder removal, it is important to pay close attention to what you are eating and drinking to avoid complications and side effects such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Make sure to drink enough liquid, eat fruits and vegetables, and consume smaller more frequent meals. Avoid alcohol and avoid high-fat foods because they require more bile to digest.
Liquids -- Ensuring adequate liquid intake is important after gallbladder removal because it can help to prevent constipation, a common side effect of abdominal surgery. Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day -- water is preferable, but you can also drink low-fat milk or natural fruit juice. Avoid drinks containing caffeine because they can actually cause you to lose fluid.
Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains -- These foods also help to prevent constipation, but they are also important for maintaining overall good health.
Fatty Foods -- After gallbladder surgery, you may have difficulty digesting fatty foods so it is best to limit dietary fats, especially saturated fats, and slowly reintroduce them to your diet as you figure out how your body responds. Some people may experience gas and bloating following meals for several months after the gall bladder has been removed, so be patient. But, if the problem persists, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
Fiber -- People recovering from gallbladder surgery should eat low-fat, high fiber foods.
I had my gall bladder removed, about a year ago and right now I am feeling what seems like the same pain I had recently after the surgery. I don't really know what to make of it
Anyone experienced gallstones after gallbladder removal? I had my gallbladder removed last year
After gallbladder removal, it is still possible for stones to form in the bile duct weeks, months, or even years after the gallbladder is removed. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure where a long, flexible lighted tube with a camera is inserted down the throat and into the small intestine, is usually effective in treating these bile duct stones.
Is there any relation between gall bladder pain and bowel movements? Can bowel movements make gall bladder pain worse?
As gallstones move into the bile ducts and create blockage, pressure increases in the gallbladder and may cause gallbladder pain. Gallbladder pains/attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. A typical gallbladder attack may cause steady pain in the right upper abdomen, between the shoulder blades, or under the right shoulder.
When you have a bowel movement, you bear down and it is possible that the pressure created by bearing down may exacerbate gallbladder pain.
This information is for patient education only. If you are concerned about gallbladder or other abdominal pain, talk to or visit your doctor for further evaluation.
I had my gallbladder removed over 2 years ago, but recently have been experiencing gall bladder pain again after I eat. What foods should I avoid with gall bladder pain?
High-fat foods should be avoided after your gallbladder is removed. A low carbohydrate, high protein diet may help. After cholecystectomy, try eating smaller meals that are evenly spaced throughout the day and reducing your intake of dietary fat. For some people, these minor changes in the diet may be enough to avoid discomfort.
Increasing your intake of dietary fiber (whole grains, fruits/vegetables, legumes) can also improve digestion by moving food through your digestive tract faster. Some studies also suggest that probiotic supplements can increase the efficiency of digestion.
I have been having pains in the ducts to my intestine, pancreas, and liver after my gallbladder removal. This especially occurs after high fat meals. My stones from surgery were small in size, so I am sure more gallstones are being created in the ducts.
I too had my gallbladder out several years ago and still continue having gallstones forming in my bile duct. It is very painful!
My brother had his gallbladder removed several years ago - he just had surgery (today) to remove numerous gallstones that were blocking his pancreatic ducts.
You can still get stones, my wife had her Gallbladder removed 12 years ago. She is still to this day having gallstones.
It is not true that you can not have gallstones after gallbladder removal. It is rare, but it does happen. The condition is called choledocholithiasis, and the uncommon thing that happens is that the gallstones actually form in the bile ducts.
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