Gallstones, Gall Bladder and Pain: Can you still have gallstones after gallbladder removal?
Gallstones, Gall Bladder and Pain: Can you still have gallstones after gallbladder removal?
By: Novoviva webmaster
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.
Reviewed on: 01/12/2010
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I had my gallbladder removed 18 years ago, when I was 14 years of age. I still get gallstone pains, fake pains. I use the word fake, because that’s what the doctors have told me. I had an ultrasounds done 2 years ago and the doctors results were, you don’t have a gallbladder, you can’t have gallstones. I know I don’t have a gallbladder, you took it 18 years ago. I was starting to think I was going mad or that the Irish doctors are thick.
I am lucky in a way because My Mum had her gallbladder out 23 years ago , Brother, 24 years ago and only recently my Dad, all due to gallstones, and no we are not an overweight family, if anything we are all under weight. My Mum and Dad also get fake pain’s, so we can sympathise with each other.
At this very moment I am having a gallstone attack, and I wanted to research it as I am really getting fed up with the answer of fake pain. And I came across this site.
I noticed this post on the site.. 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.
Has anyone had this done in Ireland, let me know did you get referred by your GP or did you go private. thanks nik
Well I just read your story and it just makes me so mad that these doc.dont listen to us.Im going to tell you my story Im 31 and 2 years ago got really sick and they told me it was my Gallbladder so it was removed in 2008.Well I stll did not feel right like you I would get Gallblader attacts and I kept going to the Doc.and they would say im fine,then they sent me to a stomach Doc thinking It was my stomach and I had all kinds of test I had CTs and ultrasounds they were fine and I even told my Doc do you think that mabey they left a stone in me and they all kept saying no because it would show in your blood work its just how some people feel after having their gallbladders out.Well I no my body and I knew something was not right so I pushed my Doc for 2 years and finialy got them to do a test called a MRCP its a MRI that can see Gallstones and their is no risk with this test like a ERCP.And I had it done 2 days ago and today I got my test back and guess what I have 2 stones that were left in me 2 years ago!And I knew it.So now Im scared because they have to be removed which can be risky.So if I were you I would push your Doc to do a MRCP and tell him my story and that you no that their could be a chance that you have a stone,also I no over time one can grow new stones after having a gallblader removed so their is a chance you could have developed a new stone.No one should have pains after having their Gallblader removed unless their is something going on but the Docs. just think its all in are heads.And you bet Im going to rub this in their faces and tell them I told you so for 2 years you should have just listened to me.Well I hope I have helped you out and others.So be strong and make you Doc do a MRCP.Hope you feel better soon.
I had to have the gallbladder removed with the stones. So did my daughter - her's was a couple of years ago and she was able to do it outpatient and have only two small holes cut in her abdomen. I had mine done years ago right before they started the new method - 5 inch scar and 5 days in the hospital. It's alot easier to get it done now! Best of luck to you!!
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well i went through a long process... i havent had my gall bladder removed yet but i should be in surgery this next week. sometime... I have been sick for about 5 months. I've also been in and out of clinics and hospitals and they didnt do more tests... The doctors just kept sending me back and fourth. i have 4 doctors working on my case... i went in about 3 months ago and thay put me on this anti biotic that wasnt curing all my symptoms... so i went in again and they put me on sumthing different another antibiotic... I finally decided to go to the er on the third of january just for them to take x-rays taken of my cheast. i was thinking cheast pain at 20 years old hum. i told the doctors i know somthing is wrong with me... and when i was nine i had always intesinal problems... and i had really bad cramps in my adomin area... it spread to my chest and when they told me there was nothing that they can do for me... i thought i was going to die...so they did a ct scan and found that i have a collasped gall bladder... then they did the ultra sound and now i have gall bladder diseese... so they gave me nothing for pain and i havent been to surgery yet as i said before...
I'm going to the ER tomorrow because a specialist I saw this week said that my liver enzymes were high and he needs to perform an MRCP (not an ERCP which I've had twice)? This will be my 4th time getting hospitalized after surgery (6 years ago). I am so frustrated. The pain I experienced 6 years ago was more in my middle abdomen area; the pain I have today is more in my right abdomen and my right shoulde arear? I just want answers:(
Are they stenting or rotoring out your Bile Ducts? Did they say that your Bile Ducts are blocked or collapsing at all? Just curious?I had my Gallbladder out a year ago and I'm still having problems. I have to go back in for another ballooning procedure in my bile ducts this is my 3rd one, and he might have to put a stent in but is worried about nicking or coming close to my pancreas? These are VERY important procedures that you and I are having done. I hope your doctor is a specialist in this area? Good Luck and let me know. Sorry to hear your pain>I feel for you. *T.C.*
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'm having the exact same issue and it's been about 3 weeks since my surgery! What the heck is up with that? All I know is it better go away or I'm gonna be really upset since I wasn't having any issues before but the doctor told me I had to take it out because of the stones.
Please have them take a scan of the Bile Ducts! The blood test may come out to be almost normal? That will not always show your Bile duct issues? They could be blocked or collapsed. That is what's happening to me. I am going on my 3rd ERCP. This time they are thinking of putting a stent in to keep it open to flow better. Ballooning out the sludge helps the flow. Trying to eat less Saturated fats helps, but depending on your body, cholestorel level ect.. They might have to do it again? But these are very delicate procedures that are being done. The ducts are close to your Pancreas and you will need a specalist for that area. Hope this helps you out. Take care *T.C*
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?
Again, I have been telling everyone who is having problems still after having their gallbladder removed. Please ask them to check your Bile ducts. They could be blocked or collapsed? You might need to have an ERCP done? Ask your doctor to give you an ultrasound and measure your bile ducts. I sometimes don't know why theses doctors don't pay attention to the patients complaints? Every patient is different> Good Luck, I hope I helped you a little bit > * T.C.*
It takes a while for your bdy to settle down after the operation. That said I still had symptoms 2 years after my op and after exhaustive tests it was found one of my bile ducts was ging into spasm causing all sorts of nasty problems. I had a stent fitted and Hey Presto most problems went. I still have to watch my diet and have the stent changed every year. This is preferable to the pain and discomfort I was experiencing. Keep on going back until the cause is found it tok 2 years to get me sorted.
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!
Well I had my out almost 2 years now and I have had problems since. I have not got better at all I have even had attacks where I sweat and throw up and I always have pain just below my right side rib cage into my back.It has taken two years and now the docs. are starting to listen to me,Im going in on the 26 to have a MRCP which is the best test with no risks at all it will help show whats going on with the bile ducts or it can see if a stone was left in my bile ducts.And dont listen to the guy at the top of the page because it can happen sometimes where a stone is left in and I no this because a friend of my had hers out 10 years ago she had been in so much pain for 10 years and last week they did a MRCP and she did have a stone left in her for 10 years.I just wish that these docks. would listen more to us and trust what we feel.Anyways I will let you all no what my MRCP shows next week.I hope that things get better for you and never give up keep pushing you dock.tell he listen to you.
Well its me again and I just got back my test for my MRCP and guess what they found out that I have 2 stones that were left in my common bile duct and this whole time they kept telling me no you cant have any stones left in their are it would show on your blood work well they were all wrong this is why you have to keep pushing your doc. because you no your body and you no when something is not right!Now im scared because I have to have them removed and it is risky!
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 had my gallbladder removed 4 or 5 months ago. I still have a lot of symptoms but I only get the actual pains when I take medication. Medication of any kind it doesn't matter. I get horrible migranes but I can't take anything for them because before the medication can start working I'm hugging the toilet bowl with my finger down my throat trying to get rid of it. It causes the most excruciating pain ever. Is there anything I can take for my headaches that won't cause an attack? I can't afford to go back to the doc again and figure out why I'm still having symptoms I'm still trying to pay off the over 10000 dollars worth of bills from the removal so I have to just deal
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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