Bowel Problems After Gallbladder Surgery

[N. Solis]

I had my gallbladder removed almost a year ago.  I've seen comments posted about this in the forum, but no real answer or explanation as to why it happens.  Luckily, I suffered no pain after the surgery; I recovered well and I am VERY HAPPY that I do not suffer through those horrible attacks anymore (the last one made me think I was going to die and I ended up in the ER with the surgery scheduled shortly after).  Anyway, I have noticed that ever since the surgery I have a MAJOR problem during and after eating.  I have to RUN to the bathroom.  I, too, am familiar with a lot of public restrooms almost anywhere I go.  Unfortunately, sometimes I choose NOT to go somewhere or NOT to eat something because I'm so afraid of what will happen later.  Is there a real medical ezplanation for this?  I asked my PCP and all he told me was to ask the doc who performed the surgery.  I was given a lot of information before the surgery, but during my TWO follow up visits, nothing about this was mentioned.  I didn't notice it until a few weeks later.  I'm ashamed to talk to anyone about it.  Is there anything that can be done?  I hate to think that this is how I have to live for the rest of my life.

[rondo]

Hello All..
Well I start reading all your post. And noticed we all have a lot in common.. I had my gal bladder removed in mid July-2000 . I had been having attacks as far back as a year ago but never thought it was a gal stones..  I went to urgent care numerous times.. and was diagnosed with things like Reflux esopho(whats it) and something else called a slidding hyaital(sp) hernia finally one Doc gave me an ultra sound and said You GOT STONES!!..
    2 days later I almost passed one and was rushed to the hospital for emergency Opperation.. I also had a stone stuck in my bile duct and had to have some sort of  other proceadure done. as well I think they cut into my liver to remove a 6mm stone. Since then Ive had 3 blood test becuse the dr. isnt too please with my livers "levels" I find out if Im normal on monday..
    This Friday I expericened Dumping Syndrom with extreme abdominal pain.. it was right after a heavy fat meal... ( well it was a sauage and pepper sandwich) man I was in pain.. I almost felt the same sensation last week ( after eating a Sausage and egg biscutt)  seeing a pattern here? no more sausage for me.. Im still a little  nervous about the severe pain.. It was like my gal stones attack all over again.. well I've also been taking anitbiotics recently for my tooth I had extracted.. Ive read (here) that all these are factors in the Dumping syndrome.. I have but one QUESTION.. what book or diet would any of you recommend so that I can take care of this problem? thank you  
rondo
you can email me with questions or suggestions at ***@****

[Robin]

  I had my gallbladder removed 5 months ago. Before the surgery, for three years I had problems with severe diarrhea after eating. It was very unpredictable what food/drink would trigger an attack. I would be okay for several days to several weeks, then get an attack out of the blue. A few times I had an attack while on the city bus. I never had an accident, but came close a few times. That was really frightening. I stopped eating out, including having coffee, and knew where every bathroom is around town.
  I began having upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with multiple gallbladder stones. I did some online research before having the surgery, and read that the diarrhea would get worse. Unfortunately I didn't read the kinds of stories I've read at this site. I had no idea HOW much worse. Now I have it about 1-3 times every other day. I've changed my diet to low-fat, but it doesn't seem to matter. I still have pain where the gallbladder use to be. At times the pain is worse than a gallbladder attack. I went to a GI that suggested I have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. The GI thinks it may be an ulcer, but who really knows.
  This diarrhea problem is really effecting my life. I hardly go out any more. Whenever I am going to be out I bring bottled water, and a banana, and don't eat before hand. I really miss going to the neighborhood coffee shops/cafes with my husband. Im sick of bottled water and bananas. I'm going to be looking for work soon (been a stay at home mom for several years), but I'm fearful that I'll have an attack, and have an accident at work. I wouldn't feel comfortable telling a potential employer that I'm rectally challenged! How have other's handled this situation with their boss/coworkers? A job dealing with the public seems out of the question. I can picture it now.... helping someone at work when I get a major bowel attack, my eyes as big as saucers, sweat on my forhead, clammy hands, major anxiety attack as I figure out very quickly how to get to the can, and not cause a spectacle of myself in the process waiting, or perhaps unable to wait for someone to take my place. It seems so potentially embarrassing.

It's good to know I'm not alone with this condition.

Good luck to you all.

[Jessie]

It is so great to be able to relate to someone on this level.
I am also 30 years old.  I had my Gallbladder removed April 1997,  approximately 2 months after the birth of my son. I suffered from Toxemia during my pregnancy.  After suffering my attack, I had emergency surgery to remove my Gallbladder.  My doctor, in New Mexico, told me that my attack was the result of the complications related to the Toxemia.  I have had consistent bowel problems ever since.  It is not fun at all.  I have to carry Imodium AD with me everywhere I go.  Sometimes I have to RUN to the bathroom after I drink water in the morning.  Good luck and God Bless all of you.

[lynda]

I had my gallbladder out 10 days ago. All went fairly smoothly until 2 days ago when I began to have very painful back pains on the lower right hand side of my back. The pains are not constant but when they do come I am not able to find comfort anywhere and with anything. Painkillers don't even take care of the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[lupe]

Hello Everyone,

I too suffer from what now seems like "dumping syndrome".
I had my gallbladder removed back in July of 1999 at the age of 20. And ever since then I have suffered with diarriea, constipation, flatulence, nausea, and killer cramping. For the longest time I thougth that I too had cancer,I have had an ERCP and a colonoscopy performed, but after seeing a GI doctor up in Standford, he concluded that I had Colitis. He gave me medication that has not been working for me. I am really having a bad time. I can't live my life the way I like too. I'm only 21 years old and I feel my life is over. I am attending college and I have about 3 more months before I will graduate, I'm scard to death about moving on. I don't know how I will be able to work when I can't even leave the bathroom. I lost my job because I had my gallbladder surgry. Now ever since then any job I have had I haven't lasted more that 2 weeks because I quit. I have noticed like many of you, that my mornings often start the same way, I have breakfast and 10-15 minutes later I run off to the bathroom. I hardly leave my house, because I fear that I will have to rush to the bathroom. I have no social life!! I'm engaged to be married, sometimes I wonder if I'll be able to walk down the isle without having an accident. I can't take this kind of life style anymore. Its very neverecking and very uncomfortable. I stress over this every day and need some help. If anyone has any other information please E-mail me at ***@****

[Wanda]

I had my gallbladder out in feb. 2000, and it was the best thing that I did.  No more pains, but I do have to agree with you guys, the trips to the bathroom are driving me crazy!!! what really helps for me is drink water or juice, no more sodas, little portions of food, and try staying away from that good fried and spiced up food. ( I know that's hard for some of us Afircan Americans) i was really scared that something was really wrong with me, but after reading you guys replys helped me a lot. Thanks!!!!! Wanda