Excess bile in my stomach 10 years after gallbladder removal

[gerter]

10 years ago I had my gallbladder removed a few months after the birth of my daughter.  Of course things have never been quite right as far as my digestive system goes since then.  However, I now have a new set of problems.  Since January I have been waking up with severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.  And once I vomit, which is nothing but bile, I usually feel slightly better although have no appetite for a few hours.  I have lost some weight which is OK because I am overweight, however this is really not fun.  I am worn out!  I went to a Gastroenterologist last week and he has scheduled me for an endoscopy.  He did mention that because I have no gallbladder, that perhaps excess bile is backing up into my stomach.  Does anyone else know what I am going through?  Is there a speical diet I should consider to help myself?  

[jennynursepractitioner]

In my clinic, clients with this issue have found relief after identifying underling infections and once we started them on a natural program, their symptoms did resolve.  Look into infections as a root cause and it can be life changing.  I hope this helps.

[Dragon43]

I had my gallbladder out in 1986. My mom did in 87 and now I have immune issues and mom died of bile duct cancer 3 years ago. I ha e thrown up.after all meals since they removed it

[sapidshelly]

You need to see another dr.
University of Utah Gastroenterologist Dr. Adler, If you are on the east coast, Dr. Bolt, he is the dr. they made the series, House after. Dr. Bolt is the complete opposite of Dr. House. You can find him online.
Seattle Washington has a reasearch hospital my sister sees for her bile duct surgeries.
Stop listening to doctors like they are intelligent, intelligence comes with specialists..keep looking.
https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/gastroenterology-hematology/sphincter-of-oddi-dysfunction/article/596592/
Bile duct spasm are discussed and much more

[Enlil]

I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to you after you had the operation....my problem was the same as you I was always tired, I had horrendous pain in my stomach area and I would be in pain for and hour or more sometimes. I had re-flux as well and my stupid doctor had me on nexium which I took for  a while until I realized they were not helping and decided to do some research. I found a Dr John Bergman on line and he literally saved my life with all the knowledge he possessed about the medication my ignorant doctor had me on and I learned what those medications were doing to my. My doctor warned me not to stop taking the meds or I would die....but the truth of the matter was that when I decided I did not care to live under those circumstance and just got rid of all the meds that with in two months I was not rolling around on the floor screaming after every meal. During that time I experimented and researched certain foods for over two years. It was hard but I got rid of all wheat out of my diet and that meant everything because they put wheat flour in everything. The next thing to go was sugar, that was easy at first but my mind was on sweets and pastries etc...all the time. Wheat is like an opiate says Dr William Davis who wrote a book called Wheat Belly. Our Wheat was bastardized back in the 60's by someone who hoped he could improve the ancient wheat's we had and feed the world's poor.  He was mistaken what this new strain of wheat is doing to our stomachs is destroying the villi that distribute your vitamins and minerals through out your body. There are you-tube video's that Dr William Davis put out you which explain how all this wheat was bastardized and the various disease of are caused by this wheat. The next thing was oil...all oils were meant as a lubricant for machinery when they were first produced. Oil was never meant for human consumption they just convinced us that butter was bad for our hearts and that we should be switching to oils....I researched this as well and came across another youtube video called the Oiling of America which blew my mind about what the industry will go through in order to make money from us, because they don't care about our health. Once I got rid of all those products out of my life for ever...I had no more problems so far. It has been over 10 years since my operation and I stopped eating fired foods and I use organic butter instead of oil....but not a lot. Fresh fruit and vegetables no soft drinks, etc....It is hard but hey I can live with out the pain. Those videos should help you as I said they saved my life. One more little thing....drink plenty of water not fluoridated water either....I distill my water.  Stress from being sick all the time also played a big part in my downfall. Try to do some deep breathing and stretch exercises I found that after the pain was gone...I could do exercises, not excessive and only 20 minutes a day. I forgot to mention that wheat is addictive and keep you fat because once you eat say Bread and other flour products you get hungry again in a short amount of time but Dr William Davis will explain all that a hell of a lot better than I ever could. good luck....

[asf_ra_je]

hi thanks for your advices over bread.. its the most difficult for me in a diet...i make my bread .. i d line to know how you distilled water...

[Enlil]

I bought a water distiller, over 5 years ago it was not cheap but now they are selling for much cheaper on ebay....I paid close to 500 in Australia. They are cheaper in the USA much cheaper. Less than half the price i paid for it....I think that tap water was also part of my problems, lets face it the flouride and chlorine plays havoc with my stomach.

[Amyd123]

I'm going through the same thing right now lol, I'm also looking for answers, I had my gallbladder removed over 11 yrs ago, I'm throwing up bile every morning and I'm also having stomach pain... Kinda feels like I still have my g-bladder at times, I'm also having Green Bowel movements.  I'm exhausted from this as well... The throwing up is horrible, and

[Amyd123]

And the taste of the bile is aweful and bitter, I'm even having  some fluid retention,  I'm 41 yrs old and other then that I'm healthy.. I just want to know what's going on with me, I feel so bad and it's getting worse I'm tired as well.

[Amyd123]

I'm going through the same thing right now lol, I'm also looking for answers, I had my gallbladder removed over 11 yrs ago, I'm throwing up bile every morning and I'm also having stomach pain... Kinda feels like I still have my g-bladder at times, I'm also having Green Bowel movements.  I'm exhausted from this as well... The throwing up is horrible, and

[Gadora19]

How are you doing now?? Can I PM you??

[Tinka2017]

Better I have exactly the same symptoms as u I have found that any food to high fat and with phytic acid causes this chocolate is the main one oats nuts etc also get histamine levels checked out also check for leaky gut syndrome I am being treated for this and getting better a lot of people get leaky gut after gall bladder removal the drs say u can live a normal life after gall bladder removal let them have there's out and see what happens they will soon realise there talking crap everyone I know with gall bladder removal after a few years this happens u virtually have to live on fruit and veg

[Sanca77]

Hi Gerter, dont know is you got sorted bit I had the same kind of problems after my galbladder removal view years back. After struggling for a long time I went to a out of town doc for emergency stomach pains and he said I should take essentials  (what it is called is South Africa), at least twice a week. This has helped me tremendously in my stomach/colon problems. He explained that the bile sludges and can make you sick and the essentials make the bile watery so it does not cause infection in the colon.

[klavierstucke]

I had a partial gastrectomy and gallbladder removal a little over a year ago.  The surgery went well, but about 4 months after it, I began to vomit bile.  At first it was once a month, but then it progressed to every week to 10 days.  I take Carafate regularly to protect my esophagus, and have also tried Reglan, Questran, Domperidone, Ginger, Nutmeg, Peppermint, and various homeopathic and natural remedies.  Nothing has staved off the puking.  I can be fine for a few days, and then the pressure in the upper stomach, along with nausea, burning, and reflux start all over again.  The surgery that is mentioned on these posts is the Roux-en-Y, which disconnects the duodenum from the stomach and hooks it up downstream, therefore eliminating reflux into the stomach.  Since, I now only have about half a stomach, I have discussed my options with my surgeon and gastros and we have agreed that the R-N-Y would cause more complications for me down the road.  We're going to try the Braun Enteroenterostomy, which joins the duodenum to the jejunum, therefore pulling things downstream away from the stomach.  This is a less complex surgery and works well for a condition that causes symptoms similar to bile reflux, called afferent limb/loop syndrome.  You would know if you had this based on your upper endoscopy and other imaging studies.  I am hoping this procedure reduces all of the puking up bile.  The gastrectomy was enough to deal with.  My advice is do your homework, get a good gastro who will truly listen and try everything/do all diagnostics, and if need be, find a surgeon who is skilled in these kinds of surgeries.

[Lihue]

Similar problems with nausea, vomiting bile and fatigue the day after a long run or workout. GB removed 2012, these problems just statred less than a year now. I hydrate before workouts but looks like it is not enough. Not stomach pains, just a lot of belching. Hope this all too will pass.

[Daverav]

I have the same symptoms - had my hb out in Feb 16 . Up until a few months back everything was fine. Now the day after a heavy workout gym or running. I get an upset stomach, bloating and bile backing up into the esophagus. Not too much nausea just the feeling that I may be sick. I've started drinking loads more water. The symptoms can last a few days.. Has yours fixed itself??

[Daverav]

Sorry my gb - gallbladder not hb!!

[chica91]

I've been diagnosed with bile reflux gastritis (from gallbladder removal) What can be done to correct this without surgery? Carafate seems to help but not perfect. Diet changes do nothing. HIDA scan? Thank you

[88kathy]

I have had my gb out for 4 years now. Ever since my gb's been out I feel like its still in there. My family makes jokes about my phantom gb. My symptoms have gottten more severe over the last 6 months. Not only pain in the middle upper abdominal region but nausea, blotting, and the worst that I experience at least 2 x3 times a week now is vomiting and diarrehea at the same time. With bucket in one hand and butt on toilet. Now that's if your fast enough To make it in time.
Finally I went to my GI Doctor who suggested an endoscopy which I have had done. My results were horrific my doctor said and showed me the photos and explained. My stomach was filled so full of bile that with my reflex it back up into my esophogus. My diagnosis was gastritis and esphogitis- inflammation of my stomach and esphogeal lining. The photos were bright red like bumps everywhere like I had the measles Internally.  No matter what I did I couldn't eat anytthing(no appetite) nor get out of pain. No relief just kept losing weight.
Finally the doctor recommended carafate 1GM 1 hour before meals and at bedtime taken with milk. Also, colestipol 1GM every 12hours to remove the bile. If you take the colestipol make sure you drink a full cup of water with it please. Guess what it works!!!!! It really really works. No pain-no diarrhea-no vomitting-no bloating- no cramps, and I have an appetite again

[Sedsays]

Yay you.....I discovered the same solution...saltines and a glass of water.  Who knew something so simple could work miracles....always around 4 to 5 in the morning due to nite time fasting.  I think once u sop up the excess bile with crackers and water, stimulate the stomach to start working and move this along...it does the trick.  My doctor thought this was all in my head....but hey, it works....I am 10 years post gall bladder surgery and this still happens once or twice a year...just like the gall bladder pain used to be

[Namaste222]

I am having the exact same symptoms as you and I was wondering since yours was years ago if you had resolved what the problem was. If you have found a resolution, could you post so that I might know what is going on? Thank you very much and I hope this message finds you well and feeling great.

[olhares75]

I am with similar symptoms since GB removal last year in October. I have almost constant sore throat, with some heartburn and severe pain chest. I've read about esophageal spasms which are exacerbated by GERD symptoms. I think I might be having that. Ok I don't have idea if it is bile or acid or mix or both coming up to my esophagus, I only did last week a ph test and hopefully find out out soon, but whatever is also means that the LES, the valve at the end of esophagus is letting pass it too, so that's is why I also did a manometry test to measure the pressure of the valve.
Why I am experiencing this after my gallblader removal, docs don't know exactly and they only give a diagnostic after results of tests, so now only I can do is wait with all my daily discomfort. Good luck for all of you out there xx

[karylouise]

This is long after the fact, but I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and GERD.  Using the C-PAP machine at night helps tremendously with the GERD.  I also take 20 mg of omeprazole every morning but I would still sometimes get the reflux at night (horrible) and it would get into my lungs (dangerous).  The gasping for breath with the sleep apnea acted as suction and brought up the bile and stomach acid and I would breathe it in in my sleep.  I also had my gallbladder removed three and a half years ago and have had trouble ever since with diarrhea and stomach cramps and general malaise.  I'm going to ask my doctor for Welchol and hope for the best.

[mark1147]

I agree there must be something that can be done to relieve my non-stop heartburn.... my throat is on fire from the acid reflux.... nothing helps.... what is your current status?  Thanks mark

[someguy50]

I've had GI problems since my gallbladder was removed 6 years ago, but it's gotten progressively worst in the last year and a half and the result is very severe IBS. Anyway, I've tried lots of medications, supplements, etc. and nothing has had a lasting, noticeable effect. A month ago my doctor prescribed Welchol, its a medication for cholesterol, but it binds to bile in the stomach, and many people that have had their GB removed have reported remarkable improvement in their IBS after taking it, and I have noticed a significant improvement for me as well. I still need to make some real lifestyle changes to know if I'm really cured. But anyway, I am not a doctor, but maybe try asking your doctor about Welchol and give it a try if its safe and appropriate for your Mom's situation...good luck.

[Arikostinaal]

I need some help. Mum (73) had her GB removed 10 years ago and for the past five years, she's suffered from sporadic sickness preceded by vomiting.

She has lots what looks like acid reflux with lots of burping. She's had every test known to man and the last endoscopy she had a month ago showed she had some inflammation in her stomach (of which currently nothing has been done)

She's now down to seven stones and she's literally dying before our eyes. I firmly believe this is resolvable, but no one's doing anything.

When she's sick it's almost always bile, and lots of it.

Can anyone advise? I've read this forum and it sounds like Bile Reflux Gastritis, but how do we get a specialist here in the UK to even consider this as the last time mum saw the specialist,she said "I'm surprised you see you" (meaning she expected her to be dead as they pretty much sent her home to die at Xmas last year).

Need help. Time is running out and it would appear none of the doctors are doing anything

[hair4u]

I have had the same thing going on for about a year , and lost 37 pounds since then . I had a Ercp done and found  that I had sphincter of odi dysfunction and still I'm in pain and had a EGD done and I still  had 100 ml of bile in my stomach and I said to the Dr. isn't that to much bile in the stomach ? He said actually he would be more concerned if it was more like 1 liter . I told him that there wasn't supposed to be that much bile in there in the first place that its supposed to be going into the small intestine I realize that some bile is normal to be in there but not that much . There doing a Fluoro upper GI w/SBFT and then I don't know what after that . I'm so frustrated cant hardly eat anything without getting sick and having extreme pain on the right side where they did the surgery . I don't think these dr. know what to do , and I think there needs to be more research on this problem ! What do you think ?

[still_lost_at_sea]

Thank you so much.  This is the most help I've received yet.  Finding a doctor that will listen to this concern is not an easy task.  I came about finding this while diagnosing liver disease.  Every test or MRI required a fast and I kept telling everyone I can't fast.  As soon as I am on empty I get extremely ill.  I don't get the pain like everyone else but I first get all the symptoms of hypoglycemia, sweating, shakes, become pale, then dizzy.  That is when I begin to vomit yellow bile and have almost clear diarrhea at the same time. This lasts for about 30 minutes and I can finally leave the toilet and make it to bed and immediately go to sleep for several hours.  When I wake up it takes me 2-3 days on water and clear soda before I can even think about eating.  Then I start with soda crackers.  All together it takes about 2-3 weeks to recover as best I can.  

This only happens when my stomach is empty.  But thank you for letting me know its not just in my head or an oddity to my system.  You've given me a reason to reach out to another doctor.

[socrates2012]

13 July 2014 - just joined after searching for 'excess bile'...  I would like to share some *solutions* hoping to help someone else.

Our adult son had intense pain (10/10) just below his ribs, center.  Vomiting, nausea.  Soon, just bile.  He had this in a much milder form for *years* - many tests, many doctors later ('nothing wrong', it just passed, no help) - now he has this intense attack.  They kept saying stress or anxiety…

Thankfully, my brother instantly knew it was the same thing he had a few years ago.  Same pattern - many doctors, ER, tests, 'everything looks fine' - until one doctor mentioned 'gallbladder' and wanted to remove it.  Even though the pain was also 10/10 (he said it brought him to his knees) - he went home to research.  He found this book, "The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse" by Andreas Mortiz.  Amazing!!  So many things are solved by cleansing our own organs.  MUST read this cover to cover first.  At least skim it - there's a lot of important information outside the instructions for the cleanse.  Please read the *book* - there are many modified cleanses on the internet and *wrong* information!!  We got the Kindle version instantly and carefully followed instructions.

Please note - whether you have a gallbladder or not, stones can develop and block ducts in the liver.

The 'normal' process takes a week (or longer, if you do the other cleanses first).  The pain is due to blockages in ducts (some gallbladder, perhaps, mostly liver.)  This cleanse is painless, and many 'stones' are passed.  Both my brother and  our son had relief the first day (they jumped right to the cleanse.)  My brother has never had another episode.  He continues to cleanse the liver and gallbladder twice per year.  Our son, however, while he had much relief from the intense pain, still had vomiting, just in the morning.  By the afternoon he would be fine and could eat normally.  We know he has to do another cleanse, but we must wait a minimum of 3 weeks between cleanses.

NOW for the vomiting bile part - we found that, due to frequent vomiting, the ring of muscle between the stomach and the small intestine (which usually keeps things separate!) weakens and now bile, which *should* be in the intestine, now backs up into the stomach.  The remedy for this is to consume *soluble* fiber which binds to the bile and lets it pass normally.   Internet searching reveals what foods or juices have highest amounts of soluble fiber, including legumes (beans, peas, etc), oats, apple, pear, grapefruit - etc.  Much more.  In our case, we found 100% apple juice (26g carbs - 22g sugars = 4g fiber) and because it is *clear* liquid, no solids, it is *soluble* fiber.  (Insoluble fiber is 'roughage' - not absorbed at all, passes through, the 'scrub brush' for the digestive tract.)  Eating whole fruit is good, if your stomach can tolerate it.  Fruit, legumes, grains contain *both* types of fiber, of course.

There are also powders that provide more soluble fiber.  The recommendation is to check with a doctor before taking these.  We are still trying to find the right amount necessary to ease the vomiting in the morning - then our son will have some relief before the next cleanse.

I hope this helps someone else.

[Mel369]

I had my gallbladder removed almost 7 months ago because of extreme fatigue, nausea after eating, and a hida scan said it was only functioning at 8%. My stomach is so much worse now. I have am nauseous every day and my stomach is very bloated , which I can't seem to get relief from. Fried foods have the opposite effect on me and they stop me up and caused my stomach to ache. I don't get diarrhea from any food. I have tried changing to all fruits and veggies, no breads or wheats in my diet and it seemed to work for a little bit, but it has stopped. I still get pain all along my rib cage at times and there are a few tender spots in my belly. How can I get my bowels regular and get rid of this bloat? My stomach is so puffy and I haven't gained weight. Thanks!

[Savox1]

I have the same problem. My doctor told me that I have celiac disease. So I cut out those foods according to celiac diet research I've done and for about a year it was working but now no matter what I eat is bad for my system. I am bloated with no relief at any time, pain in my ribs and abdomen and this past month or so I constantly throw up in my mouth all day long. Not even half the day is over and I've thrown up 8 times in my mouth already. I'm so tired and fatigued. I'm starting to battle a depression and helplessness feeling. I just can't seem to eat or drink anything that helps. I started taking gluten cutter and ate gluten free food and a year ago it worked but nothing is working now. I'm in pain all day every day! Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[spiritedpony]

I've been on Cholestyramine for about 6 months, gallbladder removed 3 years ago. Cholestrymine is a grainy powder mixed into liquid or apple sauce. For me, after much experimenting, it seems to work best if I take it at bedtime (if I remember).  If I miss a dose, the next day is just like you mentioned. I can get liquid diarrhea and spontaneous vomiting all at the same time. Vomit is all bile liquids. Just lovely.  It isn't a very pleasant medication, but it works 90% of the time, I have much more freedom to go ride my horse and have a lunch break when out on trails, without problems. I do have some off days, but it's not a daily occurrence any more.  Good luck!

[tflyons]

Cholestyramine saved me.  I had my bladder out about 10 years ago. About 5 years ago I started to have what I call crap attacks,  I crapped myself 3 times at work - it was very embarrassing.  My doctor finally came up with cholestyramine.  I take it with breakfast and dinner.  My bowel movements are now solid and are like the ones before I had my gall bladder out.  I was close to quitting my job - cholestyramine saved my job

[Kajas01]

Hi, can anyone offer me some advice, I have just been very ill over last four weeks with what seems like bile reflux. I had the worst ball of pain in my upper abdomen, in between my ribs and a gnawing pain round my belly button, I have been bringing up acid and bile in the morning feel nauseous every morning and i have also had a pain under my left rib. My doctor has informed that I have a stomach ulcer and I am on omeprazole to reduce the stomach acid and help heal the ulcer but I read that bile reflux needs to be sorted as it can lead to other problems. Does anyone know of any medication that can help sort this or is an operation needed to move the bile duct? If so, has anyone had this done and was it successful?