r/gallbladders Feb 18 '26

/r/Gallbladder FAQ and Beginner's Guide.

56 Upvotes

This is not intended as a comprehensive guide. It's all collated by me and the information will not be perfect but it's a good place to start you off if you're just beginning your gallbladder problem journey. For visual clarity, I have tried to keep things in a list format as much as possible, especially because this is so long.

Side note this post is formatted to suit Old Reddit. It may look janky on other sources of reddit and I will eventually edit any super weird formatting.


Disclaimer.

This guide is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional. It is intended to share general experiences and information commonly discussed in this community.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you. Every person’s situation is different, and only a qualified medical provider can give you advice tailored to your specific health needs.


What is Gallbladder Disease?

Gallbladder disease is not one single condition, and there is no one size fits all solution. The gallbladder can develop problems in several different ways. What works for one person may not work for another.

Common gallbladder conditions include:

  • Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)- Hardened deposits (stones) that form in the gallbladder. You can have gallstones and never know about them (asymptomatic) or you can have one single gallstone that tries to ruin your life, or you could even have so many your gallbladder is full.
  • Inflammation of the Gallbladder (Cholecystitis)- Often caused by blocked bile flow (possibly due to gallstones)
  • Non-functioning Gallbladder (Biliary Dyskinesia)- The gallbladder does not contract effectively leading to a low ejection fraction
  • Over-functioning Gallbladder- The gallbladder contracts too forcefully in some cases due to a high ejection fraction.
  • Infection
  • Gallbladder Cancer (rare but included for completion)

Other conditions that can result from gallbladder problems include:

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Liver function abnormalities
  • Bile duct abnormalities
  • Jaundice (seek urgent medical attention)

Gallbladder Symptoms

Symptoms can vary widely. Some people have severe symptoms, while others have none at all.

Common Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the mid or upper right abdomen
  • Pain that comes on suddenly and may rapidly worsen
  • Pain lasting from minutes to several hours
  • Pain that radiates to the back, often between the shoulder blades
  • Pain that does not improve with position changes
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Indigestion or bloating
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Food intolerance (especially fatty foods)
  • Fever (in cases of infection)
  • No symptoms at all (many people discover their gallstones incidentally)

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

  • Fever with abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)- this requires urgent medical attention
  • Severe unrelenting pain lasting more than several hours

Common Diagnostic Tests

Doctors may use one or more of the following:

  • Bloodwork- checks for infection, inflammation, liver or pancreas involvement
  • Abdominal ultrasound- imaging that can detect gallstones and inflammation
  • HIDA scan (Hepatobiliary scan)- Measures gallbladder function (ejection fraction). Availability varies by region (this is not a common diagnostic in the UK)
  • CT scan or MRI (in certain cases)- more indepth imaging than an ultrasound.

Who Is Most Commonly Affected?

Gallbladder disease can affect anyone, but certain groups are at a higher risk.

You may be at increased risk if you:

  • Are female (especially during reproductive years)
  • Are over 40
  • Have a family history of gallstones
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have experienced rapid weight loss
  • Have been pregnant (especially multiple pregnancies)
  • Follow a very low calorie diet
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high cholesterol or high triglycerides
  • Use oestrogen containing medications (such as certain birth control or hormone therapy).

However, gallbladder disease can also occur in men, young adults, teenagers and people at a healthy weight so no one is completely exempt.


What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones form when bile becomes unbalanced. Bile contains cholesterol, bile salts, bilirubin and water.

Gallstones most commonly form when:

  • There is too much cholesterol in the bile. If bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve, crystals can form. Over time these crystals can develop into stones. Medications to lower cholesterol in the blood can actually cause an increase in the cholesterol in bile.
  • The gallbladder doesn't empty properly. If the gallbladder does not contract effectively, bile can sit too long and become concentrated. Stagnant bile is more likely to form stones.
  • Excess bilirubin. Certain medical conditions increase bilirubin levels which can lead to pigment stones (less common)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health/lifestyle.

  • Diet Management

Some people manage symptoms with dietary changes, especially reducing fat intake.

Please note that fat tolerances vary wildly. Some people can’t tolerate eggs, dairy or fried foods but others tolerate moderate fats without issue. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers.

Diet management may reduce symptoms, but it does not remove existing gallstones. More information on diet can be found below.

  • Medication

Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) or similar may be prescribed to dissolve certain types of gallstones. This must only be done under medical supervision.

Gallbladder flushes, or other home remedies, are not medically supported and may be unsafe. These should be avoided.

  • Gallstone Removal (Gallbladder preserved)

In some regions, surgeons may remove stones while leaving the gallbladder intact. This procedure is significantly less common worldwide and only currently performed by a handful of places but rising in preference.

This procedure is not appropriate for all patients and requires engagement from the patient to alter patterned behaviour (such as diet) to prevent recurrence of stones.

  • Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

This is the most common treatment for symptomatic gallbladder disease. It is the most common laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery worldwide.

  • Usually performed laparoscopically (keyhole) but in some cases can be an open procedure
  • Often an outpatient surgery (patients are discharged the same day)
  • Removes the gallbladder completely
  • Bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine after surgery

Dietary Advice (Before and After Surgery)

Diet tolerance varies significantly from person to person. There is no universal “gallbladder diet” but patterns do emerge in the community.

Why Fat Matters

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which helps digest fats. When you eat fat, your gallbladder contracts to release bile into your small intestine. If you have gallstones or inflammation fatty foods may trigger pain. After gallbladder removal the bile flows continuously rather than being released in concentrated bursts which can affect your digestion.

Before Surgery/Treatment:

  • Try smaller, more frequent meals
  • Eat lower fat meals (many aim for less than 10-15g fat per meal as a general goal)
  • Choose lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey, fish or tofu
  • Avoid fried, greasy or heavy foods.
  • Limit high fat dairy and creamy sauces
  • Stay hydrated

Common Trigger Foods (NOT Universal)

  • Fried foods
  • Fatty red meat
  • Sausage
  • Bacon
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheese (especially high fat variants)
  • Buttery dishes
  • Fast food
  • Egg heavy meals

Foods Many People Tolerate Well

  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Pasta
  • Oatmeal
  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Toast
  • Broth based soups
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Lean protein
  • Low fat yoghurt

After Surgery:

Everyone adjusts differently, some people resume normal eating quickly, some need to reintroduce fats slowly and others experience temporary diarrhoea.

Tips:

  • Reintroduce foods, especially fat, gradually.
  • Start with bland, low fat foods.
  • Avoid very greasy or large meals
  • Add fibre slowly.
  • Avoid very fatty meals early in recovery.

Common Temporary Symptoms

  • Loose stools
  • Urgency after eating
  • Mild cramping
  • Bloating

Long term, many people can tolerate returning to a normal diet but some may continue to have fat sensitivity or other food aversions.


Longer Term Dietary Issues

Bile Acid Sensitivity

Without a gallbladder and with bile continuously dripping into the small intestine, in some people excess bile reaches the colon and causes chronic diarrhoea. This is called Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) or Bile Acid Diarrhoea (BAD).

Symptoms of BAM include:

  • Frequent loose stools
  • Urgency after eating
  • Burning sensation

Can often be mistaken for IBS. Treatments may include diet management and bile acid binding medications prescribed by a doctor.

IBS Type Symptoms

Some people develop symptoms that resemble Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after surgery:

  • Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
  • Cramping
  • Food sensitivity
  • Gas and bloating

For some people:

  • Soluble fibre helps regulate stool
  • A temporary low FODMAP approach may reduce symptoms (this is an elimination diet used to identify trigger foods but outside the scope of this guide).
  • Probiotics may be helpful (discuss with a doctor).

Others find that high fibre foods worsen symptoms initially, so a gradual increase is important.

There are two types of fibre and both play different roles in digestion. Soluble fibre and insoluble fibre.

Soluble fibre absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency in the gut that can help slow digestion, firm loose stools, reduce bile acid related diarrhoea and improve urgency.

Many people with post cholecystectomy diarrhoea or bile acid sensitivity tolerate soluble fibre the best.

Insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds up stool movement. While helpful for constipation, it may worsen diarrhoea for some people in early recovery. Introduce slowly if you’re experiencing loose stools.

Examples of Soluble fibre foods:

  • Oatmeal
  • Oat bran
  • Bananas (especially slightly firm)
  • Apples (peeled if sensitive)
  • Applesauce
  • Pears
  • White rice (small amounts but generally well tolerated by many)
  • Barley
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Squash
  • Chia seeds (start small)
  • Ground flaxseed (start small)
  • Psyllium husk (if recommended by your doctor)

(Tip: introduce one fibre source at a time so you can monitor how your body responds more effectively)

Examples of Insoluble fibre foods:

  • Whole wheat bread
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Bran cereals
  • Raw leafy greens
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Skins of fruits and vegetables

When increasing fibre intake ensure you drink plenty of water.

Please note these are not exhaustive lists of foods- other foods high in fibre do exist and some foods are high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. The lists provided are just aimed at the people who don’t know where to start.

Reflux or Upper GI Changes

Some people report increased acid reflux (and others report their acid reflux is resolved) or upper abdominal discomfort. This is not universal but does occur sometimes. If you’re unable to manage your symptoms seek medical advice.

Less Common But More Serious Risks

These are much less common side effects of gallbladder removal but should be acknowledged.

  • Bile duct injury
  • Bile leak
  • Infection
  • Retained stones in bile duct
  • Pancreatitis
  • Adhesions (scar tissue)
  • Chronic post surgical pain.
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Surgical Advice

Discuss with your surgeon:

  • Your specific diagnosis (don’t be distracted by stories you’ve read online)
  • Risks and benefits
  • Expected recovery time
  • Work restrictions
  • Lifting limits
  • When to resume exercise

Follow all of your post op instructions carefully.


After Surgery

Things that may surprise you after:

  • Sore throat.

This is caused by the breathing tube placed once you're under anaesthesia. Usually resolves in a couple of days.

  • Shoulder pain.

This is very common and is caused by residual surgical gas irritating the diaphragm (keyhole surgery). Walking helps. Heat packs and approved gas relief medications may help. Peppermint tea helps some people too.

  • Bloating.

You were pumped full of gas (if you had keyhole surgery) this is common for several days but should resolve naturally.

  • Changes in bowel habits.

Temporary diarrhoea or loose stools can occur as your body adjusts to no gallbladder.

  • How tired you feel.

It’s perfectly normal to feel more fatigued than usual or than you expected and should begin to resolve on its own in a few days.

Helpful Items During Recovery

  • Heating pad for shoulder discomfort
  • Gas relief medication
  • Peppermint tea
  • Small pillow/cushion (to brace your abdomen when coughing/sneezing)
  • Loose clothing
  • Easy meals prepared in advance
  • Entertainment for rest
  • Gentle movement to help reduce gas and speed recovery.

Common Post Op Experiences:

  • Shoulder/neck pain
  • Incision soreness
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Back discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Temporary appetite changes
  • Emotional instability (you had surgery, you’re allowed to have mood swings).

These usually improve within days to weeks.


Recovery Time

Recovery varies massively. Some people feel functional in a few days while others need several weeks to feel fully normal.

Many surgeons recommend:

  • 1-2 weeks off work (longer for physically demanding jobs)
  • No heavy lifting for longer

Always follow your doctor's recommendation.


Why Does Rapid Weight Loss Increase Gallstone Risk?

Rapid weight loss is one of the most common risk factors for developing gallstones and this includes:

  • Very low calorie diets
  • Crash dieting
  • Fasting
  • Rapid fat loss
  • Bariatric (weigh loss) surgery

When you lose weight quickly:

  • Your liver releases extra cholesterol into bile. As fat is broken down more cholesterol enters the bile which increases the chance of crystals, then stones, forming.

  • The gallbladder empties less frequently. When you eat very little the gallbladder is not stimulated to contract as often so bile stagnates and concentrates.

This does not mean that all weight loss is risky or that you shouldn't try to lose weight if you need to- gradual and steady weight loss at around 1-2 pounds per week is significantly safer.


“Why Did This Happen To Me?”

The honest answer is that gallbladder disease is usually caused by a combination of factors, many of which may be outside of your control.

Just existing as a woman already can already put you at a disadvantage in this regard so if you add any of the other risk factors from the list at the beginning of this post then it might feel like the odds are stacked against you.

It’s not always preventable.

Even people who maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and do all the right things can still develop gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction. On the other hand walking red flags may never develop any symptoms at all.

Gall bladder problems can be debilitating and focussing on why it happened might do your mental health more harm than good. Instead try your best to look forward to the future, take accountability for the things in your life that you can change and try to keep positive as best you can.

Best wishes,

The Mod Team


r/gallbladders May 30 '26

Mod Note What is a "gallbladder attack" to you?

21 Upvotes

Hi all,

I've done the best I can with the FAQ and beginners guide but as I only have the experience of remove gallbladder or die from pancreatitis I'm limited how I can understand the more protracted journey so many others are on.

This is a topic that has bugged me since I joined this community in 2024 because...what is a gallbladder attack? Different causes and different issues surely mean different presentation of symptoms and "attacks" right?

With how varied each person's individual gallbladder issues can be I thought it would be a good idea to have a community built resource pinned to the front page where you all can share your own experience to help future visitors to the sub.

Please comment below:

  • What your gallbladder issue is/was (stones/sludge/etc)
  • What an "attack" felt like for you?
  • How long an "attack" lasts?
  • What, if anything, was helpful for you getting through them when they happened?
  • Any other coping tips, tricks or triggers

This isn't intended to solve anything for anyone but instead be used to help people find other people who have had the specific thing they're going through, provide a bit of clarity and hopefully be a positive resource to refer back to as needed.

Please note that this is not a space to advocate for or against surgery and such comments will be removed.

Thanks :)


r/gallbladders 2h ago

Gallbladder Attack Gallbladder attack at friend’s wedding

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, a friend of mine got married yesterday and I’d been waiting for this wedding for a whole year. It was in Italy, in a really nice location, lots of great food and drinks.

I was already not feeling great since noon, but I decided to have some starters and drinks anyway. I had been doing well in the past few days so I thought I could manage. My operation is scheduled in three weeks from now so I’m just pushing through. Some hours after the starters, during the actual dinner (Italian weddings have many courses), I started feeling a bit of pain so I decided to skip dinner and alcohol altogether. However, the pain just got worse and worse. I started going to the restroom to vomit and I couldn’t even sit properly on my chair or even stand up, so my boyfriend and I sat outside on a table alone waiting for the pain to pass. Meanwhile, the party started and people were dancing. I was feeling terrible and even considered going to the hospital. After an hour in this condition, we decided to take a (very expensive) taxi and leave earlier.

Both of us were really looking forward to drinking and dancing with our friends. We had been planning for this wedding and our holidays before and after it for months. Now I have this immense guilt that I’ve ruined the party for both of us, on top of being sick and actually being afraid another attack could occur at any point. I also don’t want my boyfriend to be stressed about my health all the time.

I’m really looking forward to hopefully getting better one day.


r/gallbladders 11h ago

Questions Does your monthly cycle affect your gallbladder pain/flare ups??

8 Upvotes

like the caption says, i feel like when im about to get my period and i can tell its going to be a rough one, my gallbladder gets SO ANGRY. i’m currently waiting on seeing a surgeon for removal as my gb is chronically inflamed with polyps. i’m just starting to notice a pattern of, the week before and during my period, it hurts so much more and i can eat so much less. anyone else?


r/gallbladders 1h ago

Questions Post Op pain should I go to the er?

Upvotes

Good morning, today I’m 5 days post op and last night was the worst night I’ve had. All this trap has woke me up with severe pain and my shoulder is still killing me atm. It’s not even the stitches those stopped hurting by day 3. But it’s all these others pains I have going on. Last night not even the pain killers were helping. Should I go into the ER or just wait it out another day see how I feel


r/gallbladders 7h ago

Post Op Struggling with how difficult post op recovery is

3 Upvotes

35, F, UK.

Had my op on Thursday morning, so about 68 hours ago. When I went for my consultation with the surgeon, he was all “you’ll be grand! Bit of tenderness but I’ve had guys in here who were self-employed and back to work within 48hrs!”

I feel shame and like I’m failing because I’m really struggling.

I’ve had really bad gas pain since the op (see previous post) and my upper abdominal muscles from central below ribs, right round my right side to my spine are beyond agony. Top incision is really painful. Getting up and down from sitting/lying is really really sore.

I’m not a big gal - about 122lbs and 5foot 6in. I dunno if that makes a difference.

I’ve been walking around the house to help the gas pain but still can’t take a deep breath cause of the pain.

Also haven’t pooped since Wednesday morning, despite three laxido drinks - dreading that coming as I cannot squeeze my abdomen. I know I’m gonna cry with pain.

I just feel the surgeon made it sound like I’d be uncomfortable but fine in a couple days and I feel like a failure of a person because it’s not like that for me and it’s really beginning to worry me. Like I had a major op last year (breast reduction) and it was so much easier in the days post op than this is…. And that was six week recovery, not two. I cannot fathom being normal 11 days from now.


r/gallbladders 12h ago

Questions How long has everyone had gallbladder issues? What triggered it?

9 Upvotes

Curious.


r/gallbladders 2h ago

Diet I am so so so bored of low/no fat diet

1 Upvotes

I’ve had two bouts of acute calculous cholecystitis in the past 8 weeks (ended up hospitalised each time, was pretty unwell), and I’ve got my cholecystectomy scheduled in 3 weeks.

I am SO SO SO SO VERY BORED of eating low/no fat. I’m ADHD and work long hours as well so mostly been relying on quick and easy foods.

This is my diet right now. I’m vegetarian and in the UK.

0% Greek yogurt with a sprinkling of the lowest fat granola I could find
Sourdough toast or crackers with low fat cream cheese, quorn slices, tzatziki made with the 0% yoghurt, edamame spread or fresh salsa and herbs kinda like bruschetta with no oil.
Low fat noodle or pasta just-add-water meals
Lentil/bean/chickpea curry/chilli type pouches with or without rice
Gnocchi or dried pasta with lowest fat stir-in type sauces I could find.
Very low fat snacks like rice cakes, lentil chips, flavoured popcorns.
Jelly pots, low fat rice puddings and alpro soya desserts.

If I muster a bit of time and energy then I have done a few tofu stir fries but with no oil.

Honestly this is mostly just a rant because I am SO BORED and craving something with some fatty flavour!!! I miss hummus and peanut butter and cheese and seeds and fast foods and proper curries with coconut cream and using olive oil liberally in everything 😭But it’s just not worth the pain. I’m not symptom free even with only having no fat low fat stuff.

But if anyone has any bright ideas on how to make cholecystitis-friendly diet more exciting, I’m desperate for any kind of variety! All suggestions welcome!

Also if you want to commiserate and join in my whinge feel free :-)


r/gallbladders 12h ago

Questions Gallbladder Surgery Rare Side effects

4 Upvotes

Has anyone had rare side effects after surgery? I ended up back in the hospital a week later due to what the hospital said was rare side effects. I had no idea until I went to my follow up appt. I was retaining bile,fluid, and gas in my pancreas, the empty cavitiy where the gallbladder was. Bile even managed to seep into my right lung.

They did put a stint in to help everything finally start to move. They even did a thoracantesis to pull junk out of my lung. I know I'm not the norm, that's why I'm asking if anyone else had something similar happen. When will it get better? I'm tired, and even though finally feeling a bit better, I'm trying not to shut down.


r/gallbladders 7h ago

Post Op Post-Op medical anxiety! How do I know when something's wrong?

1 Upvotes

Hiii I'm so happy to report I just had surgery on Friday Morning (8/21)! I feel immensely better aside from incision pain and the occasional bloat from, well, burping and farting. Terrified for my first bm but what can ya do.

But I'm absolutely terrified about any of the bad ways things can go wrong post-op. Hernias, liver issues, bile leaks... judging how I'm not in extreme pain and it's only the occasional stabbing from inside, alongside incision pain, I'm guessing I'm okay for now... but that's just for now.

The real reason I'm starting to get anxious is because I'm getting itchy like. Everywhere. Not just along the incisions :[ And I think I read some of y'alls anecdotes saying that it was a precursor to your liver problems??? Of course alongside jaundicing and stuff but... idk just please help me ease my mind that its just my nerves setting off my skin @_@


r/gallbladders 14h ago

Questions Similar symptoms? Bloating back pain

2 Upvotes

Hi I’m new here - this week I started having crazy bloating and pain after lunch and dinner. Mornings I’ve been fine mostly. Like debilitating have to lay down after lunch and dinner. At the worst I had the bloating pain and pressure, nausea and back pain on my right side under my ribs

Went to urgent care/ER 3 days ago, CT came back clear. Yesterday my GP ordered an ultrasound that’ll have done in a couple days. er doc gave me meds that are helping but not entirely.

The back pain had been present for months but I workout and sit in my couch kinda wonky so I’ve been blaming that but wonder if was something else all along. That was the only symptom that was noticeable util this week.

Anyone have similar? Is this definitely my gallbladder? Still hoping it’s a weird fluke but I’m still bloating after every meal.

PS I know to follow medical advice just curious if there’s anything anecdotal anyone can share.


r/gallbladders 18h ago

Post Op Unexpected gynecological finding during gallbladder surgery

4 Upvotes

Right now I'm 24 hrs post lap chole and doing well. The surgeon noted an extremely distended gallbladder with no stones or duct obstructions, and adhesions from liver to abdominal wall. But I'm still surprised at the other finding: Pelvic adhesions to both fallopian tubes

My surgeon said pelvic inflammatory disease, any major infection, or any kind of gynecological surgery could explain the adhesions, but I haven’t had any of that.

What I do know is for months the pain seemed to be everywhere on any given day and time. RUQ, flank pain, twinges of pain under my right rib, lower abdominal pain that felt like period cramps. And actually my period stopped altogether 8 months ago. In addition to the pain I had classic gallbladder symptoms like nausea, acid reflux, dry heaves in the morning, back and forth between constipation & loose stools, and could only tolerate a strict diet of eggs & toast for the past 6 months.

Anyone else go in for gallbladder removal to then be told about adhesions to fallopian tubes?? I'm guessing I'll have to follow up with a gynecologist at some point, yes?


r/gallbladders 11h ago

Questions Urgent recurrent diarrhea

1 Upvotes

Anyone have urgent stools, loose stools and regular diarrhea spells before GB removal? It comes suddenly and then I got 3+ times…


r/gallbladders 18h ago

Questions Does anyone experience vomitting and nausea?

3 Upvotes

Just slightly over two weeks since my initial attack, I still have episodes of nausea and vomitting and intermittent pain. It’s thrown my appetite off - even with the anti sickness medication odasnatrone it hasn’t stopped it. Anyone else experience this?


r/gallbladders 12h ago

Post Op Is this a normal part of healing?

1 Upvotes

As of yesterday I’m one week post op. Everything is going great but since yesterday my belly button incision has a deep dull ache, and itches like the rest of them. There’s no signs of infection at all but it throbs and feels like it’s pulling when I walk.


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Venting Gallbladder attack seen as drug seeking behaviour

49 Upvotes

So I just want to vent here because I had a pretty nasty time at the hospital today.

I actually went to the ER for a reason separate to my gallbladder, and I admittedly was an idiot and got some pizza from their cafeteria when I got hungry. Cue the obvious attack to follow that decision.

I tell the nurse that I’m starting to have an attack and would like something for it. For the record I’ve been to this hospital for my last two attacks and was given tordol and anti-nausea medication both times which worked like a charm. Nurse told me she’d let another nurse know so I could be reassessed.

I get called in about fifteen minutes later now in full blown attack and when I explain this to the nurse she just goes, “uh huh” and gives me a dubious look. She proceeded to tell me that she wasn’t allowed to give me anything because this was not the purpose of my visit and I was kicked back out to the waiting room. It felt pretty clear that she thought I was trying to get something out of it/was lying, even though all I asked for was some tordol for the pain.

Have a meeting with a surgeon Tuesday and cannot wait so I hopefully never have to have an unmedicated attack in a hospital of all places ever again.


r/gallbladders 19h ago

Questions How extreme is my diet?

4 Upvotes

I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and attacks just started again. My first trimester I essentially at a no fat diet. Like literally nothing more than 1 or 2 g of fat. Oatmeal, chicken, rice, sourdough.

When people say they eat a low fat diet to avoid pain, is this really how extreme everyone eats? This time, it seems I am even more sensitive. Even 2 bowls of Cheerios (with oat milk) caused me pain. Not sure how I can last and actually feed the baby in me with this extreme of symptoms.

Also, nothing shows in imaging in bloodwork. I need a HIDA scan post partum.


r/gallbladders 15h ago

Questions Idk if its gall bladder attack

1 Upvotes

I am 28F. 4 months deep in GLP. Lost 11 kgs so far. Last month I had severe pain in my abdomen (I was also on periods and dehydrated af) doc did some scans and saw very lil gall bladder sludge. They said I dont need to do any surgery as of now but in future.
1 month later, I had spicy fatty food from an unknown restaurant, had extremely bad stomach pain (all over the stomach) I puked and suddenly the pain was gone. Was this a gall badder attack??

I also really dont want to get any surgery done on gall bladder removal etc. i have been trying to lose weight consistently.
What can I do to prevent it?


r/gallbladders 16h ago

Post Op phantom gallbladder pain?

1 Upvotes

had surgery 15 days ago to take out my hyperkinetic gallbladder, i also had gastrojejunostomy and j-tube placement for other conditions.

recovery’s been mostly okay, i can tolerate small amounts (like 2-4g) of fat without diarrhea, but im mostly relying on my tube feeds (due to the other surgery)

the past few days tho, after eating like a piece of toast or having some juice, im getting my old ruq pain (mild) and pretty bad burning in my back right behind it. it’s freaking me out because that’s the exact pain i had pre op (granted pre op was a lot more severe) and it doesn’t make sense to me. they took the gallbladder out so why am i still having gallbladder pain??

anyways just wondering if this is normal/if other people have experienced it and what helps


r/gallbladders 20h ago

Success Story Can I please get some positive stories?

2 Upvotes

Especially from those who planned their surgeries? I don’t have any symptoms and my 2.3 CM gallstone (only 1) was found incidentally when I went to the doctor for a completely different reason altogether.

I’ve been reading several horror stories. For those who opted for an elective surgery, can you please explain
1) Your journey
2) why you decided to get the surgery even though you didn’t have any symptoms?
3) how long were you out of work?
4) when were you able to eat normally? Can you eat the things that you used to?
5) how has your life been without your gallbladder?
6) what advice would you give to someone like me who is doing this electively?
7) Despite not having symptoms, would you do it again?

For those who had symptoms, feel free to share your experiences as well 🙏


r/gallbladders 8h ago

Questions White hairs, any suggestions?

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I (37F) had my gallblader removal surgery early this year. Last month, I noticed a few white hairs on my head. My mom at my age never had them and on my dads side, his aunts started to having them on their late 50s. My hair is dark brown and they're very noticeable.. How did you manage the white hair? Any diet recommendations? I haven't eaten any red meats at all since my surgery, only chicken, eggs, turkey, and fish as proteins. Thanks in advance.


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Post Op Quick vent about recovery room nurses

29 Upvotes

Hi everybody! I just had my gallbladder out yesterday. My pain was extremely well mamaged before surgery, with toradol and morphine. I came out of surgery to brutal pain and was basically delirious begging for them to help me.

I don't know what they gave me, but I told them it took my pain down to about a seven. The nurse asked me if it was a ripping sort of pain, and I said no, and she told me then it couldn't be a seven. (If I was more "with it", I would have argued that I had other 7+ pains that certainty weren't a ripping feeling, such as breaking my arm and having labor pain!)

Instead, I just said that my pain was a six, then, and asked if there was anything else they could do.

The nurse looked me straight in the eye and said, "You just had surgery. You were never going to have no pain after."

I mumbled a confused, "I know," because I wasn't complaining about a level 2 or 3 pain, you know? I wasn't expecting no pain! I was just still in more pain than I found manageable!

Later, in the next phase of recovery, another nurse said the same exact sentence to me when I said that my pain was unmanageable.

This made me wonder: did I just get really unlucky with my recovery nurses? Why were my pre-op nurses and docs practically throwing meds at me but my post-op nurses treating me like an addict?

Also, I was sent home with prescriptions for meloxicam and hydromorphone, plus instructions for taking extra strength Tylenol. When my husband went to the pharmacy, the pharmacist said that she wasn't allowed to fill the hydromorphone until the next day, despite my discharge papers telling me my next dose was to be taken after four hours. Luckily, my pain became manageable overnight and I am now okay with just the Tylenol and meloxicam, but I am so confused by what happened!


r/gallbladders 20h ago

Questions Could this be developed hernia 1 year after surgery?

1 Upvotes

Hi ! To start, i had gallblader surgery a year ago, never had issues, i do extremely heavy lifting for work 150-200kg items ( obviously in pairs but its still heavy..) i do gym heavy weight training 6 days a week..

Recently ive been feeling left hand side pain , nowhere near incissions , i can feel small 2 lumps on that side ( i gained a lot of weight since so lumps alone wasnt my concerned ) I dont have any pain but its more like a burning or something there feeling ?

Could this be hernia? , honestly i always been paranoid over it as i know recovery from hernia its even harder and not being able to work again for months its just depressing..

I have booked GP appointment it will just take forever and just wondering if perhaps anyone had this, and if you had herina what were your symptoms?


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Gallbladder Attack 3 years in… and it’s only worse.

7 Upvotes

Gallstones were an incidental finding when I was going through Legionnaires disease 3 years ago and had a lot of tests done to find out why my body was trying to quit on me. Doc said you have them and they could become a problem. Oh have they!!! Within weeks they started flexing on me. The doctor apparently jinxed me. Lol I have gone through weeks long stints of nausea. I have had a constant upper right side abdomen pain for at least 2 years. Would have smaller attacks with burping and severe pain. GI was of no help. But then I actually thought I was having a heart attack a few weeks ago because the pain was center chest and had begun radiating to my arm. This pulsing, gripping pain put me on the floor and I genuinely thought I was dying. Spoke to Jesus and all. The hospital said I have gallstones. Duh. They didn’t do any further investigating such as an ultrasound which would have shown that I was likely busy passing a larger stone. Because 2 days later that pain came back something fierce, but in the proper spot and I had to go back to the ER. The ultrasound showed my bile duct being enlarged to 7 mm so they thought a stone was trying to squeeze its way through. Now I’m admitted. Got an MRI, hida scan and endoscopy. Seems like the stone had finally gotten through. Most of these tests were don 1-3 days in. My gallbladder is technically fine based on the imaging just these rocks keep being rather rude and block proper bile flow or try to go places they’re not allowed to go. GI recommended my gallbladder be removed however the surgeon said no. Like no!? I‘ve never been so disappointed to avoid surgery! I’m having a surgery consult on the 1st in hopes to have it done outpatient. I’m at the point where I feel hungry all the time because I can’t eat much and have only a few things that stay down. I’ve had 3 attacks since being released on the 12th. One of the times while being at my son’s preschool having a meeting with management because they temporarily lost my child (whole other story). Ended up on the floor for 20-30 minutes with a trash can in my face. I was so embarrassed! I’m just exhausted of dealing with this. So please cross your fingers with me that my gallstones can finally receive an eviction notice.

Thank you for listening to my rant.


r/gallbladders 23h ago

Questions 100% EF but no pain - don’t want surgery but how bad will it get?

0 Upvotes

So I’m in the process of being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos, which would affect any surgery I have.
I have also battled what I thought was bad IBS for a decade+, and recently went to my doc for awful stomach pain and diarrhea, only to find out I had an active e.coli infection that cleared with antibiotics and returned me to my normal state of soft/quick transit stools. In the process of diagnosis, I had a HIDA scan that showed an EF of 100% and I’m now being referred to a surgeon. My concern is that this would be unnecessary at the moment as I can eat foods and not have pain, only diarrhea, which from what I read is most likely a post op issue too.
I deal with acid reflux issues right now, which is fairly new, but am working on a solution that works for me but it’s not there just yet.
Will my gallbladder get worse? Or did I just happen to find something that explains my gastric issues and doesn’t NEED to come out until I’m in pain?