I'd like to think maybe the dr is right but I just dont trust them. A similar pain in the center of your abdomen, under your chest, that might make you wonder if . If you experience ongoing symptoms, its important to consult with your healthcare provider to be evaluated for any underlying physiological problems that could be causing adverse symptoms, including: If you do experience adverse symptoms, diet interventions include: A few people who have had gallbladder surgery experience persistent diarrhea. Your cycle may be off a few weeks, and once it returns to normal, you may have heavier bleeding and more discomfort than usual. Metabolic syndrome seems to be one of the side effects of gallbladder removal that can cause weight gain. A distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. This is caused by the water retention in the body when the gallbladder isn't functioning correctly. Symptoms of a bile leak include tummy pain, feeling sick, a fever and a swollen tummy. Cholesterol imbalance: Without enough bile, you will have problems with balancing cholesterol levels. Also, I have been taking Nexium, which I understand helps with the pain caused from the excess bile in the system. If you have an acute condition that isn't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes. Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly. In some cases, a second surgery may be needed to resolve symptoms, which may include: Fatty food intolerance Nausea Vomiting Flatulence (gas) These tissues can become inflamed from infection (peritonitis), or they can be filled with fluid as a result of a condition called ascites. Cholecystitis symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one. An organic problem can be explained by physical evidence, like a disease. spicy food. Since then I have gone from size 2 to size 10. i havnt been to the doc about it yet but im miserable. Although its an unpreventable effect of the procedure, it is temporary and completely manageable with the following recommendations. Partial paralysis of the stomach ( gastroparesis) causing a build-up of digestive contents. Breathing problems after gall bladder surgery, scar tissue attached to intestine after gall bladder surgery. There are a few reasons for this. This is admitting liability. I have been looking like I am 6-7 m prego since December. Good luck to you and I hope that we will all get to the bottom of this problem with a good solution, healing and health!!! Cholecystitis, or inflammation of your gallbladder, occurs when a gallstone blocks bile from exiting the organ. One common concern is why your stomach may be bigger after gallbladder surgery. caffeine, which is often in tea . A chronic case may be treated supplementally with diuretics (for fluid), laxatives (for constipation) or activated charcoal capsules (for gas). After gallbladder removal surgery -- known in medical parlance as cholecystectomy -- your doctor may tell you to gradually return to your previous diet, perhaps with an emphasis on certain nutrient groups. It takes time for your body to fully adjust. I told him that I wasn't eating or drinking any different then I was before my surgery. 2019;2019:4278373. doi:10.1155/2019/4278373, Wennmacker SZ, Dijkgraaf MGW, Westert GP, Drenth JPH, Van laarhoven CJHM, De reuver PR. This happened maybe 3-4 days after my surgery. We all must consume fruits and vetable and whole grains and water for the rest of our lives. Gallbladder removal surgery is called cholecystectomy. (from what I have read) I went to GNC after reading some reviews and bought their " Super digestive enzymes." Fatigue and decreased energy levels are common from the blood loss and toll of gallbladder surgery. Change gauze pads if they become soaked with blood or pus. Your body needs cholesterol for producing many hormones, this includes stress hormone, testosterone etc. I am so sick all the time espacally in the morning if I dont eat something carb before bed I will always throw up the bile in my stomach. Complications. After the Fast I have found while starting to eat regular foods again. If youre having trouble eating, try eating light foods that are easy to digest such as toast or crackers with peanut butter or cream cheese. Has anybody got any idea's to help me out. Saut vegetables or pasta in water instead of oil for a low-fat meal. These organs are only palpable if they are distended. First, the surgery itself can cause the stomach to swell. The bile ducts lead from the liver to the gallbladder, then empty into the small intestine (where bile works to help digest and absorb ingested fats). Healthcare providers diagnose a distended abdomen in terms of the five fs: flatus (gas), fetus (pregnancy), feces (trapped poop), fluid (from several causes) or fat. Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? Please update on how you are doing. Mild swelling is likely due to gas, and it usually goes away in a few days with normal activity. Some mild swelling and bloating after gallbladder surgery are normal. over a year ago. The nausea lasts all day. You seem to have the best solution. appropriate medical assistance immediately. I also started getting nauseous. I'm 33 years old and it has been 3 years since I had my GallBladder removed!! @KittyChimera, I had my gallbladder removed many years ago - from an injury, not a diet-related disease as alluded to in another reply - and I have never had a weight maintenance problem.I have never kept high fat, and still don't, but I never changed my diet after the gallbladder removal. Hi, you have all been lied to. All those test were normal for me. Fist the indigestion, then the stomach pains, then the acid reflux and the waist line decrease by 4-6 inches. please reply to em if you have. Sitting for long periods accelerates the bloating /blocking and keep up the huge cardio out put to allow the body to flush each day. However, once the body acclimates to the loss of the gallbladder, weight gain can typically occur. Your stomach looks bigger after gallbladder removal surgery for several reasons. You can see and measure the difference, and sometimes you can feel it. You can still go for walks, jog, and play sports when your surgeon gives the green light. I had my gallbladder out 10 years ago and although I now suspect I might have BAM , I didn't have your symptoms. I was given a prescription for Ondansetron - a disintegrating tablet for nausea. I also started getting nauseous. I've been walking here and there maybe 20 blocks each time as I was told walking will make the gas leave. Look at ***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed for some answers / post your testimony. . These long-term effects of gallbladder surgery may appear just after surgery, but can also develop months or years later. Thankyou for all the info!! I started to bloat again. Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched. Gallstones are collections of hardened substances that form within the gallbladder. Surgery. It also discusses potential treatments for the symptoms of post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you are having this surgery. I had my gallbladder removed via single insicion lappy through my belly button about a month ago. And the nausea doesn't help but the bloated feeling makes it worse like I ate so much or something when I clearly haven't. My sister passed away a few months later and my mom lost a lot of weight. I'm only two days out from my surgery, so right now I'm feeling the right side pain for the first time in addition to bloating. I know for sure, that eating a lot of fat during a meal, will cause instant need to go to the bathroom, for some folks. We moved to our native 400 kms away from Bangalore on 31st that is 2 days back. Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? They didn't see any gallstones. Gallstones are more likely to form when the liver is not functioning properly. Contrary to the usual whole grains and raw veggies . refined sugar. This is because most of your intestines are still intact after this type of operation. Most people find relief with over-the-counter medications. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/still-bloated-after-gallbladder-removal--529866. I WALKED INTO A CLOTHING STORE WITH MY FAMILY GET THIS A YEAR AFTER MY SURGERY AND THE CLERK ASKED ME IF I WAS PREGNANT WITH TWINS. Fever. While every attempt is made to remove as much of this gas from the body at the end of the surgery, some air remains left inside. Organ enlargement from inflammation or a growth. Because the surgery is so invasive, it can cause a large amount of scar tissue, or even bleeding, within the stomach itself. In addition, after gallbladder removal surgery, post-recovery bloating, changes in the digestive process, and inflammation can make your stomach look more prominent. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Even walking around in your yard can help with digestion after gallbladder surgery if you are experiencing bloating as a result of surgery or other causes of poor digestion such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The slowing down of the bowels and the stomach is the most common cause of a bigger stomach after cholecystectomy because of the accumulated gas. My bloating is still slightly there but it mostly dissipated at the 10 day mark. Bile leakage but bile fluid can occasionally leak out into the tummy (abdomen) after the gallbladder is removed. Gallbladder surgery. Now I suffer from severe diarrhea, bloatting and constipation, oh and pain in my right side just under my ribs and I wakeup filling cramps in my stomach, that make me feel that something is severly wrong with me because I just dont feel normal anymore!! This is normal. Dehydration after surgery can lead to hard stools, hemorrhoids, flatulence, bloating, and constipation. Its often accompanied by the feeling of being bloated with trapped gas or digestive contents. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. The medical term for this condition is postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). But what bothers me the most is this bloated feeling. Spend time resting, relaxing, taking care of yourself, and getting plenty of sleep. Some people may require subsequent surgery to resolve issues. 1. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Often, because of repeat bouts and serious complications, surgery is the best treatment option for long-term symptom relief. It's an extremely painful condition. Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? When they obstruct the ducts, they can cause inflammation and even infections. You might also try mineral water. A friend of mine said her bloating and has left in a week. MY SOLUTION WAS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY. If you need to have your gallbladder removed, you may be feeling a little nervous. I hope this helps someone. Bariatric Surgery Overview: How Does Weight Loss Surgery Help Type 2 Diabetes Patients? Reasons to Avoid Getting Gallbladder Removed, Interstitial Cystitis And Bladder Pain: Diagnosis And Treatment. Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This translates to nearly 280,000 people (out of a total of 700,000) each year who do not experience a complete absence of symptoms after gallbladder surgery. 3 Health Risks for Dogs, Lucrative Career Choices For People Interested In Facial Aesthetics, Rehabilitation and Beyond: 4 Things To Expect After Knee Surgery. This means that recovery time after a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery will be shorter and less painful than recovery time after an open gallbladder surgery. I have been having a terrible case of constipation. Potential Issues After Gallbladder Surgery. Certain factors may increase or decrease your. It is important to have someone on hand that can assist with these tasks while they are recovering. During gallbladder removal surgery, special clips are deployed to seal the tube that feeds the gallbladder to the main biliary tract. Why Is My Stomach Bigger After Gallbladder Surgery? Rest up and often Your recovery is what you make of it. In: Suneja M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, Brown DD. I was never given a diet sheet to follow, the acid heart burn makes me sick and i feel like im been choked. My stomach seems to feel very full now. Rather, a lifestyle change (such as a simple change in diet) could be all that is needed. after my surgery I noticed right off the bat that I was on the constipated side. My stomach seems to feel very full now. This was my first surgery ever and I'm just nervous and scared . After I had my gallbladder removed I felt like I was never digesting my food. My stomach looks like I'm about 4-5 months preggers!! You may have gas or need to burp a lot at first. i also have constipation issues now too. Not as exreme as some of youbut enough that it wa visibly noticeable and enough that I would have to unbutton my pants to be comfortable. Abdominal Distension. However, this does not mean you should avoid all food. Don't think I'm constipated and I've been having bouts of diarreah and soft stool. I have to avoid desk jobs. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. MY BACK HURT AND EVEN THOUGH I DESPERATELY TRIED TO DIET AND EXERCISE A LITTLE NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK. I can't wait I'm so impatient but it's because I've felt sick for such a long time and now the healing process seems to be putting more challenges for me which sucks. Solid organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. It is FREE! Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. and ive gained weight! I take Citracel and eat shreaded wheat, which help move my bowels. Read our, Cholecystectomy Surgery: Everything You Need to Know, Gallbladder Surgery Recovery: What to Expect, Digestive Problems After Gallbladder Removal, When IBS and Gallbladder Problems Happen at the Same Time. Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. This is likely because of narcotic painkillers, not because of anything youre doing. To use ginger for relief of bloating, add fresh ginger or ginger powder to hot water and sip slowly as a tea. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Mother of 2 Etiologies of long-term postcholecystectomy symptoms: A systematic review. The doctor said that it happens often with gall blader and it is just gas. How Long Does Your Stomach Stay Swollen After Gallbladder Surgery? The procedure requires surgical gas to fill the stomach cavity to make it large enough for the surgeon to perform the procedure. Bile Leakage. Adjustments to your diet and eating habits may help relieve these problems. This is due to the body's need to adjust to the new normal of digesting food without the help of the gallbladder. To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi. Thanks for the reply by the way. as being in breach of those terms. (https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(20%2930433-X/fulltext). But nope I'm okay except for the discomfort in my stomach. Metabolism Rate Post-surgery, your body acclimates to changes brought about by gallbladder removal, it impacts how the digestive system process food. Movement and exercise enable the body to function better and help hasten gallbladder surgery recovery. I had my gallbladder out, and 1 year later, after another 20 min. THE DOCTOR SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE COULD DO. To give the surgeon room to operate during laparoscopic surgery, they have to put a lot of air in the belly. Your gallbladder can cause some bloating and discomfort if you begin to experience health issues with it, but it does not create gas. In most cases, however, the stomach will return to its normal size within a few weeks or months after the surgery. I'm glad we a support forum, it's hard to tell anyone your problem unless they had gallbladder surgery. Can gallbladder cause smelly poop? 3. Guest Foods that are commonly problematic include: Be sure to include in your journal how much of each food you eat, that way you can initially try reducing the amount of a problematic food, to see if eating less helps, before completely eliminating the food from your diet. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. If you have functional abdominal distension and the cause is unknown, it might take some trial and error to manage it. If I do try to eat my stomach literally feels like it's about to burst and it makes it hard to breathe. NOW, I'M ASKING TO BE FIXED, BUT THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE. But this condition is considered a rare cause for post-cholecystectomy syndrome. It really almost happened overnight. The recovery time after open gallbladder surgery is usually between four to six weeks. In order to obtain surgery consent - they withhold the truth form you you will never be able to live a healthy life again". A large growth might be palpable through the skin. If you experience burning pain after gallbladder surgery, it might be caused by bile leakage. When you have your gallbladder removed, it can be difficult to digest certain fats. She had gall stones removed last October. It may be acute a sudden, unusual occurrence or chronic something that occurs and resolves itself repeatedly in a predictable way. Stress Stress triggers the release of the stress hormone called cortisol. But bile fluid can occasionally leak out into the tummy (abdomen) after the gallbladder is removed. Laparoscopic surgery is usually less invasive and faster than open surgery. Everything comes back negative but they said I have acid reflux bad. Just make an appointment to get help from our experts. Avoid eating fiber and dairy products for the first few days after your surgery and drink plenty of fluids. Fastest 35 pounds I've ever lost! Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. i'm going to be copying and pasting this in a few diffrent forums so if you see it twice,I apologize : ), terry Follow. In most cases, the condition is temporary and resolves within a few days. After dinner was usually the worst and I would bloat and wake up during the night from the gas pains which were extremely uncomfortable. I actually feel worse than I did before I had the surgery. Another thing that is very import ant is to drink plenty of water. In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I just want my life back, some days I be so depressed. Nausea. Latenstein CSS, Wennmacker SZ, De jong JJ, Van laarhoven CJHM, Drenth JPH, De reuver PR. did you ever figure out a solution to your issues? Effective Diet and Nutrition Tips for a Faster Ventral Hernia Recovery, Preparing for Ventral Hernia Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After, The Importance of Physical Therapy in Ventral Hernia Recovery, A fever of 101F or higher or one that lasts several days, Treatment area develops yellowish or greenish discharge. Post op for me is much better than the past month which were loaded with pain and sickness unlike anything I have ever had before. Symptoms. I ONLY WANT TO BE POSITIVE, BUT I'M CRYING RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE I WAS YOU A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD MY GALLBLADDER REMOVED. It's been 9 months for me. The incision will be sore and may bleed. My stomach is shrinking, and I can't believe the small portions that satisfy me. CD is very under diagnosed and has many, many different symptoms. Waiting for gall bladder surgery. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Patients who feel bloating or flatulence can often alleviate the condition by refraining from eating starchy food items. Symptoms of a . Etiologies of long-term postcholecystectomy symptoms: A systematic review. Another surgical procedure that is sometimes performed after a cholecystectomy is called an "excision of a cystic duct stump with stone." They may also feel the area with their hands or tap it and listen to the sound it makes to determine the presence of fluids, gasses or solids. These long-term effects of gallbladder surgery may appear just after surgery, but can also develop months or years later. However after that night whenever I would eat, I would noticed that I would start to bloat up about thirty minutes after a meal. I believe I can Read More. My wife had gallbladder removal surgery on May 18th, 15 days back. Notes on Still bloated after gallbladder removal? As your system gets used to processing fats without the aid of a gallbladder, large meals and high-fat foods can cause pain and bloating. I am so uncomfortable. Clean the area gently but thoroughly, being careful not to scrub too hard or irritate the wound. I had 2 endoscopy, 2 colonoscopy in the last 12 years and I just had upper GI imaginary study that took 3 hours. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce bloating and gas after gallbladder surgery. Many people are concerned about taking their regular medications after gallbladder surgery. Stay hydrated with water, tea, or fruit juice if youre not hungry enough to eat solid food. over a year ago, lisa For some, it may be just a few days while others may need up to six weeks. She also said I have "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" caused by no gallbladder. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. Your doctor may want to see you for a follow-up visit before you start exercising again. Residual gallbladder stones after cholecystectomy: A literature review, Avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages, Avoid any foods that worsen symptoms such as fatty or spicy foods, Gradually increase the amount of fiber you eat (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). I have tried everything, but still am in pain and discomfort. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. A fever would be a sign of infection to answer your question from above. I just want to feel good again and I honestly feel sick. The primary difference is that instead of simply getting a bolus of bile after a large meal is ingested, people who have undergone a cholecystectomy have a continuous drip of bile from the liver into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Causes might include: If you seek medical care for your distended abdomen, your healthcare provider will work to isolate the cause. I actually feel normal again and I can keep my pants buttoned all day! Be sure that all family members know what prescriptions and nonprescription medicines youre taking and how they should be taken. After gallbladder surgery, some people have digestion problems and upper abdominal pain. Its important not to exert yourself too much for the first week or two after your surgery. I had my gallbladder removed 9 weeks ago and I am still experiencing some difficult symptoms and am not getting better. It will help your body digest food better and help your intestines get rid of the gas buildup in your digestive tract. One of the most common reasons why a patient's stomach may appear larger after gallbladder surgery is due to swelling and inflammation in the area. Registered in England and Wales. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. Take time off work if possible so that you can recover without worrying about work responsibilities. Sometimes a very small portion of the cystic duct is left behind, which is referred to as a cystic duct stump. After many test I have erosive gastritis which they think is causing IBS. Please be aware, Celiac disease can be caused from bile damaging the small intestine. They might also recommend you try dietary changes, probiotics or enzymes to improve digestive processes. (the generic is "Cholestyramine fo Oral Suppression") It is a "bile binding agent", normally prescribed to reduce cholestreol (sp) levels. Once the gallbladder is removed, the cystic duct is no longer needed and it is usually detached at a point that is very close to where it joins the common bile duct. You're not the first or the last to go through it. How quickly you recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic or open surgery. Patients should increase fluid and fiber intake and walk and stay active to maintain the ability to pass stool easily. I don't believe weight gain can be blamed on the gallbladder, but the quantity of food you eat. If necessary, precautionary recommendations may be provided. Its not uncommon for gallbladder surgery patients to expect their symptoms to immediately disappear, not realizing that theres a recovery phase for their bodies to adjust to the toll of surgery so they can function without a gallbladder. my surgeon told me 5% of people who have their gall bladder removed experience uncontrollable diarrhea for a while after their surgery. My doctor said I have "Dumping Syndrome," which is the bile being dumped from the liver into the small intestine, which causes pain, discomfort, cramping and spasms. The primary purpose of the gallbladder is to add and release bile. A disorder of the muscle contractions involved in digestion (. They should follow all dietary recommendations provided by their surgeon as well. I would get them to start doing some test on you just to be safe. My belly looks at least 6 months pregnant. However, there could be other reasons that can cause your stomach to swell after your surgery like infection, leakage of . A vegan diet for life .While on this fast ..prays included, I lost weight and am becomming bloated free. Some wounds may need a dressing change every day while other wounds might only need a dressing change once a day or once every few days. It's thought to be caused by bile leaking into areas such as the stomach, or by gallstones being left in the bile ducts. The dressing will need to be changed when it becomes wet or dirty from bodily fluids or when it becomes dry from lack of use. Its been 3 years since having my GB out and its just getting worse the pain is. We all need to join together and let us know what has been of help to you with your pain, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or whatever your symptoms are. YOU CAN CHECK INTO THIS, BUT BE CAREFUL AND MAKE SURE YOU GO TO THE BEST AND GET ALL THE FACTS. Posted I'm sorry you're going through this, but discomfort after a gallbladder operation is quite common. My doctor refused any pain meds pre-op, so it was back and forth to the ER just to get relief and stop getting sick. Again, be aware that many of these food intolerances are temporary, so you can try to re-introduce problematic foods later on. A 2019 systematic review found that over half (60%) of the people who had their gallbladder removed did not experience any adverse symptoms after surgery and went on to live a normal, healthy life. Stones can clog the bile duct, which leads to the small intestine, or the hepatic duct, which leads to the liver. It absorbs the bile, which elimiates the explosive diareaha after eating. I slept like a baby, no waking up from bloating and gas pains. Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? My jeans fit again, although still a tad tighter than they should be. Lifestyle adjustments, including avoiding fried, fatty, spicy, or acidic foods and keeping a food and symptom journal, often help to resolve the issue. THINKING MY LIFE WAS OVER, I STUMBLED UPON A SOLUTION. Now I have pain, especially in the morning, I also have bloating. This is called postcholecystectomy. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition. Theres a serious risk of your stitches breaking open, which can cause the wound to become exposed to germs and dirt and increase the risk of infection and complications. In a few cases, this prompts weight gain.