QuestionI HAD MY GALLBLADDER REMOVED ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO AND HAVE BEEN GAINING WEIGHT EVER SINCE. WHAT IS A GOOD DIET FOR A PERSON THAT DOESN'T HAVE A GALLBLADDER TO PROCESS THE FATS. SHOULD I BE TAKING SUPPLEMENTS LIKE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES OR BILE ACIDS SALTS?
THANKS
AnswerHi Erin! I had my gallbladder removed myself about 10 years ago after pregnancy complications so I understand all the pain that goes along with trying to decide what to eat! Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer because everyone is different. Some people find they have to eat a low fat diet or they become miserable with bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Others tolerate high fat diets just fine. I have found maintaining a somewhat consistant fat intake every day is best for me. However, all the fats you eat are fighting for absorption so if you may be absorbing too many "bad fats" and not enough "good fats" (such as Omega-3). If you have been feeling depressed and have dry skin, you may want to take fish oil or flax seed supplements; I also mention the supplements because some people suggest they have helped them lose weight after gallbladder surgery. Absorption of all foods may also be compromised because the flora (healthy bacteria) in your intestines is different because of the altered pH due to the constant drip of bile; daily yogurt with live cultures can be beneficial. Eating several small meals throughout the day will also be better than three large meals to help with digestion. Fiber is important because it will help push food through the intestines faster, allowing less time for calorie absorption; some studies have shown gallbladder removal leads to slower movement of foods through the digestive tract. Exercise is also important, just as it is for anyone wishing to lose weight. Drinking large amounts of water can also help keep the digestive tract flowing as well as help you feel full and help you eat less. I have read some cases where the liver actually begins to release too much bile, in which case cholesterol medications prescribed by a doctor may help. Unfortunately, most people in the medical community do not believe weight gain after gallbladder removal is due to the gallbladder. People in the medical community try to attribute the weight gain to the fact patients can eat more with less pain, thyroid problems, hormonal changes from age, medications, etc. Despite the fact I have read old medical studies showing weight gain is common more recent studies have shown weight loss is common. I have read enough stories on the internet in my own research that I think there is a correlation. However, since there is no agreement that there is a problem with post-surgery weight gain within the medical community, no real advice exists on what post-surgey patients can do to control weight so I am afraid I have no concrete answer for you, just the general advice I already gave. Some posts I have read have shown people have success with using bile salts but I haven't read anything about digestive enzymes and have had no training about either of them. Trying bile salts shouldn't hurt if you are interested in trying, but make sure to speak with your doctor first (especially if you are using other medication). Sorry I cannot give better advice than frequent small meals, low fat, lots of water and fiber, and exercise. I really hope more studies will focus on the problem in the future but for the present I wish you the best of luck losing weight.
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