ask: How can I combat post-gallbladder-removal belly fat and weight gain during menopause?
Hello, in October 2008 I was well into menopause but had no real issues with belly fat or overall weight gain. Then I had my gallbladder removed due to painful attacks of my common bile duct, as well as gallstones. I am appalled at the weight I have gained since the surgical procedure. In fact it is so upsetting (none of my clothes fit) that I feel at times clinically depressed. I've never had to fight weight gain before. Now I have an "unsupportive spine" as well, and must take occasional bouts of oral steroids to control the inflammation. I also have had two spinal epidural steroid injections, and wonder if these injections could cause me to gain weight. Any comments would be most welcome. Thank you!
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Dear Beth_Browning, thank you for your post and I am sorry you are having some health challenges all at once.
In my opinion, the removal of the gall bladder is not what is causing the weight gain, but once the gall bladder is removed most people have to make changes in their diet. From your postings I am not sure if the weight gain started before or after the steroid injections. It is very possible that your gut instict may be correct about the steriod injections. If the injections are "anabolic steroids" which are used to promote tissue growth i.e. muscle, then you will gain weight!
Medications, including corticosteroids and also tricyclic antidepressants, may also cause weight gain as a side effect. Are you taking something for depression?
You may be also experiencing a vicious cycle with the added stress and anxiety your are feeling as a result of the weight gain. Stress is known to contribute to obesity. Your "clinical depression" is adding to the stress and your body will signal the adrenal glands to release a hormone called cortisol. Research suggests that increase in cortisol levels may lead to increased fat around the midsection.
Have you noticed if you are eating differently? For comfort? Have you been active? What type of medication are you taking to treat the clinical depression? It is a well-known fact that stress can make women eat more carbs as they produce serotonim in the "gut" thus givings us a feel good feeling (comfort foods). Watch your diet patterns, write down what you are eating. Foods high in fats and sugars may help reduce the body's response to stress and limit the amount of cortisol that is released. However, frequent indulging in these foods typically develop excess abdominal fat.
Make sure to share your concerns with your physician.
May 16, 2009 - 12:52amThis Comment
Hi Virginia, thanks very much for your kind and learned response. I take nothing for depression as this is just a general "feeling" I have when I take a look in the mirror or try on a pair of jeans that fit last summer. It is quite fleeting, I don't always feel depressed; it's not a formal diagnosis. In the distant past I did take anti-depressants after the death of my father, but I don't think I will ever choose to take them again. The side effects are much worse than feeling depressed. I can usually walk, dance, run and talk myself out of depression, thus the term "clinical depression" was not a good choice on my part. The injections into my spine are corticosteroids, not anabolic steroids. I receive dexamethasone or solu-medrol in these injections. And I've taken one "round" of oral steroids. At this time I am certainly less active. I've had a troublesome back for about 8 years. However, during 6 of those years I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland and was very physically active. From the ages of 48-54 I was in the best shape of my life. Upon returning to the USA (the land of cars) I found myself putting on weight because I was not literally running to catch trains and taxis. My job in Scotland was also very physical and helped burn calories. Now I find that I do crave carbs occasionally, but I don't give in to this in a major way and I don't overeat. This has been a gradual 15-20 pound weight gain over a period of one year. I'm hoping Yoga will help me to fine tune my attitude and relationship with my changing body. I'll keep posting and hope to hear from others who may have experienced weight gain post-cholecystectomy. It is honestly a common complaint. There are blogs galore on the Internet about it, but I won't join one. Instead I'll step up my physical activity. Swimming should help. And of course walking. My beloved jogging is something I've had to give up due to my brittle spine. Again, thanks very much for writing. This is a wonderful website. I know I'll enjoy it a lot. Have a great weekend!
Best wishes,
Beth
May 16, 2009 - 7:52amBaloney! Having your gall bladder removed can cause weight gain as I had mine removed at age 28 and continued the exact same eating pattern following surgery only to gain 80 pounds in one year! My theory is removing the gallbladder decreases the liver's ability to metabolize fats and sugars, thus weight gain! I am getting so sick of hearing doctors say, oh it's not the surgery, you're just eating differently. If they would just listen to the thousands of people who have experienced unexplained weight gain after surgery then maybe a real study could be made that would finally provide the scientific proof that doctors need!
May 11, 2011 - 4:43pmI TOTALLY agree!!! I had mine out 1.5 yrs ago and I have gained 18 lbs now. I am allergic to wheat so I eat a very strict diet with proteins, fruits, veggies... virtually no carbs! I don't drink soft drinks, only brewed decaf iced tea with no sugar all day long. I walk, do the stepper, work out at the gym... and I'm lucky to lose 1-3 lbs only for it to go back up in a day or so. I was told by a nutritionist that taking Lecithin and Digestive Enzymes is what we need after the gallbladder is gone. They will help our food be properly absorbed and not store all the good/bad fats from the food which is what is causing the unwanted weight gain in the midsection. I am planning to try it and see how if works. But it is true, the doctors are full of crap. Its one of the most performed surgeries in our country and big dollars. I've read more blogs and websites of people with the same problems post surgery that are not menopausal (which I am - so I have that to contend with too), eat healthy diets before and after surgery, no thyroid issues, etc..... It is just so infuriating. I want my old figure back more than I can express!
July 23, 2011 - 10:32amagreed! i developed gullstones with my child. and had to suffer untill he was born. about 3 months ago is when i got my gullbladder removed and still have not seen any weight loss during this. i also have thryoid desiease and taking a medication for that..i also delievered my son 3 months ago and trying to lose the baby weight and after having surgerie is difficult., ive never had gullbladder problems untill i got pregnant with my first son and now that i dont like my body image and still continue to eat a healthy diet im still gaining the weight... i have not however taken my thyoid meds due to normal thyroid levels.. what would be ur opoion on my story and what i should do?
December 26, 2011 - 12:02pmToo true Anon, I know where you're coming from. Its always "you're eating fatty food" or "you're obviously eating unhealthy food". Your theory about removing the gall bladder is absolutely what I've thought has happened to my body since I lost mine. No amount of healthy food does a thing because your poor liver is burdened forever more. Honestly, the worst thing that has ever happened to me health wise. No matter what healthy food I eat and as little as I eat, the fat just won't subside. And I still keep reading the same thing my GP told me "don't worry, you don't need a gall bladder". I have a different GP now!
January 29, 2012 - 8:07amI had my gall bladder removed as well and the weight gain is there for me too. It is not an all over weight gain but just in the upper part of my stomach. I have changed how I eat and still feel as though I am having gall bladder attacks. Gone to ER and they say there is nothing there.
Steriods will make you gain weight so be carefull of those! Ask your doctor about antidepressant meds - could make a world of difference and you will have the energy to try to do more and get more involved in Yoga!
Good Luck and Best Wishes!!
Amy
June 15, 2009 - 9:06pmbe careful on the anti gepressants as well, they will cause weight gain..they did with me..
March 17, 2011 - 11:23pmi've found that wellbutrin is the best for me to control my depression and has very little weight gain..
I am not a philosophical subscriber to using antidepressants meds or any other drug therapy because I believe the chemical derivatives of drugs disrupt the natural self-healing ability of the body.
There are many wonderful natural supplements that offer scientific data on their efficacy and are much better than drugs at improving depression symptoms. St John's Wort for example is back in the options to help with mild depression. It is a wonderful natural alternative with no nasty side effects. Supplements of 5-HTP, SAMe, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola are among those natural supplements that are known to help with depression, anxiety and stress. Why not opt for the more natural approach?
June 15, 2009 - 9:26pmi had my gallbladder out 5 months ago i have also gained weight i am watching the diet and going to the gym but try to make sure you drink your eight glasses of water a day, try not to drink so much pop only doing this for a few days and my stomach is getting smaller.
pam
September 6, 2009 - 8:07pm