How can I combat post-gallbladder-removal belly fat and weight gain during menopause?

to all those commenting about weight gain. i finally went to my doctor and did blood work. turns out my Vitaman D is very low bc of the surgury and when that is low. you can gain weight.
also get your thyroids checked out.

To the "know it all" who said that our diets were already bad to begin with...I am a physician. I am 36 years old. I weighed 126 lbs and 5'7 at the time of surgery (I was 33 when I had surgery). I suspect that I developed stones because I had a catastrophic illness which caused my weight to plummet, which combined with being a female of child bearing age (estrogen acts on cholesterol to make stones), likely created stones. Do NOT make assumptions about people who you know nothing about.
Prior to my surgery, I believed everything they told me in medical school. It is shocking that so many people are experiencing weight gain, pain and serious issues! I too gained weight right after surgery -- but I was able to lose it. To this day, I STILL have never heard a medical professional say the diagnosis "post cholecystectomy syndrome" while up to 40% of patients have it. This is a grave problem and patients are suffering. I can relate and share your frustration. I have been able to lose weight by adhering to the same diet I was on before my surgery. I am a strict vegan - I don't eat ANYTHING that comes from an animal (no meat, no dairy, no eggs, no butter, etc). I don't bloat, and over time the pain in my upper right quadrant has diminished. Also, when I do have pain I take milk thistle. It helps a LOT with that. It has been shown in clinical trials to reduce inflammation of the liver, regenerate liver cells and has almost no side effects (be sure to check with your doctor, etc before you take it but it is relatively harmless). Probiotics are also great -- and you don't need to get the ones your doctor wants to sell you by prescription. That is such a joke! The ones at the health food store are better anyway (and are usually cheaper). Weight loss is not as easy as it used to be for me, the pounds literally used to just fall off without much effort in the past. But they DO come off...I strongly recommend a vegan diet. First of all, you do not have to count calories. Secondly, you will have a healthy heart. Third, you will be treating many of the underlying causes of gallbladder disease. Fourth, you WILL lose weight. Combine a vegan diet with walking and you will be good to go. Wishing you all the best of health.

To know i am not the only makes me feel a little better, but i just got so depressed reading everyone's stories/
I had my Galbladder removed on 8/11/11. It was an emergency procdure. before the surgury i was doing weight watchers and going to the gym 4 times a week, doing zumba and treadmill or elpitcal. zumba 2-3 times a week. after the surgury i am gaining. all in my stomach area. i went to weight watchers the other day and didnt lose but gained .2 lbs. not alot. but i busted my butt. My face is thinning out, my legs and arms to not my stomach. i am so frustrated. i dont know what to do.
i never was a soda drinker. and the last 2 yrs. sticking to healthy living. cheating occaisonaly/ since had it done. no beer. no cheese. no soda at all. i would have a diet coke every now and then. it water and unsweet ice tea, coffee now..
if i eat cheese i am sick for days. and i noticed i crave salt where i never ever used salt or cooked with it.

i am going to try that bile salt people are talking about.

I am no kid, those days have long gone!My gall stones were possibly related to hypothyroidism, not poor diet by the way.

Some of these comments I disagree with! The weight gain after gallbladder removal, OK LISTEN PEOPLE those of you who gained weight afterwards say that you haven't changed your diet, well guess what kid's your diet was bad to start with therefore you got gallstones... gallstones don't form from having a good diet, I'm sorry that's not how it works, so if you didn't change your eating habits afterwards then that's your fault and yes you would gain weight! This poor lady who started this post, she's gaining weight from the steroids, all steroid medication has a side effect of weight gain, that's a known fact! Gallbladder removal does not make you gain weight!

Don't become a vegetarian! Your weight gain may be due to gut dysbiosis (imbalance of microbes), which could be caused by antibiotics taken after surgery. Try removing grains and sugars from your diet and gradually increasing natural fats and probiotic foods and supplements. The GAPS diet is a great way to go!

Gained 29 pounds after gall bladder surgery too - female in my 40s. I ate the same as before the operation as after and am hypothyroid but I had a handle on that weight wise.I have bitten the bullet and am doing an online slimming plan but the most I lose is 21b per week but I put 41b on in 5 days after a wedding extended week-end do and it has taken me 4 weeks to get 31b of that weight off again.I think that strict dieting is the only way for me to get to a normal weight. I was one stone overweight before surgery and looking forward to getting that off after surgery.Instead I put on over 2 stone on afterwards, mostly on the top part of my abdomen and have some cellulite on my upper arms for first time ever.Doctors say eat what you like - I think don't - follow a diet reduced in fat, sugar and carbs I think with lots of fruit and veggies and drink enough and exercise. I can still have some little treats but in my case I can forget a blow out on holidays.Weight does put pressure on the joints and exacerbate back problems which started when I was at my heaviest weight so I think that sensible dieting and strengthening the core muscles - yoga should do it, as the only way to go - no contest.Good luck with it, you are not alone.