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

also eating low fat items or meals only when i am hungry is helping the weight is slowly coming off i will let everyone know how the drinking water theory goes but so far it seems to be working.

pam

i 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

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?

I 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

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.