Facebook Pixel
Q: 

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

By May 15, 2009 - 10:55pm
 
Rate This

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!

Add a Comment222 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had my surgery over an year ago and for many months I suffered with diarrhea. I had to go immediately the restroom after eating certain foods. Then, this problem suddenly went away and another problema came: weight gain! I put on 10 pounds in 3 months and I have been trying everything you can imagine to lose it and nothing works =[ I go to the gym every single day, I eat a lot of health food (of course I eat chocolate sometimes...), but I have reduced my meals in half size. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed. I so much prefer diarrhea than weight. I just don't know what to do anymore... And I enjoy eating. I don't want to drink smoothies all day because I can't eat anymore. Please, help me! If you guys have faced the same situation let me know if you have suggestions.
Thanks

March 4, 2015 - 7:50pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had my gallbladder removed last Wednesday,
and so far recovery is going well! Slow, but no problems so far! Yesterday i left the house for the first time since surgery. Thank to the informative article that help me to recover!

March 2, 2015 - 3:58am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi
After having problems over a few years of the horrid uncomfortable pain, after my last bad bout of pain my gall bladder was so badly infected they removed it finally two weeks ago today by keyhole. I had not eaten for the week before, just slept, was practically out of it. I was admitted & given strong antibiotics, dyhydrocodeine and morphine pre op. After op I was so relieved, the medication dulled any pain, within a few days I could stop taking any painkillers. I had a gentle swim today. The four points of entry for op are healing nicely. I am relieved that so far I am having no problems whatsoever. My mother, my brothers have all had the same procedure. None of us are grossly overweight or put on lots of weight. I am hoping by being sensible, giving my body every chance of recovery, I will be the same. My experience post op has been good. In fact I am going back to work on Tuesday (light admin job). So its not the end of the world. I know not all can say the same, we are all different but my message is that its not the end of the world. There are lots worse off. Good luck.

February 28, 2015 - 2:19pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

My dear epidural dnt make you gain weight its your liver that's causing you to gain weight.

February 12, 2015 - 11:10pm
(reply to Anonymous)

its not just the liver man your gallbladder helps you digest fat if you dont have a gallbladder its like open season on your midsection, muffin top, thighs, back, arms etc...

March 16, 2015 - 10:24pm

It sounds it is not related only with diet but Liver issues.

February 7, 2015 - 1:59pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Okay seriously I had my gallbladder removed 10 years ago and gained 5 lbs of pure fat every year. I was officially 50 lbs over weight and it was a bodysuit of fat. Last year I saw a book that offered a 10 day detox and I did the 10 days and lost 15 lbs without any problem. This same author had another book that included detox information, meal plans and exercise. Well that's working too. I had become addicted to finding an answer. I take a mixture of supplements and drink liver detox tea daily. I was told by my Colonic tech that people without their Gallbladders need to do a liver detox often. She also stated we should not eat sugar, dairy, fried food, processed food or complex carbs like pasta or bread. Lol I'm now a Vegan and happy to say this belly and over hang are shrinking. Check out Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith and she has a website www.jjsmithonline.com If you have a good blender, juicer or anything similar it will work Good Luck and thanks for letting me know I am not alone :-) Here's the book my Colonic tech recommended...I love it! The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse by Andreas Moritz. We don't have the Gallbladder but the Liver Cleanse was amazing and gave me a bigger boost. Ohhhh and buy a Pedometer or Fitbit to make sure you walk 10,000 steps a day and drink all the Green Tea you can stand :-) ok I'm finished . KarenAnn

January 16, 2015 - 1:01am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Couldn't agree with you more. I started JJ's 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse and after two rounds, I lost 19 lbs. My stomach is shrinking and I'm continuing my journey. Will continue to use detox methods, but will now incorporate liver detoxing thanks to you. I have slowly gained so much weight since my gallbladder was remover 3 1/2 years ago. Leaning so much from JJ and from doing my own research.

March 10, 2015 - 9:43am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Well I'm 15 and I go Friday the 16th to have mine out and I'm already at a weight of 230 and I've heard people say that they've gained and some people say that they've lost. And I'm worried to have it out because of that. And plus my vaul duct thing is pinched and I'm always in so much pain. And I'm so frustrated with doctors because I've had pain since July and thy kept saying it's a virus (I think that's their favorite word) because a 15 year old is to young for gallbladder troubl So is the surgery bad or painful?

January 10, 2015 - 7:59pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I had my gallbladder removed last year when I was
17. It was only painful for the first week. Before I had surgery I weighed 150 a year later I weigh 175. Stay away from pizza and deep fried foods.

April 1, 2015 - 1:58am
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Tags:

Weight Loss

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!