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

By May 15, 2009 - 10:55pm
 
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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

Hi Beth,

I belong to a group of Christian women who follow a program called "Fast 5" (a 5 hour eating window followed by a 19 hour fast). They are praying for you. I will continue to do so, as well.

You have given so much to others; I can tell by your contributions on this website alone. I hardly know you and your posts have already helped me tremendously. I pray that others would be there for you at this difficult time, just as you have been there for them.

Sincerely,

Crystal

March 28, 2012 - 10:20am

Oh, and if you but this kit, be prepared for explosive diarrhea. Just a warning.

March 27, 2012 - 8:09pm
(reply to Beth_Browning)

Thank you, Beth, for the heads up about the diarrhea. I ordered the kit last night. I may eat my words, but I would almost welcome diarrhea as opposed the constipation I have been experiencing. I can't tell you how many supplements I already take for that with very little satisfaction (and at a great expense).

How is the kit working for you so far? Do you notice a difference yet?

March 28, 2012 - 10:23am
(reply to CrystalRose)

Hi Crystal, the kit has not worked for me. I can't seem to budge from 168 pounds, more than I weighed when pregnant! I'm just going to have to accept the fact that I'll never be a size 6 or 8 again, and I'll sell all of my clothes. It's so painful looking at them. I love clothes and have some gorgeous things, but it's such punishment looking at them and hoping that some day my luck will turn around. I am disgusted and angry!

May 20, 2012 - 2:20pm

Dear Beth,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post, which in and of itself blows me away in light of your circumstances.

I am so extremely sorry about your husband. I can only imagine the kind of pain and heartache you are going through.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Crystal

March 27, 2012 - 8:03pm
(reply to CrystalRose)

Thank you Crystal. It's the worst kind of hell. Today is our 30th wedding anniversary. He of course can't remember this. I would write more if I could but I'm in need of a nap.

March 27, 2012 - 8:06pm

Crystal, hi, it's Beth again. I bought the $170 kit and one or two other supplements to equal $245. Concentrated beet root is one of the extras I bought. I can't recall the others. It took the kit 45 days to arrive. I called and asked where my purchase was, and was told everything was on backorder. I was offered nutritional "counseling" on the website where I purchased the kit, at $100 per session. A bit steep. considering what I paid for the supplements. Who knows? I'm just going to accept my body for what it is and do my best to stay in shape. Best of luck to you. With my husband actively dying of a cancer called Lynch Syndrome I haven't much of an appetite. But I still weigh 165 pounds. It's a medical racket, this removal of the gallbladder, and I'm as furious as I could possibly be for not questioning the procedure in detail before the operation.

March 27, 2012 - 7:32pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi there everyone,
I posted before as I gained 30 pounds after my gall bladder removal in 2008 (with a honeymoon period of about 6 months where my weight stayed the same) and I constantly try to diet it off.I lost 14 pounds but am still 14 pounds over what I was before surgery and boy, it is hard to dislodge.I also got milia spots under my eyes and very dry skin after surgery.I googled these terms to see if there is a relation to gall bladder loss and found that some people think that there is a connection.Some information is here about breakdown of fats and the gallbladder - http://askville.amazon.com/link-skin-gall-bladder-liver-Specifically-Milia-removal/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=6920193 They also recommend what supplements to take.

March 27, 2012 - 11:08am

Hi Beth,

I just took a look at the website where you purchased your kit from. The kit for weight loss after gallbladder removal is 170.00. What kit did you purchase for 245.00?

Sincerely,

Crystal

March 27, 2012 - 10:49am

Thank you, Beth. I'm new to this website. I just had my gallbladder removed on March 13th and I, too, have gained weight. I'm feeling very discouraged. Please let me know how the kit you bought works out. I'm tempted to buy it today. Are there any threads on this website, in addition to this one, you (or anyone reading this post) have found to be helpful on the subject of weight gain after gallbladder removal? I have just finished reading everyone's posts from the last two years.

Sincerely,

Crystal

March 27, 2012 - 10:32am
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