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

I went to Whole Foods the other day and I spoke to a very knowledgable woman, who too, suffered since having her gallbladder removed. She complained of weight gain in her mid-section and problems with her digestive tract. She recommended that I take a Pro-biotic (like you take, jacmor0315). I bought a kind called PB8 by Nutrition Now. It is a Pro-Biotic Acidophilus. She also recommended that I take a blood builder, which contains vitamin C, Folate, Citamin B-12, and Iron, to help with my energy level. I really hope they help me!!!!! I also hope everyone else finds relief with their symptoms.

Hi. I was the Anonymous that posted on June 29, 2010. My gallbladder removal was in January. By April I was a mess. Fortunately after doing some major research online and finding alot of people like ourselves, I started taking Digestive multi enzymes. These are like miracle supplements to me and I do not ever eat a meal without taking these first. Within the first 48 hours of taking these with my meals I noticed a big difference. No stomach pains, my diarrhea slowed down and for the first week I was burping like crazy. But at the end of that week all the bloating I carried around during those months was gone. My energy also improved drastically. After being on them for five months now, I almost feel normal again. They have not helped as far as the weight gain goes. But I really haven't been trying very hard at that either. I did have some blood work done which showed I was Vitamin D deficient (Probably because I didn't even have enough energy to go outside to soak in the sun). I did start taking Vit D supplements but have noticed only a little improvement. I swear by these supplements. The ones I use are made by Spring Valley and are called Probiotic Multi-Enzyme Digestive Formula. I buy these at Walmart for $7.00 a bottle. One bottle lasts a good three to four weeks. I know of at least two other people with the same symptoms as I and tried these and it worked for them too. I don't know if I'll be on these forever, but until the medical field can figure out why we have these side effects from this surgery, it's the only thing that I can count on. I have heard that bile salts work too. These supplements do have ox bile in them as well. It's interesting to me that I hear a couple of you talk about asthma symptoms. I too have noticed a little extra phlegm in my lungs. I had read recently that this surgery could somehow affect the adrenal glands. Then I read somewhere else that malfunction of the adrenal glands could cause "asthma-like symptoms" because your bronchials are not opening up all the way like they should. Just a thought. I haven't researched it enough to understand how it's all related or how you would fix it. Maybe someone around here has any ideas? I hope any of this information is of some use to someone. I understand what it feels like to be in that condition. It was the worst place ever!!

I had my gallbladder removed in January 2010. Since then I have gained 30 lbs. I have had several other symptoms: depression, diarrhea, exhaustion. I started taking multi-enzymes with every meal and daily vitamin and fish oil in April. Within 24 hours of starting the enzymes there was an immediate difference. My energy level came up and the diarrhea has slowed way down. The depression has lifted as well. I'm 33 years old and have never had any medical problems. I am extremely upset that no one bothered to discuss with me the possible implications of having my gallbladder removed. All everyone ever said to me was that you can live without one. Over the last few months I have read everything I can find pertaining to the removal of gallbladders. I found alot that indicates there are no post removal effects, then I have found a whole lot of people like me. Although, these enzymes have helped, I am still not the same person I was before. Just today I went and saw my doctor seeking some answers and asked for blood work to be performed to see if I was deficient in anything. She dismissed the idea that any of my symptoms were even caused by my gallbladder removal. Unbelievable!! I have never had any issues with anything until my gallbladder was removed. I'm pretty sure that any body part, no matter how seemingly insignificant it is, being removed will have consequences! Needless to say I had to fire her and am on the search for a better doctor. Hopefully, one that can work with me to find answers on how to live a better quality life. So to all of you out there who are having post gallbladder removal problems, you are not alone!! Hopefully, you will find doctors who will listen to you and help find ways to make our lives more livable!! Good Luck!!