Eating smaller portions and temporarily limiting very high-fat foods may make recovery more comfortable.
- Bile Acid Diarrhea
One of the better-recognized digestive problems after gallbladder removal is persistent diarrhea related to bile acids.
Without the gallbladder storing bile between meals, bile enters the intestine more continuously. In some people, excess bile acids reach the colon, where they can stimulate water secretion and bowel movements.
Possible symptoms include:
watery diarrhea
urgent bowel movements
frequent stools
abdominal cramping
symptoms that become worse after eating
This condition is sometimes called bile acid diarrhea or bile acid malabsorption.
Consult Surgical Specialists
Fortunately, it can often be treated. Doctors may recommend dietary adjustments or medications that bind bile acids if symptoms are persistent.
- Postcholecystectomy Syndrome
Some patients continue experiencing abdominal or digestive symptoms after gallbladder removal. Doctors sometimes use the term postcholecystectomy syndrome to describe this group of symptoms.
Possible complaints include:
upper abdominal pain
indigestion
bloating
nausea
diarrhea
heartburn-like symptoms
intolerance of certain foods
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