Weight gain after gallbladder removal.

[Jayjay7727]

It's been almost a year and a half that I had my gallbladder removed.  I was then 160 pounds and slowly since then, I've gradually gone up to 180! My question is for those people out there that have managed to take control of their body and weight gain. What supplements do you take? 

[Dominique]

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@Jayjay7727 wrote:

What supplements do you take? 

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Why do you think supplements would make any difference?

I see from your public profile your average step count is rather modest for a young person with normal mobility:

Not a criticism, but maybe there’s some potential for increased energy expenditure. I know I would gain weight quickly (even with a gallbladder) if I had a similar step count.

[Julia_G]

Hi, @Jayjay7727 , I was interested in your question, because I wondered why having a gall bladder removed would cause weight gain.  I came across some articles that suggested that for some people, once they were relieved if the unpleasant symptoms which would require gall bladder removal you may simply unconsciously be eating more than you were when you were suffering.  

As @Dominique says, it isn’t clear that supplements would help; if you are regularly eating more than you burning, your body will store this excess as fat.  

You have already taken a great step by wearing a Fitbit, which can record your activity.  Maybe try logging your food as well so that you can get an idea of the balance between what goes in / what goes out?

I personally believe that the kind of calories you consume also makes a difference (and there is increasingly good evidence for this), but overall if you eat more than you burn, over time you will gain weight.

[Hmc1101]

Hormones! Every function in your body happens from hormones, look it up regarding gallbladder  There may in fact be supplements that can regulate the hormones that arent doing their appropriate job without a gallbladder. Do you take enzymes? I would consult with a functional medical professional. I have had weight gain due to hormones and I know how frustrating it can be to make the right choices and still go on the opposite direction. 

Ignore people who comment on your step count. You may not wear your Fitbit all the time, or this may be your usual activity level and there may be room for improvement,  but either way it's not helpful feedback. 

[Julia_G]

The gallbladder itself does not produce hormones (though it does react to hormones), so that is highly unlikely to be the cause of weight gain.

The most likely reason is that, relieved of the unpleasant symptoms, you are actually (perhaps without realising) actually now eating more.

Logging your food intake, carefully and accurately, would be an excellent start to begin to investigate what might be causing your weight gain.

If you also have information about your activity levels, that can obviously also help.

[Hmc1101]

I never said the gallbaldder produces hormones. There are hormones involved in signaling the gallbladder to work. Additionally, gallbladder disease has been linked to estrogen dominance. As I said, Google it. Do your research. 

[Jayjay7727]

I believe none of these people have gotten their gallbladder removed. Seems like they just like to throw their condescending comments here and there to make themselves feel superior than others. To them I say, every BODY is different and reacts differently. I'm definitely not over eating, but I do have alot of stress and that can trigger weight gain as well. Oh and I for sure dont wear my Fitbit 24/7. No need to lurk in my profile, screenshot and post for your amuse. 

Anyways, Hmc1101, thank you so much for your feedback. My friend told me about enzymes and I started taking them 2 weeks ago. They are definitely working. I'm also taking probiotics and my usual vitamins, so I'll see how it all goes. 🙂 

[Anilynn]

Which enzymes are you taking? I've tried two different types over the years with no luck. I had my gallbladder out 3 years ago to the day today. I gained 20lbs the first year. I have managed to lose 4lbs this year but there's no rhyme or reason to how. I walk 2-3 miles in the morning about 4 days a week, I maintain a low carb,  low fat lifestyle,  I have been seeing a dietitian every week since January and they are even stumped. I just got a very comprehensive blood panel done and I have the most normal blood ever,  no food allergies, no thyroid issues, no low iron or vitamin d, no diabetes, no liver stuff, no concentrated antibody problems...I was hoping my results would tell a story but no such luck. It's crazy how much my body has changed since the surgery and how little people actually know how it affects the body afterwards. 

[Dominique]

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@Anilynn wrote:

I maintain a low carb,  low fat lifestyle 

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That would likely amount to a low-calorie diet, as I believe very few people would be eating a low-carb, low-fat and very high protein diet. Have you ever tracked your intake (using Fitbit, MyFitnessPal or a similar app) and compared the number to what Fitbit says you are burning?

[Anilynn]

As others in this thread have mentioned,  it isn't that simple. I exercise 5 days a week, I also meet with a doctor every five weeks and meet with a registered dietitian every week and have been doing this for a year. Catering to someone for their dietary needs post- cholecystectomy is very tricky. It is a combination of malabsorption, hormonal imbalance due to certain glands not being able to trigger a response from the gallbladder which sometimes leads to estrogen dominance, maintaining a specific level of impedance, and ingesting a happy protein, carb, fiber balance. The doctors and dietitians are going to introduce me to another trial and error way of eating this Friday. So thank you for your input but cookie cutter responses and suggestions don't bode well for people suffering from the inability to lose weight and weight gain after gallbladder removal. 

[Jayjay7727]

 

[Jayjay7727]

@Anilynn These are the enzymes that I'm currently taking. I've lost 7 pounds already but of course I'm exercising and eating healthy as well. It's a struggle to lose this weight but I'm pushing myself to make it happen. My metabolism is slow, so that doesn't help at all either.

[Anilynn]

Thanks @Jayjay7727 ! I'll have to look those u . 

[Debsym]

I have the same problem for over a year. I've completely given up. Had mine removed last november was 185 pound now I'm like 230. Its horrific.  I wall 10k steps a day wat healthyish not perfect but not so bad as to gain that much! Been a dietician nutritionist hormones. No joy unfortunately. All weight is round my middle it's so frustrating and upsetting I'm even considering using my life savings for weight loss surgery ita that bad!! All forums on this topic seem the same gp says we are eating too much. But I have tried EVERYTHING. Personal trainer for months. Keto diet. low calorie not eating at all sadly we9ght wont budge or goes up. I saw you are having some luck with these super enzymes. I might try! glad something is working for you!! Fingera crossed

[P2019]

Dear Jayjay7727, 

I came across your question,  while looking for this query,  since my mother got her gallbladder removed and I met her yesterday after a month and was surprised to see her gain weight. 

I'm away in a different country and she stays alone,  as much as I don't like her living alone,  but I know her lightweight always gave her flexibility and ability to move around easily while managing her life in a positive manner. 

I understand if she gains weight it will reduce her mobility and possibly affect her in more ways than one.

I fully agree with your statement here,  people with limited understanding but excess information from Vitamin and protein supplements throw their garbage on others. 

Just don't worry too much,  keep a check on your food intake and drink moderate amount of water and it should take care of itself,  I'm going to advise the same to my mom when I speak to her today. 

We don't need a marathon runner or a Protein specialist to guide a life routine. 

Life doesn't work with numbers or linear graphs,  have fun and make the most of it,  don't just live with numbers of  footsteps. 

Hope it helps you and my mom. 

Regards, 

btw I don't have a Fitbit,  but I use a Samsung watch,  not to count steps but to see time. 

I know when I've done enough to eat or to stay light when I'm not much active,  sometimes we need to listen to our body than these gadgets telling us whether we need food or rest. 

it's dumb to ignore body and look for steps in a gadget which just works on body movements and can easily be tricked. 

The most intelligent gadget is body,  only if we listen to it.

Some of your post commentary makers seems to have forgotten that common sense is not common. 

most importantly stay positive and smile 🙂

[Beachbum00]

I have read all these replies with interest. I too had gallbladder out. Not due to it being bad. I have gained 30 lbs over 7 yrs. I am a petite frame. I never weighed over 105 all my life. Started gaining 11/2 yrs out. But the more i exercised, the more i held on to it. Long story short, i just read "The complete guide to fasting" by Dr. Jason Fung. One wk in, i have lost 3 lbs. I do intermittent fasting, not total fasting, due to bile constantly dripping. I feel FANTASTIC! I pray u are still on here and read this. People who have their gb's have NO clue on how much it changes our digestion. We work completely different now. Best of luck.

[Beachbum00]

Hi, i too have gained due to no gb. Been 7 yrs.  I just lost 3 lbs in one week on IF!! Intermittent fasting. "The complete guide to intermittent fasting" by Dr Jason Fung is fantastic. I haven't ever been able to lose. I do NO carbs and a 16/8 fast. Best of luck to ur mom!! 

[Glenda]

I had no clue to gallbladder removal problems, as Beachbum said,  so I googled. It would make me mad that no one mentions that it will cause you to gain weight?  And it is hard to understand that since you don't digest food as well you would think that you would be less likely to gain weight.  You are all so smart to figure out for yourselves that intermittent fasting helps,  Who would have guess that?  I'm sorry you have this problem.  Best wishes.

[Beachbum00]

Thank you Glenda. The Dr. community is at least starting to say it is a "whole body organ". Meaning your gallbladder controls 'several things', not just one. When removed, your body signals to store your fat (visceral) , instead of releasing it. Not all people have that problem, but i do know that hormones are involved. I just get tired of doctors telling me "you are older now".....and it's normal to gain weight. Intermittent fasting is helping me to actually get my health back. Visceral fat is belly fat. It is the BAD fat. I hope people become aware of IF. Best to you.

[Miami001]

Totally agree. I weighed 132 lbs before I had my gallbladder removed about 3 years ago. I was very happy with my weight and body. It seemed as soon as I had fully recovered from the surgery, which I still walked because it was the only exercise I was allowed to do, that the weight had piled on. I am now 143 lbs. always bloated and gassy. I take the oxbile supplement before eating, because my food does not break down as it should. I hardly eat anything cause I feel so full quickly. Its terrible. My blood work is fine and Im already through my menapause, so its not that. Its awful and I am so frustrated.