Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Digestion Of Fat Possible After Gall Bladder Removal Surgery?
Question: My husband has had his gall bladder removed. Is it true that he is no longer able to digest fat. Will his body be able to use fat-soluble vitamins? How should he change his diet?
Brief Answer:
most persons have no problem
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
No, this is not the case, most persons are fine.
Bile salts are released in the liver then stored and made concentrated in the gallbladder.
It would normally store the bile during fasting periods (in between meals).
After eating, it (bile) enters the intestine to play a role in digestion.
Bile plays are role in the digestion/ breakdown or fat and affects the absorption of fat in the intestine.
His production of bile would be normal unless he has a history of liver disease. Since he would have a normal amount of bile, there should be no issues with fat digestion.
After surgery, some persons can get postcholecystectomy syndrome.
This refers to symptoms after cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).
Two types of problems may occur as a result of change in the flow of bile- (1)irritation of the stomach or esophagus due to increased bile in these areas. Acid reflux medication may help
(2)diarrhea and lower abdominal pain due to increased bile entering the intestines.
These symptoms do not occur in everyone.
If this does occur bulking agents may help with the diarrhea- eg metamucil, cetrucil etc
After surgery, while the body adjusts, some patients are told to use a low fat diet initially.
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
most persons have no problem
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
No, this is not the case, most persons are fine.
Bile salts are released in the liver then stored and made concentrated in the gallbladder.
It would normally store the bile during fasting periods (in between meals).
After eating, it (bile) enters the intestine to play a role in digestion.
Bile plays are role in the digestion/ breakdown or fat and affects the absorption of fat in the intestine.
His production of bile would be normal unless he has a history of liver disease. Since he would have a normal amount of bile, there should be no issues with fat digestion.
After surgery, some persons can get postcholecystectomy syndrome.
This refers to symptoms after cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).
Two types of problems may occur as a result of change in the flow of bile- (1)irritation of the stomach or esophagus due to increased bile in these areas. Acid reflux medication may help
(2)diarrhea and lower abdominal pain due to increased bile entering the intestines.
These symptoms do not occur in everyone.
If this does occur bulking agents may help with the diarrhea- eg metamucil, cetrucil etc
After surgery, while the body adjusts, some patients are told to use a low fat diet initially.
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
