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What Causes Sensitivity To Certain Foods Post Gall Bladder Removal?

Posted on Fri, 16 May 2014

Question: I had my gall bladder removed 4years ago. Following its removal I found I was sensitive to pork products and fats such as butter or margarine. Eating them would cause a yellow oily film when I pooped. However, in the past six months I have developed a much more fussy intestine. Now at least once a month I will have a bout of diarrhea that lasts about a day. It appears about 1/2 hour after I have eaten. The diarrhea is very sticky and sticks to the side of the toilet. It is purely liquid but varies in color and smell. It is accompanied by lots of intestinal gurgling and sometimes cramps that are felt in different parts of my abdomen. During one of these one to two day bouts I typically lose 4-6 pounds. It has caused me to stay home from work on several occasions because I know I would not be able to get to the toilet in time. I have kept a food log but I do not see any foods that seem to be triggering this. I also have diverticulitis.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

It looks like you are having signs of fat malabsorption.
You can get a stool test to confirm it.

Chronic pancreatitis is one of the common causes for fat malabsorption.
A CT scan of the abdomen may be done to find the status of pancreas.

Meanwhile you can take enzyme supplements like Creon for relief.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (59 minutes later)

After reading your response and doing some followup reading on the Internet, I wonder if their might be another cause for this. I am not a drinker. I have had 3 alcoholic drinks my entire life, and alcoholism seems to be a major trigger. The pain does not radiate to my back, but does seem to travel through my intestine. Is there a relationship between having my gall bladder removed and any of this?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have mentioned that your symptoms may be due to fat malabsorption.
And a stool test may be done to confirm it.

Chronic pancreatitis is just one of the causes of fat malabsorption. There are many other causes as well. Alcohol intake is just one of the causes of pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis need not always present with pain. It can present with fatty diarrhea and even diabetes.

No there is no relationship between gallbladder removal and your symptoms.

So I would advice you to get a stool test first to confirm fat malabsorption.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar