GallStones

Updated on January 08, 2009
G.P. asks from Spring, TX
50 answers

Hi. I hope someone can help me. I was just diagnosed with having multiple large gallstones, and the doctor said I needed to have my gall bladder removed. However...I did some research online, and now have a lot of mixed feelings on this subject. I see where some people have actually had more problems after having the gallbladder removed. I also see where some people did a flush as an alternative to the surgury. Has any REAL people actually gone through either one...that might be able to give me advise. I am so tired of hurting, and throwing up. I need something done soon...but what to do?
Thank you

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Austin on

My sister had hers removed and she's been happier for it. She still has to watch her diet a little as an ongoing life style but this only made her make some healthier changes anyways. If I had to go through it I would after watching her.

Good luck.
Jen
http://www.mommysjoy.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

O.O.

answers from Houston on

I had my gall bladder removed.

I feel find without my gall bladder. There are certain food I can't eat like spicy food,hot dogs and peanuts.

Otherwise I eat anything and I know other ladies that have had their gall bladder remove as well and they are fine.

My advice is to get the gall bladder removed and you will start feeling better.

O.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Houston on

Good Evening G.,

First, I will say, I too am a HUGE fan of alternative medicine. HUGE. So I am not even about to tell you to run and have the surgery, it certainly may NOT be the right answer for you at this point. Here is my story: I suffered from pain and other symptoms due to gs for 10+ years. Yep, more than 10 years. I ignored it, too busy, scared, whatever. By the time I ended up on the floor of the ER screaming in pain,(and it was painFUL, and I've given birth to three 10 pound babies naturally!) my gallbladder was severly infected. On the ultrasound, it looked like a huge lumpy mass. It was awful. I HAD to have the surgery. Otherwise, left untreated in that condition, it could have been fatal. So after reading the last moms post (which I TOTALLY agree with, by the way) I just wanted to let you know that it HONESTLY was no biggie. I had the laparoscopic surgery, so no big incisions. Had it in the am, went home after lunch. I was uncomfortable for a couple of days. After that, NO WEIGHT GAIN, NO change in my bowel movements, I have not had to totally avoid certain foods as some folks do. (And yes, for some people, they really do have to change everything, and if they don't they spend a lot of time on the potty!) That was January of this year. All I've had to "deal with" is that the pain is GONE, finally. I am telling you the truth, I haven't had a single problem, at all. Other than the frustration of knowing that had I inquired about it earlier, I could have done something about it, and avoided surgery. If you would like to get even more feedback, click on my name, check out my previous posts, all the way back to I believe December, I posted much like you have, and recieved a load of info from other women.

Not everyone needs surgery. Not everyone handles it as well as I have. IF my gb weren't in the condition it was in, I would have done something else. That's for sure, just because I want ALL OF MY ORGANS!!! (I even tried to get them to let me have it and take it home. They thought I was nuts!! :) Doctors are quick to take drastic measure. So, educate yourself, learn about your gallstones, make your own educated determination as to whether or not surgery is truly needed. Yours certainly may not be in the condition mine were in!!!

Good luck to you, you will be in my prayers!!

April

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Austin on

Hi G.,

I had severe Gallstones when I was in my early 20s, I had the surgery after a night on the floor and had to be rushed to the ER. It changed my life, I wasn't tired anymore and I wasn't sick all the time. I'm 35 now and have never had any problems or side effects. Good luck to you in your journey!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Houston on

I have had my gallbladder removed and it was a very simple procedure and have had no problems since. I also work in a physicians office and we diagnosis a lot of people with Gall stones. Yes, a few people can have problems after surgery but this is not the norm. If the Gallstones obstruct the ducts you can have a lot more problems. I would suggest having it removed.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from Killeen on

I had my gallbladder removed in July of this year. I feel 10 times better then I can very remember. However mine is a little different. I had one stone the size of a rock. My small intestine was wrapped around my gallbladder. When they did the ultrasound they couldn't see it and said my gallbldder looked great, but just had a stone in their. Not the case though. My surgery took a little longer then what they figured it would just because they had to unwrap the small intestine. I ended up staying that night in the hospital just to make sure I was ok and put me on meds. I haven't had any trouble with any foods that I eat. So far I haven't had any other problems with it. I'm not saying surgery is for everyone, but it was for me.
Good luck and your in my prayers.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.E.

answers from Longview on

OK, I STILL HAVE MINE, THANK GOD. BUT AS A NURSE FOR OVER 20 YEARS I CAN GIVE YOU A LITTLE MEDICAL ADVISE. MY DAD HAD HIS OUT IN 2000 & OTHER THAN HAVING GAS ON HIS THIRD day IT WENT BEAUTIFULLY. ALSO MY NEIGHBOR HAD HERS OUT & SHE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, BUT THEY KEPT HER STOMACH TUBES IN FOR SEVERAL DAYS, SO GAS DID NOT BUILD UP WITH HER. IT STARTS AFTER YOU START EATING.
BUT ON OTHER HAND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY.YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THROWING UP & QUEASYNESS @ ALL TIMES. YOU DID NOT GIVE YOUR AGE BUT BY KIDS I CAN KIND OF FIGURE IT OUT. BUT OLDER YOU GET THE HARDER IT WILL BE TO HEAL REAL GOOD. & YOUR DOCTOR MAKES ALOT OF DIFFERENCE. MY DAD & FRIEND BOTH HAD SAME DOCTOR. & HE IS A VERY VERY GIFTED SURGEON.
HOPE ALL TURNS OUT WELL FOR YOU.
D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from College Station on

I had to have both my appendix (it had ruptured) and my gallbladder (inflammed to twice it's normal size, and full of gallstones) removed when I was 31 weeks pregnant this past summer. While that in and of itself was terrifying as all get out, I have completely recovered from it (and the baby is just great!) with none of the side effects other than some increased gassiness. My aunt however did have the experience of near-constant diarrhea/loose stools immediately after eating for a long time after her removal. She now deals with that with bile salts (I think), and doesn't have that issue any more. What I had read is that statistically, the complications are actually pretty rare, but that it seems like they are not because the people who've had complications on the ones who tend to post about them on the Internet. If I were you, I would try to talk more about the potential aftermath of the surgery with your doctor, and perhaps get a second opinion from another qualified medical expert if you want more information. My situation was such that I didn't get to do that, but my OB had been in a similar situation (although her removal came just after her pregnancy), and talked about it with me, and the same surgeon she had did my operation...

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Austin on

G. I know the pain your going through. I had my gallbladder removed years ago when they used the knife and have a huge scar to prove it LOL. Now a days its done with a laser and leaves just a little mark, go figure! After its done you just really have to be careful on the things you eat. Stay away from greasy and fast food for as long as you can or eat it in very small amounts because when I ate that stuff I got very queasy. The best part was losing the weight after the surgery because your suppose to stay away from certain foods for six weeks.I lived at Taco Cabana I ate nithing but chicken, flour tortillas and McDonalds ice cream. HAHA! But as time goes on nothing really bothers me unless I eat alot of something that I sholdn't. Hope that helps good luck, S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from San Antonio on

A 2nd- 3rd opinion, wil probably come out with the same results. Have you tried to see a Naturopath? Try a strict vegetarian diet for at least one week. Absolutely no dairy, soda pop, high fructose corn syrup, booze. Sounds terrible, but you can eat all the steamed veggies, brown rice, lentils, nuts and fruits (and water)you want. Oh, and organic is best in order to avoid all the pesticides and chemicals. This will help the detoxify your body. The gall bladder stores bile which is sent there from your liver. If there is no gall bladder where will it go. If you remove your GB, will you get rid of the underlying problem? NO Everyone wants a quick fix, however it took years for you to develop stones. Of course everyone feels better initially because that problem is take away. By eliminating animal products you will reduce a lot of stress to your body. Your GB is worth it. I got rid of my uterine and breast fibroids this way...it was not immediate, but it happened. I am actually studying to be a Naturopath. I believe there is a reason for every organ in our body, and you are just getting a wake up call. If you would like to contact me futher. I will be happy to help if I can. I can be reached thru my website: mybiopro.com/claudia13

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.W.

answers from Houston on

Hi G.:

I have actually gone through the surgery many years ago. Actually, I was about twenty. I'm not certain if the young age had anything to do with it but I will tell you about my experience. I was in so much pain that I was taking 800mg pain medication. I eventually had my gall bladder removed. I had over 500 in all shapes and sizes. Since then, I have had no problems. The only observation is since I've gotten older, I must go to the restroom about 20-30 minutes after I eat. Not all foods, but some. I don't know if that's a bad thing. It appears to cleanse my system. Since my surgery, medical research has vastly improved. May I suggest speaking with at least three physicians to obtain their perspective. I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Houston on

Hi G.,

I understand the pain you are experiencing. I had my gallbladder removed in Dec.’95 at the age of 21. In the beginning I was worried mainly about having a very large scare, which didn’t turn out to be the case. After being on a liquid diet for a month, I was happy to have the surgery. After surgery, I wasn’t able to eat certain foods. I had to watch the types of foods I ate as well as the amount of spice that was in the food. For the longest, greasy food was an absolute No, but later I was able to slowly return them to my diet. I still don’t eat too many greasy or fried foods. Spicy foods on the other hand, I eat regularly, due my Cajun husband and family. I am sure you will make the right decision for you and your body. I would suggest to you watch the amount of dairy you are eating now and try a very stomach friendly diet until you make the choice of having the surgery or not. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from San Antonio on

I work for a local surgeon here in town and I can tell you that the flush doesn't work to remove gallstones from the gallbladder itself. You might be able to flush a stone if it's in the track but not if it's in the sac and that is where they are. Gallbladder surgery is on eof the easest surgeries to have these days. It is done by laparoscopy, so you will have 4 small holes, one mid abdomen just under your bra, one at your belly button and two on the stomach. You can be back to full time work in about 2 weeks. The pain is minimal but you will get tired, it's still a major surgery even though the heal time is reduced drastically since you aren't cut open as in the past. Some people have trouble with foods. The gallbladder acts like a holding tank filled with bile to break down fats we eat. So now that you don't have that extra holding tank you can't eat the same amounts of fat you used to or you will experience diarrhea. So if you eat a burger and fires for lunch don't have mexican food for supper. There is also medication tot take to help with this situation and some people just need to incorporate more fiber in there diets. Get the surgery and take it one day at a time, you may not have a problem with food, so don't stress about something that you not experience. Gallbladder attacks are very painful so I suggest you get it fixed before you require emergency surgery.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Houston on

I just had my gall bladder removed 2 weeks ago and I feel wonderful. I had been in so much pain and with constant vomiting and diarrhea. I had the surgery as an outpatient and was back home within 5 hours. I feel soooooooooo much better now and have already lost 16 pounds. By all means have the laser surgery and the sooner you have it, the sooner you will feel great. One week after my surgery I had 29 people at my home for Thanksgiving dinner which I prepared myself. I am a 59 year old grandma. If I can do it, so can you. I tried the flush.....it didn't help at all.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Killeen on

HI G.,
I had my gallbladder removed in 98, laproscopically (sp ?) and I am a rare one with some problems afterward but I do not regret having the surgery. Before the surgery I had pain, nausea, diarrhea, and more everyday, now I have to watch what I eat or I have some discomfort and diarrhea but its not all the time. I have read other responses and agree with them. Most people have no problems afterward and flushing is not safe. You of course have to do what is best for you. I wish you well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Corpus Christi on

Like others have said, everyone responds differently. I didn't have gallstones, but my gallbladder was complete scar tissue and wasn't working. So out it came. The anesthesia was the hardest to get over. Other than that, I can't eat alot of roughage (ie lettuce). But I sure do feel alot better after the surgery.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Houston on

Oh....GET IT REMOVED NOW!
I had EMERGENCY gallbladder surgery 2 years ago. Before the surgery the pain kept getting worse and worse.....PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE! I eat whatever I want now.
In the beginning, yes you have to take it lightly and your body has to adjust to not processing fatty foods....but that is a good thing! I am thinner now.
I have heard some people have hard times, but I believe you know your body and you learn what to eat and if you eat what NOT to.....just make sure you are near restroom.

I avoid "extra" butter on steaks and olive oil at Italian restaurants...besides that.....the best thing ever!
Even lost 10 pounds.
I know you will feel better!
And...about the flush....
I do them once a month just to cleanse my body..it makes you feel great!
Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Houston on

My my recently had an acute gallbladder attack due to gallstones. She never had any prior symptoms. One day, eating cheese pizza sent her into overload and emergency surgery was necessary. That was September 2008. Four months later, you would never know that she had gone under the knife. She still eats the same spicy Tex-Mex, drinks her Cokes and acts as if nothing ever happened.

Another friend's brother had his removed at the age of 18. 25 years later he's fine. So I'm not sure what to advise you. Do what's right for you.

J.M.

answers from Austin on

Hi G. P

Yes get this book and follow the instruction as suggested. It works well and is painless in getting rid of stones in the body.

A CURE FOR ALL CANCERS BY DR. HULDA CLARK, you can get this book at any library or find it on line by doing a google search.

ON PAGE ABOUT 597 DEPENDING UPON WHAT PRINTING YOU HAVE, IS A STEP BY STEP .... HOUR BY HOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO FLUSH THEM OUT.
I have done this several times in the last 12 years, it works well.

If you would like to contact.... all my information is on the home page ......
http://www.creeksideherbhouse.com/

That is my free teaching website, the protocol we teach is on the theory page.

Blessings
J. M
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.J.

answers from Houston on

Hi G.,

I had a problem with gallstones about 11 years ago. I had an extreme amount of pain and when they finally diagnosed it as gallstones, they told me that I needed to have my gall bladder removed. I went through the surgery because I was in so much pain. I have never regretted it or had a problem with it since. The Dr. told me that almost everything I ate would go right through me; however, I have never had that problem either. If you are in as much pain as you say you are, I would suggest the surgery rather than a flush.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Houston on

I too had gall stones and was told that once you start having symtoms, they only get worse. The problem with the flush is if they are able to burst the stones up, you run the risk of the trash becoming stuck in the duct that leads from the gallbladder to the liver and this could cause serious illness. I know someone who almost lost his liver and his life this way. He actually go gangreen in the area. I had my gallbladder removed in 2000 and I never had any problems again.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Houston on

I had mu gall bladder removed 8 years ago through laproscopic surgery and I have not had any problems since. If you need a referral to the doctor that performed my surgery let me know.

C.G.

answers from Jacksonville on

I have the same problem and feel as you do. My mom has gallstones too and she swears by apple cider vineager. I have tried it and it did seem to help a little, the only downside is if you take about 2 capfuls once daily ...it tastes terrible if you take it straight..but i've read you can actually get same amount and mix it with a bottle of water and it will have the same results.
Something about it helps to dissolve the gallstones. I tried it and I have not had another attack since, I don't know if i'm completely cured but it seemed to have helped me. I read you can get the acv in a pill form at GNC or your local health store if you just can't stand the taste...
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Houston on

All my sisters had their gall bladders removed. 2 seem to be okay with it but 1 not so much. All 3 say that the doctor said nothing about laying off the high fats after that. That makes me wonder about medicine in general. You can't just remove an organ and then change nothing. The organ is having a problem due to nutritional issues anyway.
Until you can try the flush stay away from fats so as not to stimulate or activate your gall bladder. For many people this includes bananas. I know 8 people with gall bladder problem histories that cannot eat more than 1/2 banana without hurting or feeling sick.

I feel that if you can work it out without the removal then you will be better off in the long run. But the pain now and the timing may force your hand. Either way try to eat few useless fats each day. Nuts, dairy, and avacados are fine but no deep fried peanut oil junk. Its just not necessary and is harmful.

God Bless

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Houston on

Hi G.,
Eight months after I gave birth to my first child I continued to have a great deal of pain, and I thought that it was just postpartum pain from a difficult delivery. When I finally got it checked out I was told that it was my gall bladder. I had sludge and numerous small stones. I read about all the flushes and such online, but I went ahead with the surgery and I had immediate relief. I haven't had any issues since! Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.J.

answers from Houston on

I had my Gallbladder removed laproscopically on 3/17/08. I was told a year before that it needed to be removed. It took me a year to make up my mind to do it. A couple of hospital stays, multiple test, etc. I was in and out of the hospital the same day. I do not regret having it removed at all. I only wish I would have done in sooner.
Good Luck with your decision making process.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Longview on

My mom had the same problem. She had hers removed in an outpatient procedure. She arrived at the hospital at 6 am and was home and eating IHOP by 1 pm. She is 66, with several other health problems, and she did fine with this minor surgery. She had the procedure done in June of this year and has had NO problems since. If you are concerned about the procedure, get a second opinion, and discuss what you read with your doctor(s). Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.A.

answers from Odessa on

Good morning ~ I am a tad behind in reading my emails, but I had to respond to your request. I had my gallbladder removed six years ago and it was the best thing I have done for myself. Like you, I was having major pains and throwing up and not able to eat anything! Im a chef, and I live to eat. I have had no more problems whatsoever! It was an easy surgery (if any surgery can be considered easy), I was up and around the very next day, and going 100% within 48 hours! If you have any questions, I'll be happy to tell you what happened in my case... however, Im sure your physician will be happy to answer anything medically as well. Good luck with your choice!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.K.

answers from Odessa on

I have actually done BOTH! I did the flush and then after a year I ended up having to have the surgery anyway. The gallstones did flush but my gallbladder kept making stones. I had a few initial probs with healing and then my body getting used to processing food different, but I have really done well. I still think the flush does work for many people. You could always try it and then if it doesn't work, you know what to do and you won't have to question it. good luck with it all and hope you feel better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from College Station on

Hi, I am 28 and had a baby last year and started having gallstone pain. I had my gall bladder removed last December and it was the best decision I could have made. My doctor said that the alternative flush isn't 100% effective so I didn't want to take a chance and it not work. I was already having HORRIBLE pain and it was getting closer together and my episodes were lasting longer and longer so in a sense it was an emergency surgery. I don't regret my decision and I haven't had any problems since and it has been a year. He said it was most likely because of my pregnancy that I started having them. Good luck on your decision.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Houston on

GET IT OUT OF THERE. I had my first attack, which I first thought was a heart attact in October 02, 6 months after the birth of my son. It was a horrible pain in my back. The doc in the ER said it was a muscle spasam. A co-worker said it sounded like her when she had gall stones. I got on the internet and started researching. Back to the doctor, she swore it was not gall stones. I think she was insulted that I had looked up info on internet.

By the next summer I got to where I could only eat chicken, a little french fries, and surprisingly, thankfully Mexican food. I had an ultrasound and the tech referred to my gall bladder as a bag of rocks. I had gas, heart burn (which I never have even during pregnancy), and horrible constipation.

I had my gall bladder removed (lap. style) on a Wednesday in Sept. That following Sat. was my birthday. We went to Kemah boardwalk and I had steak and lobster! The worst pain I had was the bloated feeling the day after the surgery. They have to blow your abdomen up with air to see the area. The doc. advised to get out and walk and that would speed the gas removal. I went back to work the following Monday. May parents came down for a couple of weeks to help with my son because I wasn't suppose to lift him.

My worst problem after the surgery is that suddenly I could eat again, and I love food. After loosing I don't know how much, I gained about 50 pounds in no time. I just went overboard.

Today the only eating problems I have are being careful about fried chicken and onion rings. I also have to make sure that I don't let myself get too empty stomach. Without a gall bladder the gall runs continously to the stomach. If my stomach and intestines get too empty and the gall too much, it makes me sick to my stomach and I have a bout of diarreah until I eat.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.V.

answers from Victoria on

Hi G.,
Sorry for the gall trouble. I had mine out four years ago. My symptoms were very mild and I didn't know what was happening. In the time that I was diagnosed to meeting with a surgeon, a stone dislodged. I was told that people have died from this. Luckily I went to the er and was treated asap. I would say try alternatives, however you never know when something can go wrong. I still can't eat avacados and bananas(those triggered pain). Hope this will help

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Odessa on

I would recommend having the surgery. I used to work for a general surgeon and we had a patient or so whose stone passed through to the common bile duct and had some extremely serious complications from it.

The longer you wait to harder it will be. I work with a gentleman who had surgery for gall stones and he was back at work in two days. He was very, very sick beforehand.

The laparoscopic procedure makes recovery much quicker. Waiting may knock out the possibility to do it laparoscopically.

Good luck! You're in my prayers!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.T.

answers from Austin on

I had gallstones when I was in my 20s! The doctor said I didn't fit the profile but that didn't stop the pain and throwing up! I had the old fashioned removal done rather than the newer option which is now widely used. At the time I needed mine out the new procedure was just that...new. I have had no issues after having mine removed. Didn't have to change my diet, nothing.

You can read all the online articles you want and you will find as many different opinions as there are articles. Bottom line is you have to figure out what you need. Yes, it's surgery but you don't want to continue this way nor should you. If I had to go through that today I wouldn't do it the way I did because I was truly out of commission for 6 weeks. Nowadays it's a much shorter recovery time.

Your body is unlike anyone else's. Therefore you have no idea how you will react to the procedure but that is no reason not to go ahead and have it done. More times than not I would imagine everything is just fine like it was with me. Have you had this conversation with your doctor? Rather than reading online about what other's have experienced, ask your professional doctor who does this all the time. I bet he can give you some good advice.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from Houston on

Hi G.,

I had my gall bladder taken out after my baby was born. I didnt know there were other options like the flush you are talking about. I didn't have any problems with the surgery and am still doing ok. It seems that a flush would be alot easier and save you alot more money. HeeHee. Anyway, good luck with whatever option you choose.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Austin on

I had mine out and have never felt better! I had no problems whatsoever. They did mine laproscopy. I went to Saturday yard sales on my way home from the hospital. If you leave it, it could come un-lodged and cause pancreatitis. Believe me, you don't want that. My mom had that and it almost killed her.
JMO
Good luck
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from San Antonio on

I had my gallbladdar removed 5 years ago.  I know what you are saying about being tired of being nausea, and throwing up.  I had side pain, and back pain.  I was glad that I had it done.  It took awhile for my body to get use to everything, but feel much now.  I don't have to avoid foods. I had the surgery and came home the same day. Never took pain pills, just took it easy. The worst part honestly was the air they fill you up with. Hope all goes well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Sherman on

Laproscopic gallbladder removal back in 1993. No choice in the matter because I didn't want to have surgery and developed an infection from the gallstones being in the bladder. So a relatively simple procedure turned into a four-day hospital stay.

I would advise, if you're concerned about it, to seek a second medical opinion.

I would also advise you to seriously consider it, because it should - if you don't develop any complications - be a minimal stay in the hospital, or even possibly a day surgery. My delay, trying to control it with diet, etc., actually caused more problems.

I know several 'real people' who've had their gallbladder removed and are fine. Dietary changes after mainly seem to be that you can't go as much 'spicy' as before - peppers are a bigger problem for my brother-in-law for instance.

Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.

answers from Houston on

I'm so glad you are looking into alternatives to surgery. I went through the same thing about 5 years ago. The doctor said that surgery was the only option, but then I heard about so many problems after gallbladder removal. So I spent 3-4 months in excrutiating pain and lost about 20 pounds before I finally found the right method. A chiropractor/nutritionist gave me instructions for a Liver/Gallbladder Flush. He said he had been prescribing it for gallstones for 20 years & had never had it not work. It was so simple, and I have been pain-free ever since. It's a page of ingredients/instructions in a Word document. If you'd like to have it, just send me a message. I'll be glad to share it with whoever wants it.

I hope you find the solution that is best for you. I heard many people say that the surgery was easy, and that they had no problems. But when I really started asking questions, most of them admitted to experiencing weight gain and/or chronic digestive issues of some kind after surgery. Maybe mild, maybe not, but I'd rather keep all my parts (haha) and avoid the negative effects. Good luck!!

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi G.,
I had my gall bladder removed 3 years ago. It was not an easy recovery and I did have a fairly lengthy time (3 or 4 months) of nausea, constipation, diarrhea all alternating. I have had gall stones once since (they leave the duct and stones can grow there too) and it was incredibly painful. This all being said, I am happy I had it removed, and would do it again. The intestinal issues have resolved themselves, and hopefully that was my last go around with stones! Good luck to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Austin on

I had the surgery to remove my gallbladder after having a severe attack. It was the worse pain I have ever experienced in my life and I have had three children without pain medication. I have never felt better. I have no diet restrictions and have had no other problems. The advice I would give is don't wait until you have an attack and have to have emergency surgery (save yourself from the agony) and if you decide to have this procedure take it easy afterward. You will feel so great that you immediately want to get up and go, but remember while the body is seemingly healed on the outside the inside takes a little longer so don't do too much too soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Houston on

Girl...let them take it out, you will feel SO much better! I had to get mine removed 3 2 months after my daughter was born. After suffering through a terrible rash, abdominal pains and throwing up, I ended up in the hospital to find out it was my gallbladder. The procedure to have it removed (labroscopic) was easy and recovery was minimal. I was able to hold my baby the next day and never had trouble again. My scars was minimal and the pain really only lasted one or two days. I have one small inciscion in the center of my abdomen, two small holes on the right side and one in my belly button. If only I would have known what was going on sooner, that puppy would have come out immediately.
I truly understand your pain and hope it all goes away very soon. You will be on a strict diet of no fatty foods for about three weeks (real bummer for me since I LOVE hambugers).
I wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to make a decision that best suits you and your family.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Corpus Christi on

I had my gall bladder surgery. There were no real problems other than sometimes I had intestinal problems with some foods. I found out that corn and soup were a problem this was me, it will vary for you even if you end up with some problems. However there was no real pain after the surgery. There was real pain before the surgery If your Dr. said that you needed the surgery you should get it done. There is no pain like it when it happens if you do not get it done.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Houston on

I had my gallbladder removed many years ago at age 25. I was suffering terrible pain and vomiting--it was awful. I was pregnant and had to wait to have the surgery. When I finally did, all pain stopped, I was never sick again and there have been no long-term repercussions. Apparently I had many gallstones, large and small. Get it out! It's a simply surgery these days--I had to endure the knife; now they just do it through some little holes. It's a miracle!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.A.

answers from Houston on

Yes, I am working through the same issue. I would suggest going to www.gallbladderattack.com They have some excellent information and dietary suggestions. I have not used their products, only because I had already gotten something similar elsewhere. Once I use up my current batch of supplements & herbs I may try theirs. I am currently under the guidance of a naturopath, but for the most part am working through it on my own. I have done the standard GB Flush twice and have also done the Liver-Gallbladder Detox from www.herbdoc.com, twice (also some EXCELLENT products). You can email me privately if you have any questions or want more details on what I'm doing. So far I'm things seem to be going well, no attacks since "the bad one" on Sept 12. I'm still being very careful with what I eat though, as I haven't gotten another ultrasound to see if the stones are gone.

-H.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Houston on

I had mine out about a year ago, and I have had no problems, unlike before! I had laproscopic surgery, is that what your doctor discussed? I am so much happier now that it's out! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Austin on

I have suggest that you might want to try herbal treatment. you can go to Nature's Garden Herb locate at 620 and hi35 nearby mc donald plaza area. this is wonderful place to go and they will help you what you need. I have been in this store two years i have health issue going on . was suggest cleanse system it is really clean or flush out of your system. tell them what your problem is.
please go quickly
address is 110 N. ih35 suite 230 Round Rock 78681
my best regard
K. p

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Houston on

I had my gall bladder removed laporascopically (sp?) (through the navel), and it was a "piece of cake". I had practically no down time at all and was SO GLAD that I did it. My only restriction was that I couldn't lift anything for a while. I had suffered for years with gall bladder disease, and since the surgery, I haven't had a moment's trouble.

I encourage you to do this. If you are healthy otherwise, and not severely overweight, you should have no trouble with the surgery.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Corpus Christi on

I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago before I was 30. For me that was the best choice. I had been in pain for years and it was always misdiagnosed. I understood if the gall bladder was not removed the stones could come back. It was done as out patient surgery. My doctor was great. Although I was in pain when I woke up from the surgery and for at least three days following, it was the best decision for me. No more pain! Good luck and God bless.

K.L.

answers from Houston on

I don't know about gallstones but I know that when I had my gallbladder surgery because my gallbladder had stopped functioned - I immediately began to feel better. I wish you all the best and hope you have a speedy recovery.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches