How Does Your Body Change After Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is a body organ that stores around 50 ml of bile that functions to digest fat in the body. When you consume high-fat food, the bile works so hard to digest it. Also, it can lead to the presence of gallstones due to the hardened bile. When someone is suffering from severe gallstones, they need a surgery called cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). So, what happens when your body no longer has a gallbladder and how does your body change after gallbladder removal? In this article, we will tell you facts about gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy.

5 Facts You Need to Know About Cholecystectomy

1. What is Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a gallbladder. This surgical procedure is performed when there is a reformation of gallstones in the gallbladder wall that:

• Causes some symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues.
• Causes complications, including infection.

2. Why is Cholecystectomy Necessary?

Your doctor may recommend cholecystectomy when you suffer from symptomatic gallstones. They will also probably recommend it when your gallstones cause pain, infection, or obstruction. This surgical procedure is highly recommended if you have gallstones reformation or severe symptom, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Indigestion or bloating.
• Pain in the back or right shoulder.
• Abdominal pain that is usually below the ribs or in the upper centre of the stomach.

If gallstones are not immediately treated, they can cause these following complications:

• Infection in the gallbladder.
• Bile duct infection, which is a blockage of the bile duct that causes pain, fever, and jaundice.
• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).

3. What Does Cholecystectomy Do to Your Body?

Those who have had gallbladder removal said that there are many changes in their digestive systems. The function of the gallbladder is to store bile. When it is not there in the body, fluid from the liver will be directly transported to the small intestines. This will cause diarrhea because the liver and small intestines are still not used to the process. This condition is known as the post cholecystectomy syndrome.

Gallbladder removal actually cannot 100 percent remove gallstones. This is why it is important to have a healthy diet habit, especially for those who suffer from gallstones or just had any surgical procedures related to bile.

4. Does Your Body Can Function Just Like Usual Without Gallbladder?

With a gallbladder, bile flows directly to the small intestines. This can stimulate the intestines and 50% patients still can experience free movement. These symptoms typically will last for 3 months to 6 months. If this happens, it is important to maintain a low-fat dietary habit to help the free movement. Patients will be back to normal 3 months to 6 months after the surgery.

5. Is Your Life Expectancy Affected?

Cholecystectomy won’t shorten your life expectancy. This surgical procedure probably increases your life expectancy because you are forced to live healthily after the surgery. You are required to consume healthy food to avoid any symptoms and conditions post-surgery.

Those are the facts about gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy and how does your body change after gallbladder removal. The key is to consume low-fat food to maintain health after the surgery. Consult with your doctor to get more recommendation.