Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Gallbladder removal Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about gallbladder removal

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I have recently had my gallbladder removed and have had diarrhoea ever since - is this due to my operation?

You may have diarrhoea after having your gallbladder removed. This is usually caused by bile flowing directly from your liver into your small bowel as it can't be stored in your gallbladder. You may also find that you need the toilet more frequently. Diarrhoea usually improves within two weeks of having your gallbladder removed, but it can last for over a year. Your GP can offer you advice on the best ways to manage your diarrhoea.

Explanation

Diarrhoea following gallbladder removal is common and can make everyday life more difficult. If you have diarrhoea for long periods of time, it can be very distressing. However, there are some things that you can do to help yourself.

  • Eat a high-fibre diet containing foods such as cereals, fruits and vegetables, and nuts. This will help to absorb excess water and bulk up your faeces, making them less soft.
  • Try not to eat foods that can make diarrhoea worse. These include spicy and fatty foods and dairy products.
  • Reduce the amount of caffeine you drink by having decaffeinated tea or coffee or naturally caffeine-free drinks such as water.
  • Ask your GP to recommend antidiarrhoea medicines to reduce the number of times you have to visit the toilet.
  • Wear a small pad in your underwear - this might help you to feel more confident.

If you have diarrhoea for long periods of time, it can make you feel very weak and tired. You can become dehydrated because food is passing quickly through your bowel before your body has time to absorb the benefits of the vitamins, minerals and water. It's very important that you drink as much water as you can. It's also important to drink plenty of fluid if you're increasing the amount of fibre you eat. Speak to your GP for advice on how to reduce your risk of becoming dehydrated.

Before you try any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help with your diarrhoea, it's very important that you talk to your GP. He or she will need to find out what is causing your diarrhoea in order to decide on the best medicine to give you. Some medicines will need to be prescribed by your GP.

Common medicines used to help with diarrhoea are:

  • loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium)
  • co-phenotrope (Lomotil)
  • codeine phosphate

These medicines work by slowing down the time it takes for food to pass through your digestive system. Using them may not get rid of your diarrhoea completely but may help to make it less severe.

Further information

Sources

  • Diet and gallbladder surgery. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 6 May 2008
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 56th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008:51-52
back to top

Will having my gallbladder removed affect how I can digest food?

You can manage very well without a gallbladder. After you have had your gallbladder removed, bile dribbles continuously into your intestine rather than only being released after meals. You shouldn't have any problems digesting food after having your gallbladder removed.

Explanation

If you have had surgery to your abdomen, it can be a shock to your system. Usually, you don't have to stop eating particular foods after gallbladder surgery, but some people can get increased wind (gas), bloating or diarrhoea after meals for two to three weeks following gallbladder surgery.

Your doctor may advise you to eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Fats in your diet can make you produce more bile and you will produce less if you eat a low-fat diet. Dietary fibre can give you protection from the constant dribble of bile into your intestine that follows gallbladder removal. Dietary fibre may also reduce symptoms of diarrhoea as it bulks up your faeces and makes them firmer. Sources of dietary fibre include brown rice, wholemeal bread and pasta. It's important to drink plenty of fluid if you're increasing the amount of fibre you eat.

Contact your GP if you have any concerns regarding your diet after having your gallbladder removed.

Sources

back to top

How much time will I have to spend off work after having my gallbladder removed?

If you have had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder using keyhole surgery), you may be allowed to return home on the same day but usually it will be the day after your operation. You will probably be fit enough to return to work about one week after your operation, depending on the nature of your job. If you had open surgery, your recovery time will be longer than with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and you will usually resume daily activities and return to work in three to five weeks.

Explanation

Gallbladder removal is a major abdominal operation and you will feel a certain amount of pain after surgery. You should start feeling better once you reach home, so contact your GP if the pain doesn't gradually start to go away during the week following your operation. Your surgeon or nurse will advise you as to when you can remove your dressings and wash or shower.

Your level of activity will depend on how you feel. Gradually increase your level of activity during the week after your operation depending on how you feel. If you're taking medicines for any pain, you may not be able to drive. Ask your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure whether you can drive or not.

If you have had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you will usually be able to return to daily activities and work within about a week of your operation. If your job involves manual labour or heavy lifting, you may need a bit more time away from work. Contact your GP if you're unsure what amount of activity you should be doing.

If you have had open surgery, your recovery time will be longer than with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Open surgery is a major operation which requires a longer stay in hospital followed by several more weeks at home to recover.

Sources

  • Department for Work and Pensions. Return to work following elective procedures. wwww.dwp.gov.uk, accessed 11 June 2008
  • McWhinnie D, Ellams J, Cahill J et al. Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. British Association of Day Surgery. 2004. www.daysurgeryuk.org
  • Having your gallbladder cancer operation. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 2 June 2008
back to top

Related topics

back to top

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover