Alissa has written in with an interesting question – what happens if you are an IBS sufferer already when your gallbladder is removed? Regular readers of this blog will know that gallbladderless people can be prone to diarrhea because of an excess of bile in their intestines, and this bile can often be treated with medications like Welchol and Questran.
But what you have gut troubles before your gallbladder goes? If anyone here has experienced that, Alissa would like to hear from you (just leave a reply in the comments section). She says:
“I’ve noticed that quite a few sufferers experienced the onset of IBS after removal of their gallbladder. I’ve been dealing with IBS since I was 14, and I was diagnosed at 16. I guess I’m a ‘C’ type – I deal with (thankfully) very mild constipation, that now with a careful diet erupts into an all-day bathroom session with progressive diarrhea (you must really love this work to deal with all this TMI! 
)
Anyway, I am now faced with gallbladder surgery. The surgery bothers me not one wit – it’s a simple procedure and it will be what it will be – but I am very concerned that my now blessedly-easy-to-deal-with IBS will turn into a nightmare situation. Even knowing I have IBS, my current doctor actually said to me, ‘You’ll try different foods – if something gives you diarrhea, you know not to eat it.’ (!)
Has anyone experienced having gallbladder removal while already having IBS? I know we all are different and have different symptoms and triggers, but I would appreciate hearing other people’s experiences.”
I had my gall bladder out in Nov.2009 and did not experience any additional trouble with my Crohns disease. I watch what I eat and usually I’m OK. But there are some times when the big “D” gets me. Good Luck.
Hi, Allissa. I have had IBS for 30 years! I had my gall bladder out several years ago, and found that my IBS didn’t get worse, but actually better! You have to watch the diet and really be careful with dairy products and greasy foods, but there was no worsening at all.
I have post infectious IBS (D) having contracted parasites nine years ago. I’ve always felt that IBS was a sort of waste basket diagnosis and have been on the hunt for another solution to my problem. I came across Habba Syndrome. I had a DISIDA scan with CCK injection and discovered that my gallbladder doesn’t contract after a fatty meal. I also have a constant pain in my ribs on the right hand side which I have since discovered is linked to Gallbladder problems.
Why my gallbladder doesn’t contract, I don’t know. If it’s related to, or causing the diarrhea, I don’t know. All I know is; I have a malfunctioning gallbladder and unrelenting diarrhea so I’d imagine the 2 are somehow linked although the IBS came first.
I have had IBS for over 30 years. Had my gall bladder out about 10 years ago. IBS did not get worse, nor did it get better. Sometimes the pain in my right side is so bad, I would swear I still had my gall bladder. Nothing really works for me, and believe me I have tried anything and everything that is out there. I do not have food triggers, sometimes a particular food will bother me, sometimes not. When I do have an attack (I have diarrhea IBS), I know to stay from tomato products and dairy. Stress seems to be the big culprit. If I could figure out how to live a stress free life………………..
had the IBS before gallbladder surgery, after the surgery it got markedly worse. That was in 1991 and it’s still going on with a vengeance.
Sorry to report that I had IBS before gall bladder surg., and it got much worse – but everyone is different. Girl friend also had the same problem. My Gastro. Dr has me taking an immodium every day – sometimes even 2 – that gives me some days where I don’t have to be steps away from the powder room. Good luck, the surg, is a piece of cake -
I was also told I had IBS around the same time I found out my gallbladder was not functioning. The function percentage was 1% they never saw such a low number. After the surgury my IBS never got better or worse. I can tell you, do not even think about eating greasy/fried foods unless you are sitting on the loo. Everyone assumed the removal of my gullbladder would solve my problems – I was SO disappointed when it did nothing.
isuffered with ibs since I was 51Two years ago I had my gallbladder removed
Yes I do have occasional bounts of diarehhea. I must watch my diet. very low fat, careful on coffee, I sometimes get very hungry and other times I cannot finish my food. Your body tells you what it needs. This is really good because it forces you to a healthy diet, and researching foods that are good for you. It makes you healthier.
I have a history of my sister, my father having their gallbladder removed, I have a cousin whohas Chrohns disease
and another who has had a few operation regarding the stomach. No pun intended but it runs in the family.
I am now 72, and in good health, Do not take pills.just must keep my digestive system healthy.You can keep yourself healthy, just have to pay attention to what is going inside you, and also good mental and emotional health.
I had my gallbladder out on 15th July 2010 it was diseased and had two stones. Operation is fine, bit sore when you wake up.I was walking around that evening in hospital with the drip in my arm!! Make sure you take time out from work too, plenty of rest and me time. Just went 30 this year. I have found my IBS symptoms have improved like Lynn. I’m keeping a food diary at the moment. Can eat small amounts of diary which I couldn’t before but pasta makes my stomach go crazy. I had a tomato and bananna for the first in ages last week and no side effects. I haven’t tried greasy foods yet.So its a case of trial and error. I agree with Merle I’m getting times where I am hungry all day then other days I feel full but maybe thats my tum settling down. I have been eating more fruit and veg and drinking water so my diet is better too. Take care and Best of luck with the op!
A friend of a friend had been diagnosed with IBS previously, then a surgical consultant said she needed her gall bladder removing. It’s been at least a year and her symptoms are much improved. I’m now under the same surgeon and I wish I’d been referred to him years ago as I’m finally being properly investigated. Seems we’re all different…Good Luck Alissa!
So it’s now been 2 months since my surgery, and I haven’t found very much difference in my symptoms. I do find, if I go too long without eating, I get a burning in my stomach. And, interestingly, like Linda, I’m having strong pains in my upper right quadrant. I was warned of pain, but not like this.
Anyhow, the point is IBS symptoms, and as I said, I haven’t really experienced much difference. I’m still okay with the foods I was okay with before, and still not okay with the same foods.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, everyone!!
I have lived with IBS for past 3 yrs. I had my appendix out April of O9 & just Aug 06, 2010 had my gall bladder removed. UGH! My symptoms have completely increased. I was a prisoner in my home before but even more so now! Ive not been able to eat much in 8 days. Only applesauce & 1 baked potatoe…I am in misery!! Ive just started Digestive Advantage IBS that is sold at your local drugstore & it says it will take up to 2 weeks before you will see an improvement, gosh how I am praying!! The SEVERE pain up under the right side rib cage radiating to my back is just plain aweful!! I am @ a loss bc I feel so weak & unable to function normally. I dont know what else to do….good luck!
I would STRONGLY recommend those who have their gall bladder or other gall bladder issues to search online for “bile salt diarrhea”.
Apparently there is no where for bile produced by the liver to be stored and it acts as a laxative. There are several drugs which you will come across in your online research. They “bind up” the bile salts and they don’t allow them to act as a laxative. I take colestid and never have a problem. There is a no cure.
I am not a doctor but do the research and see if it makes sense. The doctor has to prescribe it.
I had my gallbladder removed in july 2010 I am sorry I had it done I have had IBS for 26yrs but now have upper gut troble all the time constant pain nausea I also have bile reflux and acid reflux. I started with the bile reflux after the gallbladder op, the bile backs up into my stomach. If I could turn back the clock I would