Small appetite after gallbladder removal

[AmericangirlinFrance]

Hi DIS friends,

I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically this past Saturday (almost a week ago). For 2 weeks before the surgery I was very sick and ate almost nothing (constant nausea and pain), and I lost 10 lbs (and I am very thin - did not need to lose the weight!).

Since the surgery, the constant nausea and pain is better worship but I just have very little appetite or hunger, and when I do eat, I get full SO quickly. I am only able to eat pretty mild, light food like soup, toast, some fruit, green beans, etc. I am eating very low-fat. I have not had any trouble with diarrhea like some people seem to, which I think is a good sign.

My surgeon said it might take a week or two for my appetite to come back to normal, so I'm not TOO worried, but I am a little concerned.

Just curious for those of you who have had your gallbladder out, did it take you a long time to get a normal appetite/feeling hungry back? Did your appetite change?I am wondering if maybe it will take me longer because I was so sick prior to surgery, or what.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

(Disclaimer: I am seeing my surgeon and GI doctor next week to follow up!)

 

[Miz Diz]

I had mine taken out 2 years ago. My mil told me when she had hers out years ago that the doctor told her to eat light/low fat for a couple of months because your body has to get used to processing the food without the gallbladder. She said the benefit of doing that is that you don't have issues with diarrhea later. I don't know if she is right about this or not and my doctor never told me to eat light.

I at low fat and very light for about 3 months (I needed to anyway). I then started eating normally and never have any issues with diarrhea. My dh did the same and he is doing fine, too. All of my family and friends who have had their gallbladder out have major bathroom issues immediately after eating high fat meals. My sister, mom, and bil have to take pills it is so bad for them.

So I don't know if this is a coincidence with the light eating or not. I guess I am not answering your question, but I would say that eating light might be a good thing. I think your appetite will come back soon, but I would gradually add in the higher fat foods.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Your stomach shrunk from eating so light, and eating high-fat is not recommended after gallbladder surgery, so I think you are doing fine. I had a gallbladder attack and was in the hospital for a week before they removed it. They had me on complete digestive rest and only got liquids and IV during that week. Once your stomach shrinks, it gets full faster. I'm sure little by little you'll be able to eat your regular diet.

 

[vettechick99]

I had trouble after mine. Couldn't eat any fat at all so I ended up losing weight for obvious reasons. After a few months it all evened out.

Then after I had my first DD, trouble started again, so I began taking Questran which took care of any potty issues. I still take it every night and it's a miracle drug. I stay away from high fat meals, especially on an empty stomach. Ask your GI for that med in case you have continued trouble after your appetite comes back.

 

[happygirl]

That is one problem I never had after having my gallbladder removed.