Digestive difficulties are actually quite common after undergoing surgery for gallbladder removal. This can be explained because of the role that the gallbladder normally plays. Fats and certain fat soluble vitamins can only be absorbed with the action of bile. This comes into play as the gallbladder normally stores bile that is produced in the liver and this bile is released into the intestine when food is consumed. It then facilitates the absorption of fat. Following your surgery the liver continues to produce bile, but it is now not stored and instead released in a slow but constant trickle into the intestine.
Following a diet that is low in fat is the right step but this may not be adequate. When you eat a meal high in fat the bile present may be inadequate for the normal healthy absorption process. The change or fluctuations in the bile concentration that occur when high fat foods are consumed can cause bloating or diarrhea. Excess fat in the intestines can also cause more water to be drawn there and bacterial digestion of the fat may even cause the production of gas. This however is not the only problem and one that is often overlooked when formulating diets is that the constant release of bile into the intestines can cause excess bile between meals, which may also produce diarrhea, which is the most likely cause in your case. If in fact as you clearly mentioned that you have stayed away from fats and oily foods then this is the only plausible cause.
While it is unfortunate that you have had to suffer such discomfort for the past three months, it should be reassuring to note that this is not something abnormal, and more importantly is something that can be remedied. The most important step for you to take now is to continue to follow the disciplined diet that you have been following, but give it a more disciplined and routine structure in the context of the number of meals and meal timings. Irregular meals and sleep timings can worsen the problem. Ideally you should eat around four to five meals a day instead of the typical two large meals. Avoid having large meals and instead have smaller and more frequent meals through the course of the day. Include active culture yogurt or cud in your diet as it can help control bacterial activity in the intestines.
If the problem persists despite following a disciplined diet and routine then you should consult your doctor.
Read more about: Gallbladder Symptoms
answered by S D