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What Causes Weight Gain after Gallbladder Surgery?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Weight gain after gallbladder surgery is a common complaint and may have a variety of causes. After the gallbladder has been removed, many people are able to eat fatty foods again without risking the negative side effects commonly associated with gallbladder disease. Weight gain may be caused by of the difference in the way the body metabolizes fats after the organ is removed. Medications, stress, and a lack of sleep may also contribute to the weight gain that often follows this type of surgery.

Dietary changes are believed to be the primary reason why people gain weight after gallbladder surgery. When the gallbladder stops functioning properly, it may become difficult to eat fatty or greasy foods without experiencing pain, bloating, or other types of digestive disturbances. After the organ is removed, these symptoms often disappear, allowing the patient to eat foods that were off limits before the procedure. It can be easy to eat too many of these unhealthy foods once they are well tolerated by the body, resulting in weight gain.

Stress may cause weight gain after gallbladder surgery.
Stress may cause weight gain after gallbladder surgery.

Without the gallbladder, the body must learn how to metabolize fats in a different way, sometimes leading to weight gain. Bile is normally stored inside the gallbladder, but when this organ is removed, it is secreted into the small intestine. If there is not enough present, it can cause weight gain. Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals may help to prevent this.

Lack of sleep may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
Lack of sleep may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.

In some cases, weight gain after gallbladder surgery may be related to the use of certain medications. Patients sometimes suffer from alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to combat these symptoms, although some of these medications are known to cause unintentional weight gain. Other factors that may lead to this problem include the inability to exercise during the healing process, stress, or inadequate amounts of sleep.

Certain medications may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
Certain medications may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.

In many cases, weight gain is a temporary concern that can be reversed with a few lifestyle adjustments. A doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian can help the patient devise a healthy eating plan that incorporates some of the foods that could not be tolerated before the organ was removed. Exercise can often be resumed within a few weeks of the procedure, and this can help the patient return to a normal weight after the surgery.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

Good point Talentryto. It is also important not to rush into strenuous exercise to lose weight fast after you have had gallbladder surgery. Take it easy, and follow your doctor's instructions to have a speedy recovery.

Heavanet

Even though you may feel like eating greasy, fattening foods once your symptoms after gallbladder surgery are gone, it is important to remember that these foods are not good for you. If you must eat them, do so in moderation so you do not experience weight gain after gallbladder removal surgery.

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    • Stress may cause weight gain after gallbladder surgery.
      By: 9nong
      Stress may cause weight gain after gallbladder surgery.
    • Lack of sleep may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
      By: detailblick
      Lack of sleep may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
    • Certain medications may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
      By: Chepko Danil
      Certain medications may cause weight gain following gallbladder surgery.
    • A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
      By: Alila
      A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
    • Weight gain may be caused by of the difference in the way the body metabolizes fats after the organ is removed.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Weight gain may be caused by of the difference in the way the body metabolizes fats after the organ is removed.