Have you or someone close to you ever had a gallbladder removed? Gallbladder removal, also known as cholecystectomy, is one of the most common procedures, according to the National Institutes of Health. But what happens after surgery? One of the most common symptoms is diarrhea and the need to “go” immediately after eating. In a recent video, Dr Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon and YouTuber, explained why.
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What does the gallbladder do?
Dr. Rajan posted a video on Instagram where he stitched together a clip shared by a woman who recently had gallbladder surgery. The woman shared her video titled “Living Without a Gallbladder Driving Home After Eating at a Restaurant.” The clip begins with a woman struggling after eating. In the clip, the woman is asked if she is still “out of her mind?” To which the woman replies, “I have to fart so many times and I didn’t trust it because I would explode.”
According to your doctor, when you have your gallbladder removed, you may have unexpected diarrhea. He explained that normally our liver produces bile to help digest fat. It basically acts as a “sophisticated cleanser”. The excess bile is then stored in the gallbladder.
“When you eat a meal, especially one that contains fat, the gallbladder releases some bile to help you digest the fat in the food, and any excess bile is cleared by the small intestine,” he added.
Why does diarrhea occur after gallbladder removal?
What happens after it is removed? According to Dr. Rajan, your liver still produces bile, but it constantly drips into your small intestine like a leaky faucet. “This flow of bile may not be enough to help you digest all the fats in your food. So this undigested fat can have a laxative effect, causing loose, floating, smelly poop,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, you can get diarrhea even if you avoid fatty foods. The constant flow of bile from the liver can be too much for the small intestine to absorb, and this bile can enter the colon, irritate its lining, and cause bile acid diarrhea. In these cases, special drugs that bind bile acids can help with this symptom,” the doctor added.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom, he says. Eventually, your liver adapts over time and changes its bile flow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
