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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
15 yr old to have GB removed - diet changes following?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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15 yr old to have GB removed - diet changes following?
by GordonS, Jul 06, 2004 12:00AM
About a month ago, my healthy 15 year old son had a first ever gallstone attack. Thinking it was an appendix, it was discovered thru an MRI that he had about a 1.5 cm gallstone in his GB. About a week following this incident, we paid a visit to a gastroenterologist who said the GB needs to be removed. Since then, he has been watching what he eats - still having some cheeseburgers without bacon, some Doritos, hardly any pizza, etc -- and has had no ill effects.
However, in my research, I see these horror stories about people having had their GB removed only to have ongoing bouts with bloating, diaherra, aches, bowel expectancy, etc. I have another consult tomorrow with the doc in preparation for the surgery (lapro) on Thursday, 7/8. Iconcerned (and plan to talk extensively with the doc tomorrow) -- what are the chances that some of the things I read in this forum can may occur? wonder if a w2ait and see approach is taken -- after only one attack, what is the likelihood he could have another? Will he necessarily need to restrict his diet permanently? If some of these r4eactions happen to him that happen to others, it doesn't sound like he has any recourse. I will also note that I have seen a number of posts here, and have talked with others, who have had no ill effects on the removal of their GB.
Thanks for additional info you can provide.
However, in my research, I see these horror stories about people having had their GB removed only to have ongoing bouts with bloating, diaherra, aches, bowel expectancy, etc. I have another consult tomorrow with the doc in preparation for the surgery (lapro) on Thursday, 7/8. Iconcerned (and plan to talk extensively with the doc tomorrow) -- what are the chances that some of the things I read in this forum can may occur? wonder if a w2ait and see approach is taken -- after only one attack, what is the likelihood he could have another? Will he necessarily need to restrict his diet permanently? If some of these r4eactions happen to him that happen to others, it doesn't sound like he has any recourse. I will also note that I have seen a number of posts here, and have talked with others, who have had no ill effects on the removal of their GB.
Thanks for additional info you can provide.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 07, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 07, 2004 12:00AM
Our surgical colleague has answered this question below in his comments, and I agree with everything that was written. I'll reprint it here since comments don't get saved:
"The significant majority of people who have their GB removed have no ill effects at all: the GB stores bile, does not make it. So the same amount of bile still gets into the intestine which is where it does its job. Bile storage was important before civilization, when you might go for days between meals. Since we eat regularly, we don't need to store bile. It's true that in some people, there are side effects: mainly diarrhea, especially after a very fatty meal. Most don't have it; those that do can usually control it easily. Nothing is 100% in medicine, however. The only option to surgery is no surgery; a stone that size will not dissolve. It's possible he could control attacks with diet; but many people have attacks no matter what they eat. The odds of a 15 year old who's already had an attack making it through with no more are pretty slim."
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
"The significant majority of people who have their GB removed have no ill effects at all: the GB stores bile, does not make it. So the same amount of bile still gets into the intestine which is where it does its job. Bile storage was important before civilization, when you might go for days between meals. Since we eat regularly, we don't need to store bile. It's true that in some people, there are side effects: mainly diarrhea, especially after a very fatty meal. Most don't have it; those that do can usually control it easily. Nothing is 100% in medicine, however. The only option to surgery is no surgery; a stone that size will not dissolve. It's possible he could control attacks with diet; but many people have attacks no matter what they eat. The odds of a 15 year old who's already had an attack making it through with no more are pretty slim."
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
My 48 year old husband had his Gallbladder removed in April 2004
and is having complications,hence what I'm doing on this site.As near as I can find out he is suffering from what is called DUMPING SYNDROME which is a complication that can be a result of surgery.I knew to look for this after I visited with a nurse.When searching under that title I found DrDonnica.com and there was the connection to his surgery. Now I know that not eveyone will have complications due to the surgery but my husband is,his Gallbladder was only operating at a minimal of it's capacity so he chose removal. On the other hand I've had trainning in natural health and know from others in the field that any condition can be treated and maybe even reversed. If I were you I would seek out all the help/options prior to surgery that I could find. I have a friend who was suffering much the same as your son but opted to change his diet and did a cleanse and is doing fine. Surgery is not always the answer and as my husband is finding out can bring on more complications than what you had prior to it.Good luck what ever you decide.
Thanks