Patients Are Asking... Gallstones after Surgery?

Article By: Whittany Gibson, RDN

Whittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in bariatric nutrition counseling, providing education and support prior to and following weight loss surgery.

Gallstones are fascinating little things. Essentially, they are hard deposits of cholesterol and other materials that can form in your gallbladder - a small organ located under your liver. They are usually pretty tiny - about the size of a grain of sand. But sometimes they can get quite large, and when they do, they can cause some serious problems.

One of the most common problems associated with gallstones is pain. The pain can be pretty severe, and it typically comes on suddenly. It can last for several hours, and it's often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the pain is so severe that it requires a trip to the emergency room.

Gallstones can also cause other issues, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or blockage of the main bile duct (choledocholithiasis). These problems can lead to serious complications, including pancreatitis.

1) What causes gallstones to form in the first place? There are a few different theories, but the most likely explanation is that they develop when there is an imbalance in the composition of bile. Bile is a fluid that helps to digest fats, and it's made up of various acids, including cholesterol. When there is too much cholesterol in bile, it can form crystals, which can eventually turn into gallstones.

Weight loss surgery is one of the most common risk factors for developing gallstones. This is because rapid weight loss can lead to an imbalance in bile composition. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. If you're considering weight loss surgery, make sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks involved.

2) Are there ways to prevent gallstones after weight loss surgery? It's a common question asked by patients considering weight loss surgery: can gallstones be prevented after the procedure? The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. The best answer might be to avoid rapid weight loss but with weight loss surgery this is nearly inevitable. Those with a higher BMI and excess weight may lose weight more dramatically than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean gallstones will become an issue. It really just depends on the person.

Keep in mind, everyone’s body is different and responds differently to weight loss. While there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of developing gallstones after weight loss surgery, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them. However, the good news is that gallstones are generally not considered a serious health condition and can often be treated with a simple course of medication. So while they may be a nuisance, they're unlikely to cause any long-term damage.

It’s also important to speak to your doctor about potential medications or supplements that may help reduce the risk of gallstones after weight loss surgery. Your doctor will be able to provide guidance and advice on how best to manage your condition. Lastly, it’s important to monitor your progress and attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. By doing so, you can help ensure that any changes in your condition are detected and treated early on.

BariMelts provides general recommendations, not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.