In brief, most people do just fine without a gallbladder. The bile that your liver produces, and which aids in the digestion of fat, is normally concentrated in the gallbladder. When you eat a fatty meal, the gallbladder then contracts, and squeezes this concentrated bile into the upper intestine to aid in the digestion of fat. After the gallbladder is removed, the bile just trickles into the upper intestine on a more or less continuos basis.

If people over-indulge in fatty food intake after their gallbladders have been removed, there may be insufficient bile available within the intestines to fully digest and absorb the fat, resulting in bloating, nausea, and gassy, loose stools. For the overhwelming majority of people who have gallbladder surgery, however, eating a healthy low-fat diet will prevent these symptoms.

There is no solid high-level clinical research data available that strongly links cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) with a singificantly increased risk of developing colon cancer. (By the way, as I have discussed in my online column, reducing or eliminating your intake of red meat will significantly decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer, and in your case, will also help reduce your "post-cholecystectomy syndrome" symptoms as well.)

Sincerely,

Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

http://doctorwascher.com

Hi!
I have also read on this forum and others that people complain of suffering from diarrhea after the surgery; However, I had mine removed on 06/06/09(it's been two weeks) and I haven't had any issue with my diet. I'm having a regular and healthy diet, no junk food or fatty foods,only whole grain, white meat, vegetables, soups and fruit and I feel perfectly fine.In my opinion, people who complain about diarrhea is because they might not be having a healthy diet.
Good Luck with your recovery.

yes I just read all that stuff about shorter life span, heart attacks, colon cancer....it has scared the S--- out of me. I was not told of any of these things, and quite franky I am a little upset.

Oh great! I am going to see my surgeon in the morning to talk about removing my gallbladder......