Questioning the usefulness of gallbladder removal

Many of us suffer from gallstones, bile duct issues and even sclerosing cholangitis. Some of us have had our gallbladder removed. It's become more common over the years as our nation has transgressed in its eating habits and cholecystectomies become safer and easier to perform. I personally feel that cholecystectomies are not necessary for many people and are being performed too often. Patients can be lead to believe that the gallbladder has no purpose in the body and there is no harm in taking it out. However, the gallbladder does indeed have a purpose, and that is to store bile and slowly seep it into the intestines. If the gallbladder is removed, diarrhea can and does often result. Gallstones can often be controlled by diet changes, and this is a far better alternative if its possible for the patient than surgery. What's your opinion?

I had my gallbladder removed in 2006. I had many stones, amongst them was a 2cm stone that was blocking the bile duct and caused my gallbladder to become infected. If I hadn't had it removed I may have become very ill. My Father went through a similar thing but his gallbladder became gangrenous due to infection and if it hasn't been caught in time and removed it could have killed him. So yes, I do think that removing it can serve a purpose.

My GI explained to me why it's better to remove the whole gallbladder rather than just the stones. Because once the gallbladder learns how to make stones, it will continue to do so. Which in turn can cause some serious problems for some people.

I had my gallbladder removed in 1997. Had to have it done the "old fashioned" way instead of laprascopically. My gallstones were so large they were going to rupture the ducts and the gallbladder was just starting to get infected. However, as much pain as it reduced, it changed my eating habits forever. I was no longer able to eat fats of any kind. I also attribute my D that I have now to having my gallbladder out as that is about the time it all started. It's always a tradeoff, but each situation has to be evaluated. There is no one general rule of thumb for everyone.

I've was on TPN up until 2 weeks ago, I have been having nausea and am very shortbreathed ...... even going to toilet takes it out of me .... are these symptoms of Gall Bladder disease? I had my blood checked on Wed and all my electrolytes were normal .... I had been putting it down to dehydration.

I suffered from severe bile salt diarrhea and inflammation after I had my gall bladder removed the old fashion way in 04' for along time. I did not heal well either. It was an emergency,and the pain and sickness was unbearable. I swing from constipation or diarrhea now. I had been pregnant four times in a row, and my disease was becoming very active before I had my gallbladder out. I had a real problem with kidney stones at the same time..no fun..I am just fat from predisone now!!

GassyLassy you might want to make your own post, so you don't get buried in this one. But to me it sounds like you are more anemic than anything.