12 Complications of Having Your Gallbladder Removed

If you think the gallbladder isn’t important, check out what can happen if you have your gallbladder removed. 

Timestamps:
0:00 Do you need your gallbladder? 
0:25 Why a person may experience complications 
1:23 What is bile? 
3:35 Potential gallbladder removal complications 
6:55 What to do if you experience complications 

Today I want to cover the potential complications of having your gallbladder removed. Some people believe that a person doesn’t really need their gallbladder, so there’s not going to be any complications. However, over 700,000 surgeries are done every year to remove the gallbladder, and 40% of people who have their gallbladder removed have complications. 

Bile is made by your liver, it drains through a tube, and is stored in the gallbladder. When you eat, you need less bile to digest food because it’s very concentrated. Without a gallbladder, all you have is a tube from your liver to the small intestines, and the bile trickles, but it’s not concentrated. 

Typically, the complications from not having a gallbladder have to do with a lack of bile. There are exceptions, but in this video, I want to talk about the symptoms that occur because of a lack of bile. Bile is like a detergent. It is both water-soluble and fat-soluble. Bile breaks down fats into smaller particles to allow the pancreas to release an enzyme to make it easier to digest and absorb it in the intestine. 

Potential complications of having your gallbladder removed:
1. You can’t digest fats 
2. Constipation 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Gas
5. Bloating 
6. Stomach pain 
7. Yellow skin or eyes
8. Hypothyroid symptoms 
9. Right shoulder tightness 
10. Tightness under the right ribcage 
11. Dry eyes and skin 
12. Vision changes 

What you could do if you experience complications:
• Take purified bile salts 

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 58, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks for watching! I hope this helps you better understand the potential complications of having your gallbladder removed.

[Freebirddee]

FINALLY, someone addresses those of us who suffer without a gallbladder!!

[forakermm]

Omg!!! Why didn’t my doctor tell me about this in post-op? I’ve suffered for years since my gallbladder was removed and nobody said anything! THANK YOU!!!!

[purrsandwhispers]

I had my gallbladder removed when I was 27 years old and only 92 lbs. It was the worst, most painful surgery I have ever had. I am 60 now and I’ve NEVER fully recovered. I have so much pain in my right side, my shoulder, my ribs- I have never been the same. My surgeon did my surgery the “old fashioned” way where you are cut almost all the way around. I asked several times about lazer surgery or laparoscopic surgery but he said there was no such thing for the gallbladder. I was in the hospital a week with complications and when I finally got released, I came home and watched 20/20 about how doctors are doing laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries where the patient can have the surgery one day and be back at work the next day. Damn him. He KNEW it was being done at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem NC (I live 30 minutes from there) and they were doing it at Emory in Atlanta with excellent results. He was a young, egotistical and greedy spoiled child-like person who happened to have gone to medical school and passed his boards. I loathe him. He literally ripped me apart, inside out and did not have a conscience about what he did to me or any of his other patients. He is PATHETIC. There are a few good doctors out there and I appreciate everything they do. The thing I appreciate the most is HONESTY and clearly this doctor wasn’t even aware of what the word meant. I suppose he’s retired by now and maybe he eventually became a decent person. But if anyone reading this needs any kind of surgery, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research your surgeon. Research your condition. It may turn out that there is another way to treat your problem without having surgery at all.

[titania]

I never knew those symptoms relate to my gallbladder having been removed years ago... NO DOCTOR EVER took the time to consider them or to advise me about it and what to do to help myself. Thanks 👍

[judya]

I had emergency gallbladder removal surgery in 2009. I was told by DOCTORS no special diet would be required and life would be the same without a gallbladder. Biggest lie ever told. I have suffered with every symptom on that list, some severely.
Thank you for FINALLY talking about this and being honest.

[PAWS-]

HUSBAND had emergency gallbladder surgery 5 months ago - not once since has he had one single issue. thank goodness this is quite the video information. lucky husband.

[brendalloyd]

had my gall bladder removed 3yrs ago aged 70 and have had no problems whatsoever. No pain, heartburn, no toilet problems and much better off without the stones too! fabulous

[danielcleaveland]

I had mine removed and had none of the side affects that others have indicated. But the removal did relieve me of constant pain, nausea and intestinal issues.

[GypsyTheGoatOnTube]

Had out 30 yrs ago. Asked each doctor if i should eat differently. Should i avoid anything etc.. each said that zero changes were necessary. I never found that logical but accepted it. Now all this comes to light.

[mandiejonsen]

It’s been 24 years since I had my gall bladder removed. 24 years of complications. I still get gall bladder pains all the time. Doctor told me it’s phantom pains and there’s nothing wrong. Now I understand what’s going on. Thank you.

[vickizsecrets]

Since having my gallbladder removed 16 years ago I feel so much relief.

[glomontero]

Thank you for this info. I had my gallbladder removed 34 yrs ago and no one told me any of this info.

[ninak]

I had mine remover 30 years ago. No Dr ever has said I may need bile salts. Hypothyroid as well. This just floors me. Thank you!

[sarahlewis]

I had gall stones --thus bladder removal at a YOUNG age--19.. Now i'm 62 & have had "tightness" in my right side for OVER 20 yrs & haven't been able to get a doctor to listen to me about it. It is sometimes more than a mere "tightness." It CAN be quite painful at times. I have had gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, right shoulder ache etc... I thank u SO MUCH!!! for doing this video!!!! I think u have probly just changed my

[missprisspink]

Hello Dr Berg and everyone reading this.
My 83 year old sweet mother will be having her gallbladder removed tomorrow. It was a difficult decision to make being naturalists but we found it necessary. She has been in extreme pain the past several days and she cant eat at all. Vomiting green bile. I really appreciate this video and im going to go do some more research to see what we can do to make her more comfortable and to make the rest of her life as healthy as possible. I appreciate you mentioning the bile salts. I just happen to have some on hand and will keep that info in mind. For anyone reading this, we ask for your prayers and in turn pray a special blessing for all of you.
Thanks again and God bless.

[fignewton]

I’m so sorry for all those with problems after gall bladder removal! ❤️

[RockinJFarrier]

30 years ago I had stones, severe pain, vomiting, sick, couldn’t eat. I did a raw apple juice fast for six days, at night drinking a half cup of olive oil, half cup lemon juice and laying on my right side. The Second day I started doing colonics, one in the morning and one at night. I started passing stones as big as my thumb for 3 or 4 days. The bulge under my right ribs went away and I eased back onto greens and food. Haven’t had an issue since and I’m 61 now. I have my own colonic machine. Haven’t used it much since.

[irenagough]

I had my gallbladder taken out at the age of 29. I'm 76 now and was so grateful when it was taken out. I've had no problems whatsoever living my life to the fullest with no side effects or medication. Feel sorry for people who are having problems after surgery. Guess, I'm one of the lucky ones. All the best to everyone.

[JamesSmith-pcbh]

I had my gallbladder removed some 15 years ago and I've had some of these symptoms. I've never gone to the doctor about them because I have no insurance or enough money. Thank you Dr Berg for explaining them to me and the solution.

[td]

I have had my gallbladder out since 1999. I have had so SO many problems. This makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate it so much.