To those whom have had their gallbladders removed...

[Angie85 4]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Angie and I was sleeved on May 11th, 2015. I was released within four hours of surgery and everything went according to plan. I haven't seen it mentioned in reading through the posts thus far so I thought I would appeal to those whom have had their gallbladders removed. Mine was removed about three years ago and I experienced a bile leak, which is the most rare but most serious complication affiliated with the sleeve surgery. PLEASE follow your doctor's instructions, the pain of a bile leak is inexplicable and I hope to never experience it again. With that said, a stent was placed in my liver and I healed up nicely from the gallbladder surgery, however, I have always had issues with bile as it relates to bowel movements. Once I got the sleeve surgery, I spent three days vomiting bile and blood which I believe was my body's way of getting used to the new way of things. I have not gotten sick since that third day and I feel great! I am down 20 pounds in 15 days which is nothing short of a miracle where I'm concerned. I went through the doubting phase shortly after my surgery, but am now convinced that I made the right decision. Best of luck to all of you on your weight loss journey!

[no onions 258]

Wow and glad you're feeling better!

I want to make sure I understand -- you experienced the bile leak after your surgery 3 years ago, or it somehow happened after your gastric sleeve surgery in May?

I had my gallbladder removed in my early 20s and didn't have any complications initially. I say initially, because shortly after (few months) I would have the dire need to use the bathroom after eating. It's only been within the last 2 years that I've been diagnosed with bile acid malabsorption (aka bile salts diarrhea and several other names) and treated with Cholestryamine (mix powder with water/juice - I think some people can get pill form). Cholestryamine made a night and day difference in my life and my symptoms are gone as long as I consistently drink the medicine in the morning.

[Angie85 4]

Yes, sorry for the confusion. My bile leak was after my gallbladder surgery. I haven't had many issues with the sleeve except for the bile issue. It sounds like you were dealing with what I've been dealing with. Thank you so much for the information!! Is the powder prescription or can I get it somewhere?

[no onions 258]

@@Angie85

It's a prescription - my gastroenterologist prescribed it for me. If you don't have a specialist, I would consider looking up the bile acid malabsorption / bile salts diarrhea and take the info to your Dr. My primary Dr. just kept telling me I needed more Fiber and was very unhelpful with respect to this problem. The gastro guy knew exactly what it was based on my description and said some % of gallbladder patients report it as a side-effect.

Good luck to you!