5 Common Myths About Hernias, Debunked
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6 Signs of Gallbladder Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your gallbladder is part of your digestive system. Its main job is to store bile, a liquid that helps break down fats. You might not think about this organ on a daily basis, but here’s the problem — gallbladder disease can creep up quietly, and when symptoms strike, they can be intense and hard to ignore.
When your gallbladder becomes inflamed, blocked, or filled with stones, it can lead to pain and other serious complications.
Below, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov shares why it’s so important to monitor your gallbladder health after weight loss surgery and the six signs of gallbladder disease that you shouldn’t ignore.
What you need to know about your gallbladder after bariatric surgery
After bariatric surgery, your body goes through rapid changes, and one of the side effects of rapid weight loss is an increased risk of developing gallstones. That’s why monitoring for symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or changes in digestion is so important as you lose weight.
Although bariatric surgery and the resulting weight loss can drastically improve your overall health (and reduce your risk of several serious health conditions), it’s important to stay proactive about your gallbladder health during this time.
While rapid weight loss is expected, following your post-surgery eating guidelines, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular, gentle movement can help reduce your risk of complications.
6 signs of gallbladder disease
You might suspect that your gallbladder isn’t working quite right if:
1. You have a pain in your upper right abdomen
Pain in the upper right part of your abdomen, just under your rib cage, is the most obvious sign of gallbladder disease. This pain may come on suddenly and feel sharp or cramping.
It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and often appears after consuming fatty foods.
2. You’re often nauseous
Gallbladder issues often trigger nausea, especially after eating. If your body struggles to digest fats properly because of a gallbladder problem, you may feel sick to your stomach or even vomit regularly.
3. You’re always bloated
Do you often feel overly full, gassy, or uncomfortable after meals? Bloating and indigestion can signal that your gallbladder isn’t releasing bile the way it should. These symptoms are especially common if you’ve recently eaten a greasy or heavy meal.
4. You have a fever and chills
When a gallstone blocks the flow of bile or causes infection (cholecystitis), it can lead to inflammation and fever. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain along with chills or a fever, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Left untreated, this can develop into a serious medical emergency.
5. Your skin seems yellow
If you notice a yellow tint in your skin or eyes, this could be a sign that a gallstone is blocking your bile ducts. This buildup of bile in the body leads to jaundice, a condition that should never be ignored. It's a clear signal that your liver and gallbladder aren’t working together properly.
6. Your stools have changed color
Light-colored or chalky stools and dark urine may also point to a bile duct problem related to gallbladder disease. These changes happen because bile isn’t flowing into your digestive tract the way it should.
What do these symptoms mean?
If you’re experiencing pain, nausea, or changes in your stool or skin color, your body is signaling that something may be wrong with your gallbladder. These symptoms often point to conditions like:
- Gallstones
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Blockages in the bile ducts
To obtain a clear diagnosis, Dr. Bergen may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, blood work, or other diagnostic tests, to understand the underlying issue and recommend the most effective treatment.
When to seek help for gallbladder symptoms
If you experience any of these signs — especially pain, nausea, or jaundice — don’t wait. Gallbladder disease can worsen quickly and may require medical treatment, medication, or even surgery.
At Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions in Westwood, New Jersey, we’re here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey, including managing gallbladder concerns.
Questions? Give us a ring at 201-778-5344 or click here to schedule an appointment.
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