Is Gastric Sleeve a Better Option for You?
Considering gastric sleeve surgery? Read on to learn how it works, who may be a good candidate, what health conditions it can impact, and how it can support weight loss when other methods haven’t worked.
The Link Between Obesity and Gallbladder Issues
If you’re experiencing upper abdominal pain, especially after eating, your gallbladder may be the source. Gallbladder disease is significantly more common in people with obesity, and when symptoms develop, they can escalate quickly.
Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov frequently treats gallbladder disease using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Below, the team at Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions explains what your gallbladder does, how excess weight increases your risk of gallstones, the early warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek care before symptoms become urgent.
What does your gallbladder do?
Your gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps your body break down fats. It’s located beneath your liver.
When you eat, your gallbladder releases bile into your small intestine. If that process doesn’t work properly, pain and inflammation can occur.
How obesity increases your risk of gallbladder issues
Obesity affects how your body processes cholesterol and bile. When you carry excess weight, your liver releases more cholesterol into bile. At the same time, your gallbladder may not empty completely or efficiently.
This creates the perfect environment for problems to develop.
Excess weight is associated with several gallbladder issues, including:
- Increased cholesterol concentration in bile
- Slower or incomplete gallbladder emptying
- Greater risk of stone formation
- Higher likelihood of gallbladder inflammation
When bile becomes overly concentrated, cholesterol can crystallize, and unfortunately, those crystals can grow into stones.
If a blockage occurs, pressure builds inside the gallbladder, and that’s when symptoms begin.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder when bile becomes unbalanced. Some people have gallstones and never know it. Others experience sudden, severe pain known as a gallbladder attack.
You may suspect a gallbladder attack if you experience:
- Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Discomfort after eating fatty foods
If a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can lead to cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), infection, or even pancreatitis. These complications can become serious quickly and require prompt medical attention.
The effect of losing weight on your gallbladder
If you’re overweight, losing weight can help support your gallbladder health. But here’s something many people don’t realize: rapid weight loss can also increase your risk of gallstones.
If you lose weight quickly or lose more than 25% of your body weight, you may have an increased risk of gallbladder issues.
When you lose weight quickly, your liver releases more cholesterol into bile, and your gallbladder may not empty as effectively. This combination raises the likelihood of stone formation.
Note: The overall health benefits of weight loss far outweigh the potential risk of gallbladder issues. You shouldn’t avoid losing weight out of concern for gallstones. Dr. Botvinov carefully monitors gallbladder health throughout your treatment to reduce risks and address any concerns early.
When should you see a specialist?
You shouldn’t ignore recurring abdominal pain, especially if it happens after meals.
It’s time to schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Repeated upper abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea
- Digestive discomfort after eating
- Symptoms that are becoming more frequent or severe
Gallbladder problems don’t typically resolve on their own. Prompt diagnosis can help you avoid emergencies.
How Dr. Botvinov can help
Dr. Botvinov routinely treats gallbladder disease. If you’re experiencing symptoms, he performs a thorough evaluation and confirms the diagnosis with imaging, such as an ultrasound.
When gallstones cause pain or complications, he may recommend laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). He uses small incisions and a minimally invasive approach to remove your gallbladder with less discomfort and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.
For anyone considering bariatric surgery, he also evaluates gallbladder health as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce future risks.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call 201-731-6919 or book an appointment online today.
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