Gallbladder FAQS

Do Gallstone flushes really work?

Gallbladder “flushes” are believed to treat gallstones by, literally, flushing gallstones out of the gallbladder. In the usual “flush,” vegetable oil, citrus juice, or salts are consumed alone or in combination after a period of fasting . Many green, brown, yellow or black blobs of various sizes may later appear in the bowel movements. Some bear a slight resemblance to gallstones, but they are not stones. They are merely bile-stained “soaps” produced by partial saponification ( a process that produces soap from a vegetable oil and a strong base (the citrus juice) ).

The alleged “stones” float in the toilet , as might be expected of a largely oil-based substance. Gallstones sink. When an ultrasound is performed looking for gallstones, the stones are always found in the most dependent (lowest ) portion of the gallbladder, because bile is much denser than water.

“Stones” from flushes can be produced in amounts far beyond the capacity of either the gallbladder or the entire biliary system, as long as flushes are continued and regardless of whether the user still has a gallbladder. This is further proof that these are not gallstones.

What can I eat after my Gallbladder is removed?

You can eat whatever foods you want. There are no special diet requirements after the removal of your gallbladder.

Are there things I cannot eat once my gallbladder is removed? You can eat all foods. If certain foods cause abdominal symptoms after you gallbladder is removed, it is possible that you may have other abdominal issues such as lactose intolerance, reflux, sprue, etc … Removal of the gallbladder is generally not associated with the onset of new abdominal symptoms. If certain abdominal symptoms do not resolve after your surgery, they may not have been related to your gallbladder in the first place.

Can I live a normal life after my gallbladder is removed?

Yes, gallbladder surgery is one of the most frequent operations performed in the United States. People who have their gallbladders removed do not have a higher chance of developing disease or cancer.

I have read that I may have diarrhea and other stomach issues may result after the removal of my gallbladder?

Some people may develop new abdominal symptoms after removal of their gallbladder. However, this is incredibly rare.

Removal of the gallbladder is generally not associated with the onset of new abdominal symptoms. If certain abdominal symptoms do not resolve after your surgery, they may not have been related to your gallbladder in the first place.

Some people have two abdominal processes occurring at the same time. Gallbladder removal may only remove part of the symptoms. The other symptoms may be related to another process all together.