Digestive Enzymes......

[Nini74]

I've been advised to take these to help with digestion of food now that I have no gallbladder, but have no idea which ones to take (there seems to be a wide range of different ones on the internet).

I've had problems after eating since I had the gallbladder out, and have also gained weight, particularly around the stomach. After some research, it appears that this could be due to the (now seemingly obvious) fact that as I don't have a gallbladder, there is no pump to deliver bile to the stomach to digest the food. Digestive enzymes will, it seems, help with the digestion thereby releasing the uncomfortable bloating and pain which follows eating. (I don't have large meals at all but, even this evening, I was in pain for about 45 minutes after eating). Can anybody suggest what I need or who I can speak to about what might help? TIA xx

[boxtops]

Go to your GP and ask for referral to a dietician, that's what I'd recommend.

[Nini74]

good idea - never think about going to my GP for things I can get tablets for myself - but I guess they'd have a better idea of what I need. <Slaps her forehead in mock Homer Simpson style and shouts "D'Oh"> xx

[Eve]

Definitely worth a check with your GP about the best course of action. I'm still having a lot of problems after having mine out in early March. It's nice not to have a skanky gallbladder festing inside anymore and the attacks though.

I have to be very careful with fat still and not eat too much so have been trying to have more smaller portions to keep me going through the day, a little porridge pot for breakfast at work, a banana for a snack, a plain ham sandwich for lunch and cereal/grain bar for a snack etc... I trial little bits of things with fat in to see if it's calming down but not much joy and I'm running before I even finish the meal sometimes and have had accidents.

I have been trying lots of chicken noodle simmer soups with bread to dip and wraps or the small bread (like the Warburtons toastie) sandwiches with wafer thin chicken and tomatoes and a bit of salad cream.

My main issue is very bad diarroeah (and horrible bloating and discomfort with it and air, had been burping a lot but that's calmed down a lot now). I had bile acid malabsorption before and it responded well to medication (bile acid sequestrants) but not so much anymore, it can take the edge off it but not control it.

I've mentioned it to my GP (when speaking about other stuff) but have said I'm still waiting to see for a bit in the hope it settles itself down. I had a big problem with lactose and gluten years ago (after having eating disorder issues) and had to avoid them for quite a while but managed to reintroduce them after some time so long as I don't overdo it.

[Anngel123]

If they do recommend digestive enzymes you can get them online as well as through Holland and Barratt. I would have thought that the consulatant responsible for removing your gall bladder should have recommended something for this issue. Have you tried ringing the hospital? Or NHS direct may be able to help as well.

[mike11111]

That's strange. I had my gall bladder out two years ago and have experienced none of the symptoms you mention. The only thing I find is that I feel full rather quickly so cannot eat large meals.

[Eve]

Festering even! Saying all that above though, I'm "lucky" in the sense that I am already on the gastro books at the hospital so have a quicker route to checking with them should it continue.

Well worth at least letting your GP know in case they can help. If there is any problem in you getting the nutrients and such you need then sorting it early is good, I've had various problems due to the malabsorption aspect.

[Nini74]

Oh Jenna that sounds terrible. From the research I did earlier, lots of people get the diarroeah. My problem seems to be more when I eat carbs. strange. But from what I read, the digestive enzymes can help with that symptom too - so you digest & absorb some of what you're eating. I'd suggest that you speak with your GP about seeing a dietician too and we can exchange info when we're done! x

[Sqad]

Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome....embraces a who;e host of symptoms of which your symptoms fit quire nicely.

The is no reliable evidence that digestive enzymes taken by mouth have any beneficial effect whatsoever......don't waste your money.

Markedly reduce the fat content of your meals.

Eat small meals more often.

Take plenty of exercise.

Monitor the situation for a week and then get back to us.

[Nini74]

Will do Sqad - thanks! although I did try an almost completely fat free diet at one stag (in attempt to lose post-baby weight) and still had the same problem - I'll try it, but it seems to be carbs that cause the most discomfort, and i'm really not much of a meat eater, so I'm a bit stuck on what to eat....I'll keep you posted though x

[Nini74]

at one stage! not stag! sorry x