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Is Gall Bladder Removal Required For Distended Stomach, Flatulence And Weight Gain?
Posted on
Fri, 16 Mar 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 16 Mar 2018
Answered on
Wed, 12 Apr 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : How do you know when you need your gall bladder out? I have a distended stomach, very full of gas, and have gained weight. It started about 1.5 years ago. I had a lot of acid in my mouth and if I did not eat something I would vomit. Then after I ate my stomach would get very distended and and full of gas or air. I was told I had gall bladder sludge. But I want to know if I get my gall bladder out if this will make all symptoms go away. Or what can I do to alleviate symptoms. Please help. I try to eat very healthy always. I exercise but now the issue is so uncomfortable. I have put on about 30 lbs in 1 year. I am working out harder now but still have this horrible bloating and gassy stomach or abdomen .
Brief Answer:
Gall bladder need not be removed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your problem seems to be due to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux and not due to gall bladder pathology.
This means that you do not need to get the gall bladder removed and that removal of gall bladder would not resolve your problems.
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces.
If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper.
Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Prof. Kunal Saha, General & Family Physician
Gall bladder need not be removed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your problem seems to be due to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux and not due to gall bladder pathology.
This means that you do not need to get the gall bladder removed and that removal of gall bladder would not resolve your problems.
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces.
If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper.
Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Prof. Kunal Saha, General & Family Physician
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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