What the Gallbladder Actually Does

The gallbladder:

• Stores bile
• Concentrates bile
• Releases bile in controlled surges
• Helps digest fats
• Supports fat-soluble vitamin absorption
• Regulates gut bacteria balance
• Helps detoxify hormones like estrogen

What Happens After Removal?

1. Continuous Bile Dripping

This means bile is no longer released in response to meals.
Without proper timing, fat digestion becomes inefficient.

2. Higher Rates of Fat Malabsorption

Patients may describe:

• Loose stools
• Urgent stools after meals
• Gas
• Bloating
• Oily stools

3. Altered Gut Microbiome

Bile is antimicrobial.
Continuous low-level bile flow changes bacterial distribution, leading to:

• SIBO
• Dysbiosis
• Food sensitivities

See: Gut Health.

4. Higher Rates of Weight Gain

Impaired fat digestion →
• More insulin resistance
• Higher inflammation
• Slower metabolism

See: Insulin Resistance.

5. Hormone Detoxification Slows Down

Bile helps clear:

• Estrogen
• Environmental toxins
• Excess cholesterol

When bile flow is disrupted, hormonal symptoms often increase—especially in menopausal women.

Long-Term Post-Cholecystectomy Symptoms

Patients may notice:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Food intolerances
• Right upper abdominal discomfort
• Back pain
• Weight gain
• Hair thinning
• Skin changes

Many think these issues are unrelated, but they reflect deeper metabolic and gut imbalances.

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