Loss of appetite and weight loss after gallbladder removal
Learn about how these side effects can be managed post-surgery.
Loss of appetite and weight loss after gallbladder removal
Learn about how these side effects can be managed post-surgery.
Cholecystectomy is a medical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder. It may also be referred to as gallbladder removal surgery.
A cholecystectomy may be recommended if patients are suffering from:
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder polyps
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
While the procedure is minimally invasive and has a short recovery time, some patients may experience a loss of appetite and weight loss after the procedure.
The good news is that with proper care, these symptoms can be managed.
What causes a loss of appetite and weight loss after gallbladder removal?
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of gallbladder removal surgery, as the removal of the organ may cause bile to fill the digestive tract. But, a patient’s appetite may return to normal a week or two after the surgery.
Weight loss, on the other hand, could occur due to several reasons, including the aforementioned loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea some patients experience post-surgery, and the change in dietary habits recommended by medical professionals.
Some pain medication taken after surgery could also affect the patient’s appetite and in turn, cause weight loss.
Speak to your gastroenterologist if you’re still experiencing loss of appetite and weight loss more than two weeks after the surgery.
How can you maintain your weight post-surgery?
Here are a few things you can do to maintain healthy body weight after gallbladder removal:
Eat fibre-rich food
This kind of diet can help return bowel movements to normal, but you should only increase the amount of fibre in your diet gradually.
Avoid eating fatty food
Maintain a low-fat diet for a few weeks after surgery or however long your doctor recommends—spicy food should be avoided.
Daily exercise
Start with some light exercise, like walking or doing stretches and avoid any high-intensity exercises for a few weeks.
Eat fibre-rich food
This kind of diet can help return bowel movements to normal, but you should only increase the amount of fibre in your diet gradually.
Avoid eating fatty food
Maintain a low-fat diet for a few weeks after surgery or however long your doctor recommends—spicy food should be avoided.
Daily exercise
Start with some light exercise, like walking or doing stretches and avoid any high-intensity exercises for a few weeks.
Visit the Sydney Gut Clinic
The Sydney Gut Clinic has a team of experienced gastrointestinal specialists who specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.
If you’re experiencing loss of appetite and weight loss after gallbladder surgery, schedule an appointment with the Sydney Gut Clinic for treatment and support from our specialists.
Our specialists
Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah
Dr. Suhirdan leads the team at Sydney Gut Clinic, bringing a combination of experience, excellence, and dedication. He is a highly trained Interventional Gastroenterologist,
Dr Andrew Kim
Dr Andrew Kim is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, he undertook his physician and advanced gastroenterology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship in (IBD) at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Dr Rohan Gett
Having graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales, he also lays claim to an internship and residency at the reputed Concord Hospital. Trained, thereafter, in general surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Gett ...
Dr Fei Wen Chen
Dr Chen is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with special interest in managing patients with chronic liver disease of various aetiology, as well as general gastroenterology and endoscopy.
Sviatlana Starr
Sviatlana Starr is an expert in gut-directed hypnotherapy. She has been professionally helping people with different functional gut disorders through gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions since 2015.
Dr Arjuna ‘Arj’ Nagendra
Dr Nagendra is currently a consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital where he is involved with teaching anaesthetic trainees, particularly in his areas of clinical interest - airway surgery and neurovascular procedures.
Dr Katherine Lee
Dr Katherine Lee clinical interests include anaesthesia for neurosurgery, orthopaedic and trauma, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive, bariatric and obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele interests include Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Surgery and Trauma.
Antoinette Le Busque
As the Nurse Practitioner Sydney Gut Clinic, Antoinette works collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with special interest and expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
Dr Nicholas Kortt
Dr Nicholas Kortt is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in general gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy.
Dr Mark Ghali
Dr Mark Ghali is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist providing comprehensive care for all general gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Dr Beatrice Brennan
Dr Beatrice Brennan is a female gastroenterologist and hepatologist who divides her time between working as a consultant gastroenterologist and in public health.
Jodie Hicks
Jodie is a consultant dietitian with specialised expertise in gut health, gastrointestinal conditions, and bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Dr Neil Vanza
Dr Neil Vanza is a specialist anaesthetist working in both public and private practice across Sydney, Australia.
Dr Ramez Zaklama
Dr Ramez Zaklama is a Sydney based anaesthetist who graduated from Monash University with Honours
Dr Kevin Lee
Dr Kevin Lee graduated from The University of New South Wales with a degree in medicine.
Dr Sarah Leighton
Dr Sarah Leighton completed a medical degree at Notre Dame University before pursuing specialist training in anaesthesia at Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospitals.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a cholecystectomy?
Recovery may take from four to six weeks, but some patients may need more time to recover from the side effects of the procedure.
Can eating small meals help stimulate appetite?
Yes, it may. Having frequent small meals may help stimulate your appetite. That said, this might not work for everyone.
Is losing too much weight dangerous?
Losing too much weight can be dangerous, as it may lead to muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies. If you feel like you’re losing too much weight after gall bladder removal, consult your gastrointestinal specialist.
Consult our team for support and treatment for gastrointestinal problems.
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.