gall stones and Atkins

[lee1112]

I found out that I have some gall stones about 4 months ago. It was a total surprise since I have not really had any symptoms. My doctor says that I need to watch the fat, but Atkins requires fat to "work" correctly. I truly want to keep this up because I KNOW this WOE is the right thing for me. But I don't want to have to go to the hospital to have to get my gall bladder out either? Any suggestions? Anyone else out there with this dilemma?

I have lost a total of 43 lbs since I started in May 2005. I am diabetic, but my blood sugar numbers have never been better (avg 95). I must admit that the holiday season has not been good for me. I have cheated, but been fortunate not to have gained. I have basically been maintaining the same loss for the last 2 months or so. I know I have not been good, but I keep rationalizing with myself that "at least I've lost over 40 lbs!".

I value anyone's input.

[matawguro]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

Disclaimer: The official stance of the ADBB regarding medical conditions is to A) follow your doctor's advice, or B) seek a second opinion from another medical professional.

That being said, the old Atkins.com site had a good article on gall bladders in it's archives. Since those archives no longer exist, I found another link you might want to read...

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/ar...allstones.html

[Desertthorn]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

lee, I was dianosed with gallstones in 1999 and the only time that I have had any trouble is when I fell off the PLAN and started to eat sugar and carbs again. I am not telling you what to do, but I think the good doctors are wrong about the low fat diet because I am fine. I wouldn't worry about it unless you start to have problems.
If you are concerned about it, keep a food diary and if you have a flareup, check it for reasons.

[Deblynn]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

lee, I was dianosed with gallstones in 1999 and the only time that I have had any trouble is when I fell off the PLAN and started to eat sugar and carbs again. I am not telling you what to do, but I think the good doctors are wrong about the low fat diet because I am fine. I wouldn't worry about it unless you start to have problems.
If you are concerned about it, keep a food diary and if you have a flareup, check it for reasons.

Me too! I sufferd for a few years with gallbladder symtoms, and ive not had a single "spell" since ive started lowcarbing. Not a one!

[Austlyn]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I has my gallbladder out just after my first baby, I still get very bad gas pains from the change i the way my body digest things. Try the plan if it does not work for you then try somthing else. I know how painful the attacks are I used to think I am going to die here on this floor with this snall baby unsupervised. Also they have daoctors that can break them up with different treatments you could try to find one, The gallbladder is a very important part of your digestive track infact it should be there is it is meant to help break down fatty foods.

[tentcamp]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I did get my gall bladder out after starting Atkins but my symptoms were not made worse by doing Atkins it remained the same as before Atkins. I was surprised because I thought all the fat would increase the problem but it didn't and it was better for awhile. I actually had no symptoms for about 8 months after starting, but then it started again so I just got it out and got it over with. No problems at all now.

[J1001n]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I has my gallbladder out just after my first baby, I still get very bad gas pains from the change i the way my body digest things. Try the plan if it does not work for you then try somthing else. I know how painful the attacks are I used to think I am going to die here on this floor with this snall baby unsupervised. Also they have daoctors that can break them up with different treatments you could try to find one, The gallbladder is a very important part of your digestive track infact it should be there is it is meant to help break down fatty foods.

I know exactly what you mean!!!! It hurt like ****. My gallbladder was actually so bad that it had gangrene.

[2big4mysize]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

OUCH.

you have good blood sugars which is critical for long term health doing Atkins correctly but you have symptomless stones. Did your doc tell you just about everybody has a few small stones pass in their life time? Did you ask him the size of your stones and were they likely to lodge given their present size? Have you discussed your stones with a sopecialist?

Atkins will require your gall bladder to release the bile stores made in the liver to help digest the fats. keeping the bile moving will keep it for crystalizing which is what gallstones are. If you already have large stones the contracting of the gallbladder can cause the stone to lodg4e in the neck of the opening and that is what causes the pains as the pressure builds up behind it but it could happen if you ate a 93% fat free burger once you already have s large stones present. Any fat will need the bile and cause the contractions.

On a low fat plan the bile will sit in the gall bladder and anybody that has made rock candy as a kid knows the stones will get bigger as more bile salts crystalizes out of solution.



Happy low carbing.

[vindicateddunn]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I had problems with my gallbladder when I used the "normal diet programs" to lose weight. I had my gallbladder out due to stress and the fact that the lil' guy had just stopped working (bless his heart my eating habits must've done it to him...lol).

I am without my little friend now and I can say I feel much, much better...but I avoid things I know make me extra gassy

[Angseu]

Ms

My worst gallbladder attack occured while I was following a LOW FAT/lower carb plan. That was the attack that got the thing removed.

I eat less fat following Atkin's than I do when I'm off filling my face with cruddy food. I have no concern at all about not having a gallbladder and Atkin's

[texwife&mom]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I had my gallbaldder removed several years ago, and before starting Atkins I still had phantom pains. From all the research I have done rapid weight loss can sometimes trigger stone developement and or inflammation. I would ask about removal or sonic therapy to break up the stones. Be aware also that you can still develope stones after removal of your gallbladder.--- Our bodies are amazing aren't they?

[LOWCARBINCLEVELANDOH]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I don't know a whole lot about Atkins + Gallstones, but you DO have my sympathy!

I had them when I was 18. Actually I still have them,but they are in a little box in my closet.

[JandLsMom]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

anybody know if not having a gallbladder effects weight loss on atkins at all. my gallbladder was removed a few years ago. i never thought a whole lot about it, but how is my body doing with all this fat im eating when i have no gallbladder?? now i am a bit concerned. Anyone have any knowledge or links about this?

[CarrieSmattick]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

I had my gall bladder removed at 20 years old. At that time I suffered chronic pain due to gall stones and my gall bladder rotting as a result. My diet then consisted of neither high carbs or high fat ( I ate very little - I was a model).

My advice to you would be that if you are not suffering from pain then carry on as you're going. If you begin to experience any pain then think again.

The Doctors told me that I had to be careful of eating a high fat diet afterwards because it would affect my digestion. The only trouble I have digesting is if I eat pastry - which I steer clear of.

I am losing weight on Atkins with no gall bladder so as far as I can see it doesn't affect it. I wouldn't worry too much - if your body doesn't like it, it will let you know. Everyone is different, just go with the flow and see how you feel.

[CarrieSmattick]

Re: gall stones and Atkins

Also an awful lot of people walk around with gall stones and never suffer any symptoms and never need any treatment no matter what diet they eat. Thats what my consultant told me anyway.