Gallbladder Question

[Angseu]

I've been following induciton for a week and it's going well. One question though. If I've had my gallbladder out, what's helping my body metabolize the fat?? Doesn't the gallbladder release bile for just that reason?

I haven't had any problems at all so I'm not cosidering changing plans, just wondering how fat metabolism works without a gallbladder.

Thanks
Ang

[2big4mysize]

Re: Gallbladder Question

Bile is produced in the liver and the gallbladder stores the bile and releases it when cued to do so according to the signals about fats your digestive system is sending. since you have no gallbladder you are "leaking" bile all the time. Since the food is released in small amounts at a time from the tummy when it is a high fat meal this shouldn't be an issue for you.

Happy low carbing.

[Jasmain]

Re: Gallbladder Question

I would suggest that you speak to your doctor before doing this diet. Without the gallbladder, it is recommended that you eat 6 small meals a day, high in protein and low in fat. Too much fat can cause complications, since you do not have the normal amount of bile the gallbladder secretes to help break down fat. You could develop complications from a high fat diet.

Gallbladder Info

I found this link that explains it better, and the fact that you should take supplements and vitamins to help, as well as avoid eating to much fat. Ask your doctor, most definitely. There may be people here who have had this done, but I don't think you should take any chances, just because someone else hasn't had problems, or because you haven't had problems in such a short time on this diet.

Bile actually comes from the liver, the gall bladder is the pump.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Gallbladder Question

We have many successful Atkineers without gasllbladders here.


actually the Mayo clinic and Dr Ross Roberts - Surgeon, The Oxford Clinic say you can

Can I live without a gallbladder? The gallbladders main function is to store bile until it is needed to help digest fat in the diet. After the gallbladder is removed the bile ducts usually increase slightly in size and store some of the bile. A gallbladder that has stones in it does not usually function normally anyway and so it not missed.

After surgery your liver continues to produce enough bile to digest a normal diet. But you may notice you're having more bowel movements than usual and that their consistency is less solid. For some people these changes can be major. In most cases the symptoms usually lessen over time. When diarrhea remains a problem, general self-care measures — such as avoiding dairy products, fats and spicy foods as well as adding more fiber to your diet — may help. If diarrhea persists, see your doctor, because medications can sometimes help.

[Angseu]

Ms

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful information.

Thinking about it though, I probably eat less fat while I'm following Atkins that I did pre-Atkins. Mind you before it was all garbage fat.

[Becky Sue]

Re: Gallbladder Question

I had my gallbladder out more than 10 years ago. I have not had any problems eating the Atkins (low carb way), that pretains to me not having a gallbladder.

My Dr. told me that my liver would take over the work of my gallbladder, after everything was healed after surgery. He told me to not worry. He must have been right, because all is well.

don't give up this WOE, just because you don't have a gallbladder. You should not have any problems, IMHO! speaking from my own experiences.

happy Low Carbing, even without a gallbladder!!!

[america57]

Re: Gallbladder Question

Ang,

Thanks for this excellent question! I had my gallbladder removed in 1996. I think I'm like you, I ate more fat, the kind that comes from cake, pie, cookies ect. before I started Atkins than I eat now, so I'm not really worried about the effects of this WOE on my lack of gallbladder. 2big4mysize, thank you for the info you posted, I have noticed that the chronic diareah I used to suffer has gone away since I started this WOE, I know some people complain about constipation, maybe for people without a gallbladder, it just evens it out? Makes everything normal again?

[tentcamp]

Re: Gallbladder Question

I also have had no problems without a gallbladder!

[Bren]

Re: Gallbladder Question

no gall bladder here either! And, no problems what so ever. I think the statement about eating more fat prior too Atkins does certainly pertain to me. Now, I eat pure healthy fats and never a problem.