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April 14, 2023

Gallbladder removal is a procedure known as cholecystectomy and is the most commonly preferred surgery nowadays. People need the surgery due to two main reasons: gallstones and cancer. The time gallstones develop, they become very painful and cause many other health issues as well, and in such cases, surgery is the only treatment option left. It is expected to experience pain as well as discomfort along with post-cholecystectomy bloating; many people may have trouble sleeping post-surgery.
The reason behind these side effects after gallbladder surgery is that surgical incision air into the abdominal cavity makes the process easy. When the anesthesia effect starts fading, the air pressure also starts causing pain; however, this type of pain is normal; it can cause excessive bloating, irritability, and many other underlying issues. Your surgeon will help guide you about all post-surgery aftercare and also make you understand that a swollen abdomen after gallbladder surgery is normal and manageable, too.

Common Post-Surgery Symptoms

Gallbladder surgery done by an experienced doctor has better outcomes as the patients are aware in advance of everything they need to know about the procedure. It is common for gallbladder surgery patients to expect some post-surgery symptoms to disappear instantly. Still, it is not true, as they need to understand that there is a recovery phase after gallbladder surgery that your body takes to adjust to the removal of the gallbladder so it can function without it. However, many symptoms can be experienced by the patients, but bloating and stomach swelling are some common ones.  Bloating and mild swelling are common after gallbladder surgery, however, it is an unpreventable effect of the surgery, which is temporary and is manageable with the recommendations by your doctor. You have to discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and also attend follow-up appointments on time to heal and recover better. It will help your surgeon to ensure the least complications and you can also ask queries about your health as well. Some post-surgical symptoms other than bloating stomach are: 

  • The fever lasts for many days.
  • The surgical site weeps fluid
  • Yellow eyes or dark urine
  • Increase in pain

Among all, stomach swelling and bloating are very common and increase the size of the belly post-surgery.  Patients get worried about this complication but it is temporary and can be managed well. 

Also Read:- Can Gallbladder Removal Surgery Cause Digestive Problems?

Potential Causes of a Bigger Stomach After Surgery

If you are concerned about a bigger stomach post-gallbladder surgery, then it is normal. Many patients experience bigger stomachs post-surgery, but it is normal and temporary as swelling and bloating post-surgery due to the removal of the gall bladder triggers the digestion of the human body. It takes time for the body to adjust to these changes and also give this temporary change to your body’s appearance as well. Some potential causes of a bigger stomach after gallbladder surgery are: 

1. Swelling and Inflammation

During gallbladder removal surgery the stomach muscles and tissues are manipulated so that these can be accessed for the removal. This surgical trauma on a patient’s body leads to swelling and inflammation in the treated area and offers a temporary bigger stomach. Also, the surgeon injected fluid into the abdominal cavity during the surgery to visualize the area. This fluid, in some cases, accumulates and causes this temporary swelling. 

2. Gas and Bloating

Gallbladder surgery involves inflating the abdomen with the CO2 gas that helps to create space for the surgical instruments. A part of this gas may remain in the stomach and abdominal cavity post-gallbladder removal, which ultimately causes bloating and discomfort. The patient’s body absorbs this remaining gas, however, this gas will gradually subside with time. 

3. Dietary Changes

After gallbladder removal surgery, you have to make specific dietary changes as well. Consuming high-fat and high-fiber foods can not easily be digested by your body, which can create the issue of a bigger belly. If you are eating gas-producing foods or not limiting your fatty food intake like fried foods, high-fat meat, etc., then you may experience a bigger stomach post-gallbladder surgery. 

4. Weight Gain

The bladder plays a crucial part in the digestion of fats and post-gallbladder removal.  There will be a constant dip of bile into the digestive system. This leads to alterations in your digestive function and nutrient absorption by your body, which ultimately causes weight gain. This weight gain causes a bigger belly post-surgery; however, by adopting some diet changes, you can manage it well in some time.

5. Fluid Retention

Post gallbladder surgery, the patient’s bodies show a natural response, which is to retain fluid, which is a part of the healing process. This retention of excess fluid can accumulate in the stomach, which leads to swelling and a temporary bigger size of the stomach. It can be experienced by almost all patients. 

6. Constipation

Gallbladder surgery also temporarily disturbs the standard function of the bowels, as patients may feel constipated as well. This can lead to gas buildup, which contributes to a bigger stomach size. Post-surgery, the patient’s liver will still produce ample bile to help digest the foods, but it will not be stored similarly as before.  Because your body does not have a gallbladder, your small intestine will rely on the liver to produce more and more bile. The liver will take time for this process, and your bile duct will enlarge which at first is difficult for your body to digest certain foods.

Post-Surgery Swelling and Bloating

Gallbladder removal surgery affects the biliary tract structure, which leads to changes in the work of the body’s digestive system. After the surgery, bile that used to get stored until your previously required small intestine now simply flows to it from your liver, where it is formed and does not store any more.  Many people experience swollen abdomen after gallbladder surgery removal. Patients with laparoscopic gallbladder involve insufflation of gas into the peritoneal cavity. This is why patients often experience swelling, bloating, and a bigger stomach post-surgery. The pain and discomfort they experience is due to excess gas and generally subside within one to two days.

Also Read:- What foods to avoid after Hernia Surgery?

How to reduce the stomach size after gallbladder surgery?

There are a few things that you can do to reduce the stomach size post laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. You should avoid eating large meals and choose to consume frequent meals.

  • Avoid high-fat foods as they may be difficult to digest, and many cause bloating and discomfort.
  • Try to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly as it will help your stomach to digest it well and also help to reduce bloating.
  • It is best to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids on a regular basis. It will help prevent constipation and keep your digestive system moving smoothly.
  •  You can also start doing exercises that can help to stimulate the digestive system. Before setting your exercise, consult with your surgeon to know when you can start with it.

If you are worried about the size of your stomach after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, it is better to talk to your d surgeon about it. They can help you determine if there is a problem or if you need any suggestions to tackle the situation. An increase in stomach size after the surgery is normal. There are a few things that you can do to minimize the changes, like eating smaller meals more often, avoiding high-fat foods, and exercising regularly. You should discuss with the best gallbladder surgeon in Delhi to tackle the problem before you go for the surgery.

Also Read:- Decoding Distension: Why Is My Stomach Bigger After Gallbladder Surgery?

Digestive Changes After Gallbladder Removal

Stomach bloating after gallbladder surgery is normal. However, gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure but is a surgical process that involves side effects.  You must take some precautions to manage pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. The surgeon generally recommends patients to follow some digestive changes post-surgery and give them detailed verbal and written details about the same. You have to : 

  • Consume a liquid diet for a few days 
  • Start solid foods not immediately but gradually.
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid fatty foods like fried foods, dairy, beef etc.
  • Cut off sodas and caffeine
  • Limit high-fiber foods
  • Avoid spicy foods

After some time when healing progresses, your surgeon will advise accordingly what and when to eat. Recommending fibrous foods like broccoli, nuts, and legumes will take time and a doctor will advise you accordingly. 

Dietary Adjustments

Many healthcare providers recommend dietary changes and adjustments during your recovery phase after gallbladder removal surgery. This change is because surgical procedures and anesthesia affect the body’s digestive system. Gallbladder removal also changes the digestive system as your body cannot get the bile it needs as before, and it thus needs time to adjust.  

Your surgeon will advise you to keep your diet simple and soft for some days, like when you have the flu. The effects of surgery and anesthesia cause you trouble digesting the food you eat, especially those fully packed with fiber. Also, the changes your biliary system faces after surgery can cause some trouble digesting fats. So, your doctor will recommend returning to your normal diet after some time, and it should be slow.

Also Read:- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery in Delhi

Weight Gain and Lifestyle Factors

Gallbladder removal and weight gain are linked, and this happens for various reasons. After gallbladder removal, your body experiences multiple changes that lead to weight gain. Some weight gain causes include the Absence of a gallbladder, which impacts the body in metabolic and digestive ways. Post-surgery, your body experiences problems with fat digestion and metabolism, which leads to weight gain. Some patients cannot cut down on unhealthy foods that can cause weight gain. Also, Post-surgery inflammation is common behind weight gain, significantly affecting the leptin hormone. The surgeon will recommend some lifestyle changes after gallbladder surgery : 

  • Avoid eating heavy meals and fried foods
  • Avoid or limit caffeine  intake
  • Avoid alcohol completely
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat small portions of meals
  • Have low-fat diet

Complications to Watch For after gallbladder removal surgery 

Post gallbladder surgery, you can lead a healthy life, but some changes can lead to some side effects and complications. Some patients can experience some side effects and complications after gallbladder surgery, including: 

  • Difficulty in digesting fat as your body needs time to adjust to new methods.
  • Diarrhea  or indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Intestinal injury is rare but possible
  • Jaundice 

Managing Post-Surgical Symptoms

Gallbladder removal surgery is extremely safe & is the most effective treatment for gallstones. When performed by an expert surgeon, the surgery ensures fast recovery and minimal side effects or post-surgery complications.  However, patients with post-gallbladder removal surgery may develop new symptoms that may or may not be the same as they experienced before surgery. These symptoms can appear immediately post-surgery or can also develop months or years later on. These symptoms include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatty food intolerance
  • Belching
  • Diarrhea
  • Jaundice
  • Indigestion
  • Frequent abdominal pain
  • Flatulence

Proper adjustments of your diet and lifestyle after gallbladder removal surgery may help to relieve and manage your post-surgical symptoms.  Following your doctor’s advice will help you to get rid of the swollen abdomen after gallbladder surgery. However, there are many who do not experience any long-term effects of gallbladder removal.  Consulting the best gallbladder surgeon will help you avoid complications and side effects and ensure a safe surgery. Visit Handa Nursing Home, one of the best centers in Delhi, to consult the best surgeon in Delhi for gallbladder removal. You can discuss all doubts in detail before undergoing the gallbladder surgery.

Conclusion

A bigger stomach after gallbladder removal surgery is expected. However, the degree as well as duration of the swelling that leads to more giant belly can vary from patient to patient. It is an expected side effect of gall bladder surgery that will be resolved within a few days as it is temporary. It takes time for the body to heal and the excess gas and fluids to absorb. If you are concerned about stomach size post-surgery, you should discuss it with your doctor. This will help you to know if there is an issue or you can also get some suggestions to improve your situation. Consult the best gallbladder surgeon in Delhi at Handa Nursing Home if you want to remove your gallbladder. 

FAQs

1. Is bruising normal post-gallbladder surgery? 

Yes, it is expected to experience bruising post-gallbladder surgery. If the bruising is getting larger, discuss it with your surgeon immediately. 

2. How much time will it take to recover fully post-gallbladder surgery? 

Recovery time post-surgery depends upon the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Generally, it takes about a few weeks post-laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and many weeks after open gallbladder surgery to recover fully. 

3. Is gallbladder surgery very painful? 

Gallbladder Surgery involves pain along with discomfort. But it can be managed well with the help of medications prescribed by your surgeon and resolves after some weeks to days. 

4. Is it okay to urinate frequently post-surgery? 

Yes, it is normal to urinate more often after surgery, as it can be due to gas used during the surgery. You may also feel pain in your shoulders and neck post-surgery.

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