Weight loss= Gallstones

loraineNM · 09-11-2002, 06:41 AM

There is a current post about gallstones, and a few people mentioned that weight loss can cause the formations of gallstones. I thought this might be helpful because I lost 80lbs, and had to have my gallbladder removed. Also, doctors commonly remove the gallbladder during gastric bypass just as a precaution.

http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/health/...oc10risks.html

"Weight Cycling. Rapid weight loss or cycling (dieting and then putting back weight) further increases cholesterol production in the liver, with resulting supersaturation and risk for gallstones. A 2000 study suggested the following rates for gallstones related to extreme and rapid weight loss:
The risk for gallstones as high as 12% after eight to 16 weeks of restricted calorie diets.

The risk is more than 30% within a year to 18 months after gastric by-pass surgery.
About one-third of gallstone cases in these situations are symptomatic. The risk for gallstones are highest in the following dieters:
Those who lost more than 24% of their initial body weight.

Those who lose more than 1.5 kg (3.3. lb.) a week.

Those on very low-fat, low-calorie diets.
Weight cycling also puts people at risk for gallstones. For example, a 16-year study found that the risk for gallstone surgery was 68% higher for women who lost and then regained more than 20 pounds at least once than in women whose weight remained stable. "

Alliance · 09-11-2002, 11:44 AM

That's what happened to me 3 years ago.not mention I almost died on the table b/c I had gangrene with it. Why? Because I had gained back my weight after losing so much before that. I let the pain go for so long

Anybody out there that is hurting with their gallbladder go to the doctor make them do a US on you. People have died b/c og misdiagnoses from doctors.

Diane In Colorado · 09-11-2002, 04:55 PM

After losing around 55lbs or so, I too had my gallbladder removed this last January. I went in for pain, and they gave me an ultrasound, I was in surgery within hours. That was very scary because I had never had any kind of surgery before.

Julie_21 · 09-11-2002, 11:34 PM

Wow!

Thank you for posting this! I had no idea that there was any possible complications involoved with losing weight. I always get such great information here!