Unnecessary Gallbladder Surgery?

Did you know that gallbladder surgery is now the most common surgery in the United States?  This means that the gallbladder organ is taken out.  Some people have a lot of challenges without their gallbladder, others do not.  I want to share a story with you that may indicate that gallbladders are being taken out unnecessarily. You may know someone that may be in a similar situation.

Someone close to me was told by their doctor that they needed to have their gallbladder removed.  He was having flu-like symptoms and low energy for a few months and went in to get some tests run.  After several tests the doctor determined it was the gallbladder causing the issues and he should consider surgery to remove it.  Having a brother that had his gallbladder removed and finding many health challenges because of it, he was determined to find another way heal his gallbladder.

After a lot of internet searches on gallbladder cleanses, he decided to go to a naturopathic doctor that specialized in Chinese medicine.  Even before the physical exam, the naturopath explained his gallbladder was not an issue. The ultrasound report that was sent stated minimal sludge in the gallbladder which is easily reversed with diet. After further examination and clearly stated on the ultrasound report (from the original doctor), he also had some kidney issues and a large kidney stone.   Since the pain being experienced had moved lower in the abdomen, it was clear the pain was not associated with the gallbladder but instead the kidney stone. Needless-to-say, this person is relieved to have all his organs intact. Close call.

Gallbladders are responsible for releasing bile into the digestive tract to help digest fat from the food we eat. Without this organ, people may experience digestive issues.  Gallbladder stones are often formed in the gallbladder when I believe people are eating a high fat diet including meat, cheese, and fried foods. If a large stone is formed and blocking the release of bile, this is when pain and possible surgery is suggested.  If you know someone in this situation, there may be alternatives.  There are claims that some Chinese herbs dissolve gallstones.  With all that said, my recommendation to my readers is to ALWAYS ask for your written test results and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

Comments 11

  1. CDouglas
    March 27, 2015

    Thanks Linda,

    I just had my gallbladder removed. It started with one night of excruciating pain around my abdomen and lower back. This continued for the next 3 successive evenings. Almost unbearable. I am a healthy male, late 40s and exercise. But i have a poor diet. I am not overweight, but am heavy on carbs, particularly refined flours and sugars. I’m an addict for sure.

    Anyway, my bilirubin counts were considerably high. they ran a sonogram and found the gallbladder to be contracted. i then went for a hida imaging test that discovered the gallbladder was not filling. the bile was bypassing it completely. they gave me morphine to constrict the the bile duct below the gallbladder and they finally got an image to come up. but this result basically led the dr to confirm the gallbladder was malfunctioning. and thus the decision was made to yank it. i am post surgery 3 days now and dealing with the pain. i should be fine though. of course i second guess my decision, but the doc said that the gallbladder was white and the walls were scarred. we are awaiting pathology report, but i’m guessing that my organ was past the point of any detox remedy or change in diet. i can’t be sure, but now it’s too late anyway. it’s gone. but during this whole process my faith in the medical profession was boosted. i have no complaints. but ask me in 4 weeks when i receive the final bill(s). thx again. CD

    1. March 27, 2015

      Thank you so much for sharing your story! Maybe someday they will have a test for early detection so that we can fix before it turns to taking the organ out. I am interested to hear back and see if you have any issues with digestion particularly digesting fats. I have found some have issues, others not so much. I do wish you the best of luck with your health and thanks again for sharing.

  2. Gigi
    June 30, 2017

    Include lemon juice, apples, beets ,ginger, turmeric in your daily diet and remove red meat from your diet and you should prevent and heal gallbladder stones and issues.

    1. January 22, 2018

      Gigi, great suggestions. Thanks for adding vital informatinn to the post.

  3. Gigi
    June 30, 2017

    Also be sure to include the healthy oils cold-pressed coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.

  4. DonBerry
    January 15, 2018

    My wife was experiencing extreme distress one morning. After sitting with her for several hours, I decided to take her to the ER. We waited several hours there and she asked me to pester the nurse to get her to see a MD. Finally she got seen and the MD concluded from tests that her gallbladder was infected and needed removed the next morning. That was 2 years ago. Since that time she constantly blames me for unnecessary surgery and other health problems. She now has creapy skin and cellulite on her legs. She blames the gallbladder removal and me. I’m not a MD and I took no part in the decision to remove it. What are the after-affects? She was an extremely attractive woman, but is now 49, and to be honest her body is aging. Does gallbladder removal affect your looks?

    1. January 22, 2018

      Thank you for your question. I understand your concern. I’m sorry your wife blame’s you as clearly you were trying to do the right thing. Emergency situations are scary and I’m not sure what I would do if I found myself there. It’s not totally known what the after effects will be and until studies are done, the medical communities will continue to take gallbladder’s out. It seems in some situations it is totally necessary and can save someone’s life. As far as crepey skin, in my honest opinion, it is possible it could be related. Most women experience this in their late 40’s early 50’s. But some women whom I feel absorb nutrition optimally and have good gut health will not experience it until much later. If you don’t absorb nutrition properly, premature aging can result. Not having the gallbladder to work to breakdown fat could be a factor no doubt.

  5. Gloria Allen
    September 6, 2018

    In 1996 I had excruciating gallbladder pains from stones (like a knife deep to my sternum) blocking the biliary duct. I educated myself and read up on it that very day. I also read the gallstone flush in Dr. Linda Rector Oage’s book, Healthy Healing. It involved fasting and only having (alternating glasses of) organic apple juice; fresh lemon squeezed with extra virgin olive oil; chamomile tea; and Braggs Apple Cuder Vinegar. Those four things. I did this several times a day about every two hours for each. Since the first day, I began to feel relief. I love food but was not hungry at all because of the high (good) fat of the olive oil. Anyway, on about the fourth or fifth day I went to the bathroom (sounded like they blasted out of my rectum with a loud noise) several gallstones. About five of them. I felt tremendous relief. I had healed myself and dudn’t Need a doctor cutting me open. Thanks to this incredible healer Dr.Linda Rector Page.

    1. September 6, 2018

      Gloria, that is incredible. Good for you taking responsibility for your healing and doing it the right way. Thank you for sharing he great resource. I will look up Dr. Page.

  6. Babs
    October 6, 2021

    I went into ER 12/20 with excruciating stomach/back pain unable to eat or drink for 5 days, severely bloated. After CT the Dr decided to remove GB. Sent me on my way next day. I returned to ER 3 days later no better for a 25 day stint for pancreatitis. That is now chronic. That Dr took my life for a mistake that I can’t prove.

    1. October 8, 2021

      I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing with us.

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