Tag: Fat Digestion After Surgery

GLP-1, Rapid Weight Loss and Gallstones: My Emergency Gallbladder Surgery Story (UK)

Two days.

That’s what the surgeon told me — if I’d waited another 48 hours, my gallbladder would likely have ruptured.

I’d lost 6 stone using Mounjaro (GLP-1). I felt healthier than I had in years. Then right-side pain, back pain, and symptoms I almost dismissed as “trapped wind” escalated into an emergency.

My Surgery Story (Video Diary)

This is the video diary where I walk through the timeline, the symptoms, and the NHS emergency surgery process.

Why this matters for Google (and real humans): it’s time-stamped, first-hand documentation of symptoms → escalation → emergency treatment. That’s experience, not theory.

When to go to A&E (quick checklist)

Does rapid weight loss cause gallstones?

Yes, rapid weight loss increases the risk of gallstones. When weight drops quickly, the liver releases more cholesterol into bile while the gallbladder may empty less often. This can allow crystals to form and develop into gallstones.

This risk is commonly discussed in relation to:

• Very low calorie diets
• Bariatric surgery
• Rapid fat loss programmes
• GLP-1 assisted weight loss

What does a gallbladder attack feel like?

A gallbladder attack usually causes sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain may spread to the back or right shoulder blade and often worsens after eating fatty foods. Episodes typically last one to several hours and may include nausea.

• Sharp pain under right ribs
• Back or shoulder blade pain
• Nausea
• Pain lasting more than 1 hour
• Often worse after fatty meals

Did Mounjaro cause my gallstones?

Here’s the responsible way to think about it:

• Rapid weight loss itself is a known risk factor for gallstones.
• GLP-1 medications can lead to significant, sustained weight loss — which may increase risk indirectly for some people.

In my case, the most likely driver was the speed of fat loss combined with personal susceptibility. That’s why this topic needs calm, evidence-aware framing — not panic.

NHS emergency process (what happened)

I’m not sharing every clinical detail publicly, but the pattern looked like this:

• Symptoms escalated beyond “indigestion”
• A&E assessment + bloods to check inflammation/infection markers
• Imaging confirmed gallstones/obstruction
• Emergency surgery (cholecystectomy) followed

If you’re reading this mid-pain: don’t rely on blogs (including mine). Use 111/A&E when symptoms match the checklist above.

Life after gallbladder removal: what to expect

Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly from liver to intestine instead of being stored and released in bursts. Most people adapt over time, but digestion can be “weird” during recovery.

Table snippet target: common changes after gallbladder removal

Change	Why it can happen
Loose stools / diarrhoea	Bile reaches the gut more continuously and can irritate the colon
Fat sensitivity	No bile storage “surge” for large fatty meals
Bloating / discomfort	Digestive system adjusting to new bile flow pattern
Urgency after meals	Some foods trigger quicker gut response during recovery

Can you take Mounjaro after gallbladder removal?

In many cases, yes — but only under medical supervision. After gallbladder removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine. Most people adapt over time, and some continue GLP-1 medications successfully. Your surgeon/prescriber should guide timing and dose changes.

Digestive support (educational context only)

During recovery, I focused on basics first (food choices, meal size, and gradual reintroduction). Some people also explore non-prescription digestive support during dietary transitions.

Related reading

• My supplement hub (best picks + stacks)
• Supplements on GLP-1: starter stack (UK)
• Muscle loss on GLP-1: what actually helps (UK)
• Dry mouth on GLP-1: what actually helps (UK)

FAQs (People Also Ask)

1) Does rapid weight loss cause gallstones?

Rapid weight loss increases gallstone risk because bile chemistry changes and the gallbladder may empty less often, making stone formation more likely.

2) What does a gallbladder attack feel like?

It’s typically sudden, severe upper right abdominal pain that can spread to the back or right shoulder blade, often after fatty food, lasting one to several hours.

3) Gallbladder attack vs trapped wind — how can you tell?

Gallbladder pain tends to be persistent, severe, and may radiate to the back/shoulder; trapped wind often shifts, improves with movement/burping, and isn’t usually triggered repeatedly after fatty meals.

4) Can gallbladder pain feel like chest pain?

Yes. Some people feel pain behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen, which is why severe symptoms should be assessed urgently to rule out other causes.

5) How long does a gallbladder attack last?

Often one to several hours. Pain lasting more than 1–2 hours (especially with fever, vomiting, or jaundice) should be assessed urgently.

6) Where is gallbladder pain located?

Commonly in the upper right abdomen under the ribs, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder blade.

7) What foods trigger gallbladder attacks?

Fatty meals are a common trigger. Individual triggers vary, especially during periods of gallbladder irritation or bile duct obstruction.

8) What should I do during a suspected gallbladder attack?

If pain is severe, persistent, or worsening, seek medical advice urgently. Don’t “wait it out” if symptoms match the A&E checklist.

9) When should I go to A&E for gallbladder pain?

If pain lasts more than 1–2 hours, or you have fever, vomiting, chills, or jaundice, go to A&E/seek urgent care.

10) What happens if a gallbladder bursts?

A ruptured gallbladder can leak bile into the abdomen and cause serious infection (peritonitis). This is an emergency requiring urgent treatment.

11) Can gallstones cause back or shoulder pain?

Yes. Pain can “refer” to the back or right shoulder blade, which is why it’s often mistaken for muscle strain.

12) Can GLP-1 medications increase gallstone risk?

Rapid weight loss is a known risk factor. GLP-1 medications may increase risk indirectly in some people because they can lead to substantial weight loss.

13) Did Mounjaro cause my gallstones — or was it the weight loss?

For many people, the speed of weight loss is the biggest driver of risk. Medication may contribute indirectly through accelerated fat loss.

14) Can you take Mounjaro after gallbladder removal?

Many people do, but it must be guided by your clinician. Timing can depend on your recovery and any complications.

15) How long after gallbladder removal can you restart GLP-1?

This varies. Some clinicians prefer waiting until you’re fully recovered and your digestion stabilises. Follow your surgeon/prescriber’s advice.

16) What are common side effects after gallbladder removal?

Temporary loose stools, bloating, and fat sensitivity are common during adaptation. Most people improve over time.

17) Why do some people get diarrhoea after gallbladder removal?

Continuous bile flow can irritate the colon in some people, leading to loose stools or diarrhoea.

18) What is bile acid diarrhoea and can it happen after surgery?

Bile acid diarrhoea happens when excess bile acids reach the colon and trigger watery diarrhoea. It can occur after gallbladder removal and is treatable — ask your clinician.

19) What diet helps after gallbladder removal?

Many people do best starting with smaller meals and lower fat foods, then reintroducing fats gradually as tolerance improves.

20) Do digestive enzymes help after gallbladder removal?

Some people choose enzymes to support general digestion during dietary changes. They’re not a treatment for gallstones or surgery complications — think “support,” not “fix.”