When should I seek urgent medical help?

Seek urgent care for severe pain, fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, black stools, or signs of dehydration or serious illness.

Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert

Q: What is the SeHCAT test?

A SeHCAT test is a UK diagnostic scan that measures how well your body retains/absorbs bile acids over a week and can help diagnose bile acid malabsorption.

Q: Can diet help bile acid diarrhoea?

Lower-fat meals, smaller portions and careful trigger tracking often reduce symptoms, especially during early recovery.

Bile Acid Diarrhoea After Gallbladder Removal (UK): Symptoms, SeHCAT Test, and What Helps

Author context: I lost 6 stone on GLP-1 (Mounjaro) and had emergency NHS gallbladder surgery in February 2026. During recovery, I learned fast that “digestive upset” after cholecystectomy can be more than just bland food and time.

Medical note: This is lived experience + education, not medical advice. If you have severe pain, fever, jaundice, or persistent vomiting, seek urgent medical care.

Short answer: Some people develop ongoing loose stools after gallbladder removal because bile flows more continuously into the bowel. If excess bile acids reach the colon, they can pull water into the gut and trigger watery diarrhoea and urgency. This is often called bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) or bile acid malabsorption (BAM). It’s uncomfortable — but importantly, it’s treatable.

Start here: If you’re dealing with gallbladder symptoms (or recovery after removal) and want the full UK guide — symptoms, red flags, A&E triggers, surgery, recovery, diet and GLP-1 context — use the mega hub below.

GLP-1, Gallstones & Gallbladder Removal (UK): Mega FAQ Guide →

If you’re thinking “is this normal, or is something wrong?” this guide will help you spot patterns, know what to ask for, and what support options are reasonable while you wait for help.

Start here first: Low-fat diet after gallbladder removal (UK) →

What is bile acid diarrhoea (BAD)?

Bile acid diarrhoea happens when too much bile acid reaches the large intestine (colon). Bile acids are essential for fat digestion, but in the colon they can irritate the lining and cause watery diarrhoea, urgency and cramping.

You might also see it called:

bile acid malabsorption (BAM)
bile salt diarrhoea

After gallbladder removal, bile doesn’t “store and squirt” anymore — it tends to flow more continuously. For many people that’s fine. For some, it becomes an ongoing trigger.

Is diarrhoea after gallbladder removal common?

It can be. The reported rate of post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea varies a lot between studies (partly because not everyone is investigated), but research reviews have reported a wide range. One audit paper noted post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea has been reported anywhere from 2.1% to 57.2%, and not all of that is necessarily bile acid diarrhoea.

For readers who want the source (useful for trust and for talking to a clinician):

Symptoms: what BAD feels like (and how it differs from “normal recovery”)

Everyone’s recovery is different. But BAD often has a recognisable pattern:

Watery diarrhoea (often sudden)
Urgency (that “I need a toilet now” feeling)
Cramping that improves after a bowel movement
Symptoms worse after fatty foods
Sometimes yellow or pale stool (not always)

Short-term looseness right after surgery can happen for other reasons (medications, diet change, stress, antibiotics). BAD is more likely when symptoms are persistent or follow a “fat-trigger → urgency” pattern.

Table: Is this likely bile acid diarrhoea?

Pattern	More like normal adjustment	More like bile acid diarrhoea
Timing	First few days only	Persists weeks/months
Triggers	Random, inconsistent	Worse after fatty meals
Stool	Soft/loose sometimes	Watery + urgency
Impact	Annoying but manageable	Affects daily life / confidence

How is BAD diagnosed in the UK?

In the UK, a common test is a SeHCAT scan, which assesses bile acid absorption. It involves swallowing a small capsule and attending appointments a week apart for measurements.

Helpful UK patient explanations:

Sometimes, clinicians may use a “treatment trial” approach (trying a bile acid binder) if testing is delayed or unavailable — your doctor will guide this based on your situation.

What treatments are commonly used?

The most common medical treatments are bile acid sequestrants (also called bile acid binders). They work by binding bile acids in the gut so they don’t irritate the colon.

Examples often discussed include:

cholestyramine (sometimes spelled colestyramine)
colesevelam

Useful references (patient-friendly and UK-based):

Practical “while you wait” steps that often help

These are not cures. They’re practical levers that reduce triggers and give you data to bring to your GP.

Eat smaller meals (large meals = larger bile demand)
Reduce fat temporarily, then reintroduce slowly
Keep a 7-day trigger log (meal → symptoms → timing)
Hydration + electrolytes if you’re having frequent watery stools
Consider soluble fibre cautiously (introduce slowly)

If you haven’t already, start with the low-fat diet guide here →

Where Lily & Loaf fits

Important: supplements do not treat bile acid diarrhoea. If you suspect BAD, the right move is medical assessment (and when appropriate, medical treatment). Where supplements can help is supporting hydration, digestion and nutrient intake while you’re stabilising your routine.

These are the most practical “support categories” people explore post-cholecystectomy:

Electrolytes: helpful if you’re losing fluids (look for simple formulas, not mega-stimulant mixes)
Digestive enzymes: some people trial enzymes during food reintroduction, especially with mixed meals
Probiotics: sometimes used while diet patterns shift (results vary person to person)
Soluble fibre support: some people use fibre strategically to help stool consistency (go slow)

Lily & Loaf links (affiliate):

Safety note: if you’re on prescription medication or have ongoing diarrhoea, check with your clinician before adding supplements (some binders and fibres can affect absorption/timing of meds).

GLP-1 note: why this comes up in the same cluster

GLP-1 medications can change digestion and appetite, and rapid weight loss can increase gallstone risk in some people. That’s why this cluster links together: symptoms → causes → emergency thresholds → recovery.

Read: Did Mounjaro cause my gallstones? (science explainer) →

Read: Right-side chest/back pain on GLP-1: when to worry →

Video diary: my surgery story (authority proof)

If you want the full timeline and how “it started as nothing” becomes a real emergency, this is my diary video.

When to seek urgent help

Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t settle
Fever or chills
Yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice)
Persistent vomiting
Blood in stool, black stools, or signs of dehydration

If you suspect a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.

FAQs

1) Is diarrhoea normal after gallbladder removal?

Some people have short-term looseness after surgery. Persistent watery diarrhoea and urgency can suggest bile acid diarrhoea and should be assessed.

2) What is bile acid diarrhoea (BAD)?

It’s diarrhoea caused by excess bile acids reaching the colon, where they pull water into the bowel and irritate the lining.

3) How common is post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea?

Studies report a wide range, and not all cases are bile acid related. If symptoms persist, it’s worth investigating.

4) What is the SeHCAT test?

A UK diagnostic scan that measures how well your body retains/absorbs bile acids over a week.

5) What medications treat BAD?

Bile acid sequestrants (bile acid binders) such as cholestyramine or colesevelam are commonly used under medical supervision.

6) Can diet help bile acid diarrhoea?

Lower-fat meals and smaller portions often reduce symptoms, especially in early recovery.

7) Why do fatty foods trigger urgency?

Fat stimulates bile release. Without bile storage, larger fat loads can push more bile acids into the bowel at once.

8) What fibre is best to try?

Soluble fibre is often discussed. Introduce slowly and track your response.

9) Can probiotics help?

Some people find them helpful during diet transitions, but they don’t treat bile acid diarrhoea itself.

10) Are digestive enzymes a treatment for BAD?

No. Some people use enzymes as digestion support during food reintroduction, but they’re not a medical treatment for BAD.

11) How long should I wait before speaking to my GP?

If diarrhoea is persistent, frequent, or affecting daily life beyond the initial recovery period, speak to your GP sooner rather than later.

12) Can dehydration happen from frequent watery stools?

Yes. Monitor hydration and seek help if you feel dizzy, weak, or you’re not keeping fluids in.

13) Does gallbladder removal affect nutrient absorption?

Most people absorb nutrients normally, but persistent diarrhoea can impact hydration and routines. If symptoms persist, get assessed.

14) Does GLP-1 affect diarrhoea after surgery?

GLP-1 can change digestion and appetite. If you are restarting GLP-1 post-op, your clinician should guide timing and dose.

15) When should I go to A&E?

If you have severe pain, fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration or serious illness, seek urgent medical care.

Disclaimer: This article shares lived experience and educational context. It does not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect a medical emergency, seek urgent care immediately.

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

Why you can trust this story: I lost 6 stone using Mounjaro (GLP-1) in 12 months and had emergency NHS gallbladder surgery in February 2026. I documented the experience publicly, including the symptoms I nearly ignored.

Medical note: This is lived experience + educational context, not medical advice. If you’re in severe pain or worried, contact 111 or go to A&E.

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.

GLP-1, Gallstones & Gallbladder Removal (UK): Mega FAQ Guide →

Jump to:

My surgery video diary
When to go to A&E (quick checklist)
Does rapid weight loss cause gallstones?
What does a gallbladder attack feel like?
Did Mounjaro cause my gallstones?
NHS emergency process (what happened)
Life after gallbladder removal
Can you take Mounjaro after removal?
Digestive support (educational)
FAQs (People Also Ask)

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)

Seek urgent medical care now if you have:

Severe upper right abdominal pain lasting more than 1–2 hours
Pain spreading to your back or right shoulder blade
Fever, chills, or shaking
Yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice)
Persistent vomiting or worsening pain

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.

Optional digestion support (not medical treatment): Some people choose digestive enzyme blends to support general digestion while they work out what foods feel “normal” again.

Browse digestion support options at Lily & Loaf

Important: Supplements don’t treat gallstones or replace medical care. If symptoms persist, talk to your clinician.

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.”

Disclaimer: This article shares personal experience and educational context. It does not replace professional medical advice. If you have severe symptoms, fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting, or escalating pain, seek urgent medical care.