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How can I combat post-gallbladder-removal belly fat and weight gain during menopause?

By May 15, 2009 - 10:55pm
 
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Hello, in October 2008 I was well into menopause but had no real issues with belly fat or overall weight gain. Then I had my gallbladder removed due to painful attacks of my common bile duct, as well as gallstones. I am appalled at the weight I have gained since the surgical procedure. In fact it is so upsetting (none of my clothes fit) that I feel at times clinically depressed. I've never had to fight weight gain before. Now I have an "unsupportive spine" as well, and must take occasional bouts of oral steroids to control the inflammation. I also have had two spinal epidural steroid injections, and wonder if these injections could cause me to gain weight. Any comments would be most welcome. Thank you!

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

agreed! i developed gullstones with my child. and had to suffer untill he was born. about 3 months ago is when i got my gullbladder removed and still have not seen any weight loss during this. i also have thryoid desiease and taking a medication for that..i also delievered my son 3 months ago and trying to lose the baby weight and after having surgerie is difficult., ive never had gullbladder problems untill i got pregnant with my first son and now that i dont like my body image and still continue to eat a healthy diet im still gaining the weight... i have not however taken my thyoid meds due to normal thyroid levels.. what would be ur opoion on my story and what i should do?

December 26, 2011 - 12:02pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Coach Virginia)

Hi Virginia, thanks very much for your kind and learned response. I take nothing for depression as this is just a general "feeling" I have when I take a look in the mirror or try on a pair of jeans that fit last summer. It is quite fleeting, I don't always feel depressed; it's not a formal diagnosis. In the distant past I did take anti-depressants after the death of my father, but I don't think I will ever choose to take them again. The side effects are much worse than feeling depressed. I can usually walk, dance, run and talk myself out of depression, thus the term "clinical depression" was not a good choice on my part. The injections into my spine are corticosteroids, not anabolic steroids. I receive dexamethasone or solu-medrol in these injections. And I've taken one "round" of oral steroids. At this time I am certainly less active. I've had a troublesome back for about 8 years. However, during 6 of those years I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland and was very physically active. From the ages of 48-54 I was in the best shape of my life. Upon returning to the USA (the land of cars) I found myself putting on weight because I was not literally running to catch trains and taxis. My job in Scotland was also very physical and helped burn calories. Now I find that I do crave carbs occasionally, but I don't give in to this in a major way and I don't overeat. This has been a gradual 15-20 pound weight gain over a period of one year. I'm hoping Yoga will help me to fine tune my attitude and relationship with my changing body. I'll keep posting and hope to hear from others who may have experienced weight gain post-cholecystectomy. It is honestly a common complaint. There are blogs galore on the Internet about it, but I won't join one. Instead I'll step up my physical activity. Swimming should help. And of course walking. My beloved jogging is something I've had to give up due to my brittle spine. Again, thanks very much for writing. This is a wonderful website. I know I'll enjoy it a lot. Have a great weekend!

Best wishes,

Beth

May 16, 2009 - 7:52am
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