Living without a Gallbladder - Critical information

Living without a Gallbladder
By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP

Roughly 20 million Americans suffer from gallstones, and 750,000 of them have their gallbladders removed each year. There are 800,000 hospitalizations $2 billion spend annually on gallbladder disease.


For most people the pain of a malfunctioning gallbladder eventually becomes unbearable. After one or two trips to the emergency room the suggestion of surgery is met with certain approval. Unfortunately this may or may not end the pain and discomfort. The probable after-effects of gallbladder surgery are never discussed with the patient which leaves the patient with the impression that all will be well after surgery. But it doesn't take long to realize that all is "not well" and the patient soon begins to feel very betrayed by their surgeon and doctor who did not prepare them for "life without a gallbladder."


Contrary to medical opinion the gallbladder is of use to the body. The gallbladder is a small sac underneath your liver that stores and secretes bile, a digestive fluid that breaks down fats. Gallstones form when the chemical compounds in bile become unbalanced -- no one's sure exactly why this happens, but a diet high in fat often makes the problem worse. Since bile is actually produced by the liver, it's possible to survive without a gallbladder, but often not without unpleasant digestive tract complications.The gallbladder is like a pump. Without it, the liver can't secrete enough bile to properly digest a full meal. Many people experience symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, constipation, increased allergies, liver congestion, itchy skin and autoimmune diseases. Some patients suffer from dumping syndrome, in which food is "dumped" too quickly into the intestines from the stomach.


Suggestions for living without a gallbladder:

Diet is extremely important. Eat low-fat, high fiber, organic and healthy. Eliminate refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated oils.

Liver Flush - Every four months. People without gallbladders may develop stones in the liver which will lead to a sluggish liver.

Parasite Cleanse - Two times a year. I recommend a six-week course of Para-Buster then maintenance for 3 weeks.

Digestive Enzymes - Take 3-5 capsules at least 15 minutes before each meal. You will need to take enzymes for the rest of your life in order to digest the good fats (Omega 3) which are essential for good health.

Reduce chemical overload on the liver (pre-packaged food, personal care products, lawn products, perfumes, cosmetics, etc.)

Drink only filtered water - Try to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water every day.

Use a Probiotic - I recommend Latero-Flora or Primal Defense.

Reduce animal intake (meat and dairy) - When consuming animal products make sure they are free-range, organic and hormone-free.

Eliminate white sugar and white flour.

Consume a green drink or pills equal to one-two tablespoons daily. Quantum Greens is a good choice.

Activated Charcoal - Some people have found that this helps with symptoms as it helps to sequester bile acid.

Chinese Bitters (Chinese Gentian with Bupleurum) in the morning and Coptis with Bupleurum at night to stimulate bile flow.

Exercise daily for 30 minutes. Walking is highly suggested.

Following the above suggestions will ensure that your digestive system operates to its fullest and will help to alleviate many of the side-effects from gallbladder removal.

So your gallbladder is gone...that's the past. It's time to move on and educate yourself in getting healthy and feeling better. Following the above suggestions will ensure that your digestive system operates to its fullest and will help to alleviate many of the side-effect from gallbladder removal. You can feel good again after gallbladder surgery, but for most it will mean committing to a total lifestyle change that will be beneficial in more ways than just one.

As with most disease, prevention is the best solution, but when disease strikes remember that there are always solutions and always hope.


If you have any doubts about the self-healing power of your body,
consult your naturopath or health practitioner for advise!