Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) Improved Symptoms?

[LisaInLJ]

Hello, quick history and then my question.

I have had lymphocytic colitis symptoms (frequent BM/diarrhea and some bloating) since 1998 shortly after I had open heart surgery to replace a bad mitral valve. I can't say that the onset was related to the surgery, but that''s how it happened nonetheless. It wasn't diagnosed until 2010 because that's when I finally got up the courage to mention it to a doctor and had a colonoscopy with biopsy to confirm. It seems to run in my family because I have a cousin who was diagnosed a couple of years ago, and my grandmother had the same symptoms, but was never diagnosed. I've taken many medications over the years - Budesonide (did nothing), Cholestyramine (helped, but damaged my tooth enamel), Colestid (helped, but still had some symptoms), and most recently Alosetron, which worked better than anything else, although I still had occasional bouts of diarrhea and no "normal" BMs.

On February 3, I had an unplanned gallbladder removal and since then, my symptoms have improved. My BMs are soft and sporadic, but not diarrhea. I stopped taking Alosetron and the symptoms remain almost gone. Has anyone else seen improvement after having their gallbladder removed? If so, how long did it last?

[Gabes-Apg]

Lisa

I had my gallbladder removed in May 2024.
After 9 months of chronic pain prior to the surgery, I did feel better with less inflammation and pain impacting my day.

my ability to assess if things had vastly improved MC wise post surgery was impaired by a breast cancer diagnosis in June 2024 and subsequent surgery and radiation treatment.

As at April 2025, now that I have recovered from impacts of covid, radiation treatments and stressful situation of moving house. For me having no pain and no chronic inflammation my MC is much happier now compared to when I was having gallbladder issues.
the MC safe eating plan suits cholecystectomy situation ( healthy whole foods, no take aways, no processed foods)

[LisaInLJ]

Thanks for the information. Sorry for everything you've been through. As if one thing isn't enough!

[fredi223]

I had my gallbladder out a couple months back and saw my diarrhea calm down too – now it’s just soft, normal BMs. It’s stayed this way for me so far, so fingers crossed it’ll be the same for you.

[seby645]

I had mine removed a while back and noticed some relief too, but for me, it wasn't a total fix. My digestion got better overall, but I still deal with some ups and downs now and then. From what I've read, it seems like some people experience long-term improvement, while others might see things come back over time.