Gallstones after bariatric surgery—how to reduce the risk?
Bariatric procedures have become the most reliable option for weight loss over the past few years for people suffering from morbid obesity and obesity-related conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss surgeries are of different types:
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Adjustable gastric band (AGB)
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
- Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS)
- Gastric balloon
These weight loss procedures demonstrated their effectiveness not only in significant weight loss but also in improving comorbid problems like hyperlipidaemia, GERD, and lower back pain. The recovery process following a bariatric surgery is quite long; achieving the desired weight loss results might take a few months. In most cases, the procedure and recovery go smoothly as long as the patients follow the doctor’s suggestions, especially the diet and physical activities.
Other suggestions include:
- Determined resting period
- Prescribed medication
- Certain daily habits
If bariatric surgery patients fail to follow these recommendations, it could hinder their recovery and impact weight loss results. However, it is important to remember that major surgical procedures, such as bariatric surgeries, can result in complications both during and after the surgery. Complications that may occur during recovery include infection, bleeding, GERD, hernias, ulcers, etc.
Gallstone formation is another major complication, which is generally observed during the first two years after weight loss surgery.
Here in this article, Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad, provides his insights on why gallstones are common after weight loss surgery and tips to prevent them.
If you are looking for weight loss surgery, consult Dr. Pareek; he and his team of experts will help you at every step of the surgical process to prevent complications. Postoperative care is an integral part of their treatment plans, which means he and his team will monitor your recovery. If you suffer any type of postoperative complication, especially gallstones, our team of expert bariatric surgeons can provide the necessary treatment and ensure a successful recovery.
Remember, every case is different, and the results also vary from person to person. If you have recently undergone weight loss surgery and are experiencing side effects or uncontrollable pain, please consult your surgeon as soon as possible.
What are gallstones, and how are they connected with bariatric surgery?
Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, which is located near the liver. The gallbladder in our body serves the purpose of storing bile, a digestive fluid which released into the small intestine to break down fats. Gallstones are hard deposits and they are formed in different sizes, as small as sand grains to a golf ball. They may cause severe complications like pain, infection, and bile duct blockage.
Bariatric surgery results in rapid weight loss, which can trigger gallstone formation. However, the incidence of gallstone formation varies based on the type of bariatric surgery performed. Some studies say that the RYGB procedure has a higher risk of developing gallstones compared to other bariatric procedures. In a study, they stated that after the RYGB procedure, gallstone incidence was observed to be 34% and after sleeve gastrectomy, it was 28%.
Most of the patients develop gallstones within the first year after surgery. Some people might not experience any symptoms, while others have painful and potentially complicated conditions.
Causes of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery?
Typically, gallstones are formed due to an imbalance of components that form bile. The major component in bie is cholesterol, which can crystallize and become stones if excessively present. These bariatric procedures make significant changes to the digestive system, which impacts your body’s metabolism and the composition of bile. Over time, these changes increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Quick weight loss, which is common in bariatric surgeries, triggers excess production of cholesterol by the liver, which is then mixed with the bile fluid.
After bariatric surgery, the amount of food consumed by the patients is reduced drastically. This could alter how your body processes fat, which might increase the cholesterol concentration in the bile fluid.
Bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass (rerouting the digestive system), change digestive functions, which makes it hard for the gallbladder to empty bile completely.
How to prevent gallstones?
Nearly 80% of gallstones in the gall bladder are cholesterol stones. As discussed above, the risk of gallstone formation becomes high when the liver secretes more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve.
So choosing a diet low in cholesterol and high in fibre greatly reduces the risk of gallstone formation.
- Reduce the consumption of fatty foods.
- Eat fish
- Prefer olive oil, avocado, nuts, and almonds over animal fats
- Include whole grains, vegetables, berries, and fruits because they are rich in fibre.
- Eat lecithin-rich foods like egg yolks and seafood.
- Plant extracts and turmeric increase bile solubility.
- Exclude beans and soy in your.
- Don’t skip meals; maintain consistency.
For more detailed information or looking for gallstones treatment in Hyderabad, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad.
