Liver problems after gallbladder removal? It’s more common than you think! Your liver takes on extra work once the gallbladder is gone, and it’s important to know the signs that things aren’t running smoothly. Here are eight key signs your liver might need a little extra support post-surgery:
- Feeling Tired and Weak
Constantly feeling exhausted? It could be more than just post-surgery fatigue. When your liver is under stress, it struggles to process nutrients and detoxify your body, which can leave you feeling exhausted. If even simple daily tasks seem like a challenge, your liver might be overwhelmed.
- Nausea After Eating
If you feel nauseous, especially after eating fatty foods, your liver might be having trouble managing bile flow without the gallbladder’s help. Bile is essential for digesting fats, and when it’s not released properly, it can cause digestive discomfort.
- Pain in the Upper Right Side
Experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain on the upper right side of your abdomen? This is where your liver is located, and pain in this area could signal liver stress. The discomfort might also radiate to your back or shoulder blades, making it hard to pinpoint the exact source.
- Loss of Appetite
Not feeling hungry? Liver problems can disrupt digestion, making food less appealing. This loss of appetite can lead to unintended weight loss, as your liver has trouble processing nutrients and managing bile flow.
- Itching All Over
Unexplained itching? It might be due to a buildup of bile salts in your bloodstream. When the liver can’t efficiently process bile, these salts can accumulate and cause an irritating, persistent itch that isn’t relieved by topical treatments.
- Unexpected Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be because your liver isn’t digesting fats and nutrients effectively. When the liver struggles, nutrient absorption declines, leading to unintended weight loss.
- Yellowing Skin or Eyes
Notice a yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes? This is known as jaundice and is a clear signal of liver problems. When the liver can’t process bilirubin – a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown – properly, it builds up in your system, causing that yellowish hue.
- Heartburn After Meals
Bile flow changes can lead to heartburn, especially after eating, as bile irritates your stomach and esophagus.
How to Support Your Liver
To give your liver the care it needs after gallbladder removal, try eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol to lighten your liver’s workload. If these symptoms persist, reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.
Recognizing these signs and taking action can help support your liver’s function and keep you feeling your best after surgery.
References
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Barkman and Smith Physical Therapy is now Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. https://www.bswphysicaltherapy.com/landing-pages/barkmanandsmith/
Whitbourne, K. (2024). What is liver failure? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-liver-failure
Clinic, C. (2024). Why am I so itchy? Common causes and how to know if it’s something serious. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-youre-itchy
Seladi-Schulman, J., PhD. (2024). What you need to know about liver damage and disease. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-failure-stages#symptoms
Moore, K. (2023). What’s causing my yellow skin? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/jaundice-yellow-skin
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