Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Have Had My Gall Bladder Removed And Take 40mg
Question: I have had my gall bladder removed and take 40mg of Nexium daily...but I continually belch. Deep, loud, pressure builds...very excessive! I don't drink soda, or smoke, or eat spicy foods...I'm maybe 10 lb. overweight. I am 44 YOF. It is really embarrassing and annoying! What is going on and what can I do?
Brief Answer:
Can try Simethicone
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
How long ago was your cholecystectomy? After having one's gall bladder out, reintroducing foods with fiber needs to be done gradually because these can be gas formers and it takes awhile for the body readjust. Eating smaller portions at a time can help too. Also, avoiding fatty/greasy foods, but you likely know that one already.
There are medications that can help with gas, too. You can start with an over the counter simethicone preparation (get one that is simethicone only, no other medications). Simethicone works by breaking up gas into smaller size bubbles which can then pass unnoticeably.
I don't know how long you have been on the Nexium, but for some people, the proton pump inhibitors can cause digestive disturbances. I don't want to tell you to go off of it without your doctor's permission, but some people do better with H2 blocker class of medicines for stomach acid, such as ranitidine. And you can also supplement with DGL (a form of licorice with the steroid effect removed). The H2 blocker and DGL would be for the stomach/duodenal irritation that may be causing the reflux, not for the excessive gas itself.
For a couple of weeks, consider discontinuing caffeinated tea and alcohol as those both can be upper GI irritants and increase reflux. Also-no peppermint as that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter making reflux more likely.
I hope this gives you a place to start. If it doesn't help, then time to go back to the doctor.
Can try Simethicone
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
How long ago was your cholecystectomy? After having one's gall bladder out, reintroducing foods with fiber needs to be done gradually because these can be gas formers and it takes awhile for the body readjust. Eating smaller portions at a time can help too. Also, avoiding fatty/greasy foods, but you likely know that one already.
There are medications that can help with gas, too. You can start with an over the counter simethicone preparation (get one that is simethicone only, no other medications). Simethicone works by breaking up gas into smaller size bubbles which can then pass unnoticeably.
I don't know how long you have been on the Nexium, but for some people, the proton pump inhibitors can cause digestive disturbances. I don't want to tell you to go off of it without your doctor's permission, but some people do better with H2 blocker class of medicines for stomach acid, such as ranitidine. And you can also supplement with DGL (a form of licorice with the steroid effect removed). The H2 blocker and DGL would be for the stomach/duodenal irritation that may be causing the reflux, not for the excessive gas itself.
For a couple of weeks, consider discontinuing caffeinated tea and alcohol as those both can be upper GI irritants and increase reflux. Also-no peppermint as that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter making reflux more likely.
I hope this gives you a place to start. If it doesn't help, then time to go back to the doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Surgery was done in November 2017. I felt like the condition was improved shortly thereafter but has since build up to the exact same issue as prior. They said the gallbladder was quite damaged and diseased so probably not for nothing… But definitely extremely disappointed.
Iced tea may be very difficult to remove as it is my only source of caffeine ;). I would be willing to switch up all the medications ... it really can't hurt !
Iced tea may be very difficult to remove as it is my only source of caffeine ;). I would be willing to switch up all the medications ... it really can't hurt !
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
So, the symptoms you are having now are the same as you had before your gall bladder was removed, got better, and has returned? If that is the case, I recommend that you report this to the gastroenterologist for consideration of imaging of the remaining ducts.
Sometimes after a cholecystectomy, although the gall bladder is gone, stones or inflammation can happen in the remaining ducts.
I am thinking that the problem is either from an irritated stomach/duodenum, causing gas and reflux (and therefore the need to treat it with an acid reducer and diet as described), which can sometimes be a problem after the gall bladder is out, or there might be something going on with the remaining ducts, which can show itself on imaging tests (ultrasound, ERCP or MRI-ERCP).
With switching from a PPI to an H2 blocker, please know that sometimes people get a rebound hyperacidity when going off the PPI.
It may or may not happen, but just wanted you to know in case you experience this.
Regards
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
So, the symptoms you are having now are the same as you had before your gall bladder was removed, got better, and has returned? If that is the case, I recommend that you report this to the gastroenterologist for consideration of imaging of the remaining ducts.
Sometimes after a cholecystectomy, although the gall bladder is gone, stones or inflammation can happen in the remaining ducts.
I am thinking that the problem is either from an irritated stomach/duodenum, causing gas and reflux (and therefore the need to treat it with an acid reducer and diet as described), which can sometimes be a problem after the gall bladder is out, or there might be something going on with the remaining ducts, which can show itself on imaging tests (ultrasound, ERCP or MRI-ERCP).
With switching from a PPI to an H2 blocker, please know that sometimes people get a rebound hyperacidity when going off the PPI.
It may or may not happen, but just wanted you to know in case you experience this.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
