Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a standard procedure for gallstones. The gallbladder is a small organ that forms part of the digestive system but is not essential for survival.
The removal of this organ can lead to weight loss, which people can manage through a healthful diet and regular exercise.
Gallstones are collections of hardened substances that form within the gallbladder. These stones can cause ongoing episodes of abdominal pain, inflammation, and gallbladder infection.
Gallstones can also cause blockages in the duct of the gallbladder and the duct between the liver and pancreas. These can lead to further complications, such as pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.
The gallbladder stores bile, which is a substance that the liver produces. Bile breaks down fats for digestion. Without the gallbladder, the body cannot store as much bile, and it does not break down as much fat.
While the possible immediate adverse effects of surgery, such as diarrhea, may lead to weight loss in the short term, gallbladder removal may actually lead to a higher long-term body mass index (BMI).
