Side Effects of Gallstones and Gallbladder Removal Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Gallbladder Side Effects of Gallstones and Gallbladder Removal By Dr. Mark Babyatsky Reviewed: April 28, 2008 Fact-Checked Q1. Do gallstones cause constipation and bloating? I take a laxative every day for relief, and I'm reluctantly considering gallbladder removal. — Terrie, MarylandThe most common Q2. Now that I've started menopause, I'm dealing with an increasing number of gallstones that leave me with nausea and indigestion. Will this stop once I'm postmenopausal, or should I have my gallbladder removed? — Rae, West Virginia Unfortunately, your gallstones — and the suffering they cause — aren't likely to go away in the future. In fact, they'll probably worsen. Developing gallstones (or cholecystitis) is a very common problem for people in their fifties, especially postmenopausal women. Once gallstones begin causing symptoms that disrupt quality of life, such as the nausea and indigestion you describe, it becomes pretty clear that it's time to have your gallbladder removed.If you're looking for nonsurgical options, most will probably fall short. Some people do find that they're able to lessen their symptoms by making lifestyle changes, such as In my opinion, while all patients are different, there's little to be gained from waiting to undergo gallbladder surgery. The risks of not having your gallbladder removed can include rupture, gallbladder infection, and NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Gallbladder Symptoms of a Gallbladder Problem You don’t typically spend much time thinking about your gallbladder. But knowing the signs that something’s amiss with it — from pain in certain ...By Diana RodriguezSeptember 30, 2022 Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect Several different surgical procedures may be used to help treat your gallbladder disease.By Jennifer Acosta ScottSeptember 8, 2022 Gallbladder Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment People with gallstones are at greater risk of developing this rare form of cancer.By Diana RodriguezAugust 26, 2022 What Are Common Gallbladder Problems? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Quinn PhillipsOctober 1, 2020 The Link Between Gallbladder Problems and Diabetes If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have gallbladder problems — but there are ways to lower your risk.By Diane StresingMay 1, 2018 Gallstones and Other Gallbladder Problems Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain — or you may have no symptoms at all.By Diana RodriguezApril 26, 2018 What Is Cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is a big word for the simple — but potentially painful — problem of gallbladder inflammation.By Diana RodriguezApril 20, 2018 The Link Between Gallstones, Obesity, and Weight Loss Obesity increases your chances of developing gallstones, but so do weight loss surgery and certain types of diets. Find out how to safely reduce your ...By Erica Ilton, RDN, CDNApril 20, 2018 Gallbladder Surgery Complications While serious complications are rare, it’s important to know what to look out for.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal After gallbladder surgery, digestion can be tricky for a while. Here's how to modify your diet.By Krisha McCoyApril 11, 2018 MORE IN Tonsil Stones Treatment: Home Remedies, Surgery Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Why Your Risk for EPI Goes Up After Pancreatic Surgery Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges