In an average month, over 250,000 people in the UK alone struggle with their weight, with over a quarter (27%) being classed as obese. Having pain and discomfort as a result of being overweight is very common, with around 10% of the population suffering from gallbladder issues that stem from obesity. If you’re among this group, you’re probably asking yourself – is it hard to lose weight after gallbladder removal? Let’s take a closer look.
How Is Your Body Burning Fat?
While there’s no direct correlation between gallbladder removal and weight gain, the organ does play a part in the body’s natural weight loss process. When food is consumed, the gallbladder naturally contracts, emptying its contents into the small intestine. As a result, fatty acids and bile acids that are present within the gallbladder and small intestine, respectively, are released into the blood stream, assisting with the digestion and absorption of fats into the body. This allows the body’s natural fat-burning process to take place.
In addition to aiding with weight loss, the gallbladder is also responsible for the production of cholesterol-lowering compounds, which may help to prevent heart disease and stroke. In line with this, recent research shows that having your gallbladder removed can also prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Will Your System Be Stable Once You Lose Weight?
Another important factor to consider when trying to lose weight is whether or not your body will be stable after you’ve lost the weight. A stable weight is a healthy weight, and having a stable weight can also help to prevent future weight gain and related health issues. In most cases, when an individual loses a significant amount of weight, there is a rapid increase in appetite, leading to them eating more than usual, and in turn, putting the weight back on. This is why it’s important to reduce food consumption once you’ve attained your desired weight loss.
However, this is not always the case. For some people, losing weight can lead to a more stable and healthy lifestyle, with less hunger and more energy. If this is you, it may be beneficial to continue calorie restriction even after your gallbladder surgery, to ensure your body has enough time to catch up with the new, leaner you, and to stabilize your weight loss.
What About Exercise?
When attempting to lose weight, it’s important to consider how much exercise you’re getting, and whether or not this is helping you to meet your weight loss goal. On the one hand, exercise can play an important role in weight loss, and when you do get moving, you’ll feel that extra bit of pep in your step. On the other hand, too much exercise can also hinder your weight loss efforts, with some research suggesting that exercise may actually increase food consumption, resulting in weight gain. It might be wise to focus on the positive aspects of exercise, such as how it can aid with weight loss and stress relief, and leave the last bit to experience itself.
The Conclusion
Overall, having the gallbladder removed is not necessarily linked to weight gain, however, it can play an important part in the body’s natural weight loss process, and for some people, it’s the first step towards a healthier and slimmer lifestyle. If you’re among this group, you’re probably wondering – is it hard to lose weight after gallbladder removal? The answer is yes, it can be hard, but it’s also achievable, with a bit of planning and effort. For those planning to undergo surgery, losing weight before the operation is recommended, as being overweight can increase the risk of complications during surgery. In most cases, a few simple tips can help to make losing weight easier, such as eating more vegetables, drinking more water, and getting some physical activity. If this sounds like you, give it a try, and remember – it’s never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle!