I think maybe I just need to vent a little -

I don't post very often, but a few of you know I lost 170 pounds (still thrilled about that) and I'm now into my 4th month of maintainence I have maintained within 2 pounds (in both directions). I had an ultrasound recently because of some pretty severe abdominal pain and the found alot of sludge and stones in my gallbladder. I'ts been 3 weeks since, and I have another two weeks till it comes out.

So.. here's my issue: One doc tells me to add more protiens (and a teensy bit more fat) and another is telling me to steer clear of the trigger foods (like meat). I'm so bored with eating right now...why even bother? Most of the fat in my doet is attached to the very same food that gives me my protien. With the abdominal pain, it's getting harder to get a decent workout (unless you count writhing in pain) Would that be considered a moderate or high intensity workout?

That, and I've been craving Popeye's chicken for 2 weeks straight. I've tried to ignore it... but thats about as easy as ignoring a pink elephant in the middle of your living room. I can't even have it now, but it's almost worth the pain...almost.

there now.... I'm feeling better already

I know gallstones are common for people that have lost alot of weight.. Any gallbladder friendly menu suggestions?

Hey JadedJane, I know the pain that you are going thru. I just got my gallbladder removed on the 8th of this month. I steered clear of the trigger foods (as was what my doctor told me to do). I didn't exercise much because of the fact that it made it worse, but know that after your opperation you will feel better. Are you having the laparoscopic chole?? That is how they did mine and I was up doing most everything by the end of 10 or 12 days. Good Luck, Misty.

I can definitely identify with the pain that comes from gallbladder disease. I had mine out a few years ago and felt great afterwards. I had the open incision and even with that it only kept me down for about a week. I was on a ladder painting the outside of the house after a week, which wasn't too smart. I would try to avoid the trigger foods for now and you will feel so much better after the surgery that you'll want to eat. Good luck and best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

thanks girls I'm already feeling "weakened" by my lack of cardio over the last month. I'm trying hard to find alternative ways to get the excercise in without over-doing it. I'm supposed to have it done with the laproscope.. so very little scarring with minimal down time. I'm actually looking foreward to having it out finally - and relived that the pain is finally validated (however odd that may sound). After almost a year of trying to explain what's happening to one doctor.. a quick change in insurance forced me to switch to a new GP that actually hears what I'm saying

Hi Jane and congratulations on four successful months of maintenance!

I'm so sorry to hear about your gallbladder problems! I don't have any experience with them so don't have any advice but am sending you a . At least you finally know what's wrong and can get it fixed. Personally, I like being bored with food because then I'm not tempted to use it as recreation. Guess that's why I eat the same things over and over again!

Try not to worry about not being able to exercise for a few more weeks - once you get rid of that nasty old gallbladder, you'll be feeling SO much better and be back at it soon enough. I found that as long as I was careful with my eating while recovering from surgery, not being able to exercise didn't make me gain weight.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how you're doing!

I second the recommendation to steer clear of any trigger foods. I had my gall bladder out ten years ago and I find that I still can't have anything greasy without phantom pain. I'm sorry you're in so much pain right now. I know exactly what it feels like and it's no fun. Mine wasn't properly diagnosed until I was admitted to the hospital with bright yellow skin and everything shutting down.

(Speaking of which, to everybody else, if a doctor every tells you twice to go home and rest when you have severe abdominal pain, because "In a woman your age, stomach pain could be anything and is not likely serious" slap him/her for me)

And get a new doctor. My sister's fallopian tube cancer was only discovered because her physician thoroughly investigated her chronic abdominal pain. Thankfully they managed to catch the tumor while it was still treatable.

More recently (15 years after her cancer treatment) she had her gallbladder removed without any ill effects. Apparently it is one of those "extra" parts we can get along fine without.

Jane - good luck. I just wanted to say if the picture in your avatar is of you, you are gorgeous - I LOVE your hair.

I agree with you Tani, I was sent home from the ER 2 or 3 times before ending up in ICU with my gallbladder disease. I couldn't keep even water down. I still think being sick with it for so long is part of why I have liver disease now. I was completely jaundiced at the time I had mine out.

Hi Jane!

I too had my gallbladder removed - ironically, 4 months after I hit goal and was maintaining. (I also know two other people personally who lost a great deal of weight and had to have theirs removed afterwards - coincidence?) Anyway, the last week before surgery I was literally living on jello (which I hated already) because anything with the slightest amount of fat would trigger an attack with pain comparable to childbirth sans anesthesia! I would definitely agree with the others and say steer clear of the trigger foods!

Here's to an easy surgery and smooth recovery for you!

Kelly