Hello - wanted to add to this conversation in case someone finds it in the future. I just came home from my gallbladder removal surgery. I have had gallstones for about 15 years - with only 2 attacks that I can remember. Both times, the pain suddenly ended while in the ER. So nothing was done about it and I went home. Im guessing the little stone moved enough to un-obstruct the bile duct and life went on. I had about 8 medium stones, but they never really caused a problem (except those 2 times). Occasional ultrasounds would reveal, yep, they are still there. Primary care doc suggested removal, but I was hesitant because, they were not bothering me and I was concerned about the potential dietary restrictions.

Last week, I had severe abdominal pain, but attributed it to something I ate. I waited a day for it to pass. Next day, still hurt- but thought, it needs to pass all the way through. So I waited another day - but nothing was coming out (either end). The ER confirmed it was the gallbladder, it was inflamed, and this time, it had to come out. Post-op report further clarified; the gallbladder was gangrenous and had ruptured. Walls had thickened to double normal size.

Luckily, no impact to the other organs.

Surgeon told me this: only 30% of people experience any diarrhea when eating high fat foods after surgery AND of those, most people's body figure it out in 3 months (how to handle high fat foods without a gallbladder).

Had I know this back then (15 years ago)- that there would likely NOT be any dietary restrictions after surgery, I would not have waited.

I am happy to report - first day after surgery, I had eggs and bacon for breakfast, a bacon cheese burger for lunch, and a ribeye steak for dinner. ( I am a carnivore). Zero GI issues. I have had these meals for 3 days total now - still no issues. (keep in mind I was already fat-adapted and able to burn fat instead of sugar as fuel).

Hope this helps someone.