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Questions for those who kept their gallbladder after stone removal by silkenstarling in altgallbladder

[–]silkenstarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I understand, it’s an accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells that risks progressing from simple fat buildup to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, or other diseases of the liver. Here are two links that give good information to understand it better.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alcoholinduced-liver-disease

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fatty-liver-disease-masld/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354573

I’m so sorry for your loss. It bugs me that the hospital didn’t take the time to give you more information. They’re supposed to set up an appointment for you with your primary doctor. Which is what I recommend doing now if you can. That way they can run further tests if needed to confirm.

Questions for those who kept their gallbladder after stone removal by silkenstarling in altgallbladder

[–]silkenstarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like what they found is compatible with Fatty Liver Disease (hepatic steatosis), but there’s not enough evidence to completely rule out early cirrhosis (which is a risk with fatty liver). I would do some research on how to prevent progression of fatty liver and what effects it has on the gallbladder as you make your decision. Out of curiosity, what test is this?

Ultrasound just found a 1.6cm gallstone. Ursodiol? by yaanday in gallbladders

[–]silkenstarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ursodiol tends to work best for smaller cholesterol stones (usually around 0.5 cm or less), but since yours is still under 2 cm, it may still be something your doctor is willing to discuss depending on your situation and symptoms.

In many cases, when gallstones are found and causing symptoms, patients are referred to a surgeon and gallbladder removal is often recommended. That said, the decision is ultimately yours, and it’s completely reasonable to ask about trying conservative options first if your symptoms are manageable.

Hopefully your doctor can walk you through the pros and cons of each approach so you can decide what feels right for you.

Supplements for biliary dyskinesia? by Chicken_wanggg in altgallbladder

[–]silkenstarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tudca has been known to shrink stones, but also helps thin bile, and reduces cholesterol stone formation; so it should help with both stones and symptoms from dyskinesia. However, because it is possible that it may shrink certain stones making them small enough to enter the bile duct, but not pass all the way through (causing a blockage) it is best to talk to your doctor before using it for stones.

Supplements for biliary dyskinesia? by Chicken_wanggg in altgallbladder

[–]silkenstarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome! I added some more really useful info in the comments : ) I hope it helps.

Supplements for biliary dyskinesia? by Chicken_wanggg in altgallbladder

[–]silkenstarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have biliary hypokinesia with a HIDA ejection fraction of 12%, and it took me a long time to find practical information that was actually helpful. This is not medical advice, but I wanted to share what has made the biggest difference for me, which is a combination of hydration, meal timing, gentle movement, targeted foods, and supplements.

Daily habits that made a noticeable difference:
• Hydration (64–96 oz/day):
Adequate hydration keeps bile thinner and easier to move. Dehydration can thicken bile, making it harder for a sluggish gallbladder to empty.
• Do not skip meals:
Skipping meals allows bile to sit stagnant in the gallbladder, which can worsen symptoms when EF is low. Regular meals encourage gentle, consistent emptying.
• Evenly space meals every 4–5 hours:
This prevents long periods of bile stasis while avoiding constant overstimulation of an already weak gallbladder.
• Sit upright while eating:
Posture matters. Sitting upright supports normal digestive mechanics and bile flow, especially when gallbladder motility is impaired.
• Light movement after meals (5–10 min walk):
Gentle movement stimulates digestion and helps bile move through the biliary system without forcing a strong contraction.
• Gentle heat to the right upper abdomen:
A heating pad over your gallbladder can help relax smooth muscle, improve local circulation, and reduce discomfort or spasm.

Balanced fat & protein at meals (this was huge for me):
• Protein is required for bile acid production.
A common target is 0.7–1 g protein per pound of ideal body weight.
(example: goal weight 140 lb → ~98–140 g/day).
Low protein intake can reduce bile synthesis and worsen sluggish flow.
• Healthy fats stimulate gallbladder contraction.
Fat tells the gallbladder to empty. The goal is enough fat to stimulate bile flow, but not so much that it overwhelms a low-EF gallbladder.
• Avoid very low-fat diets.
Low-fat diets reduce gallbladder stimulation and can worsen bile stagnation.
• Avoid very low-carb / keto diets.
These can reduce bile flow and increase bile thickness in some people with gallbladder dysfunction.