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I had a vbg in 1996 and have done relatively well. The only complication from the surgery has been incisional hernia problems which required a mesh patch which tore loose and caused a 15 inch intestinal resection in 2002 and then the patch was replaced . I have never had any other abdominal surgeries. I thought I had the flu but have had diarrhea for 8 days and am concerned that it may be my gallbladder. I do have an appt scheduled but could only get into see the PA, not my regular doctor. The diarrhea went from yellow watery color to green bile color and now back to yellow watery color. I feel somewhat weak but have tried to stay hydrated but anytime I try to eat, it set off another bout in the bathroom. Any Ideas? I don't feel especially bad. Just a bit nauseated. No real pain, no fever. I have been under an undue amount of stress which ended this past weekend with a convention where I had to give a speech before 760 people but have never really been one not to be able to handle that type of stress. I am 64 years old. I have not been able to sleep well for almost 2 years. I am always tired.
Hello,I think it is possible your gallbladder is the culprit. The loose, greenish stools suggest that you bowels are not absorbing all the bile. That can happen because of a GI bug limiting absorption of bile, or because of increased bile spillage from the liver. The gallbladder normally stores bile until it is needed, but if the gallbladder ceases to function, the liver just dumps bile into the intestine.Which one of these issues is going on remains unclear to me. Your history of VBG is largely irrelevant, other than the fact that it puts you at risk for gallstones. Your workup will start with a gallbladder ultrasound which, if abnormal, will prompt your doctor to recommend a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. If it is normal, a functional test of your gallbladder, called a HIDA scan, should be done. If that is abnormal, then you should have your gallbladder removed. If those two tests are normal, then your doctor should investigate other reasons for your malaise.Good luck,Dr Dan
Experience: ASMBS Centers of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon