pain after workout - gallbladder??

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2006
pain after workout - gallbladder??
4
Sat, 02-18-2006 - 2:11am
About 3 years ago after the birth of my last child (4th) I had pain in my upper abdomen, they did an u/s and found that I had gallstones. They wanted to do surgery at the time, but it eventually subsided and because I had endometriosis, they told me that any scar tissue would complicate the surgery. Knowing that I needed to get a hysterectomy anyway, I just committed to watch my diet and I was able to get through it and it hasn't bothered me much since. Until lately. I've started exercising, and I've noticed that when I push myself a little harder on the cardiovasular I get bloating, gas, and pain within an hour afterward. This has happened about three times now. I know I need to go see my dr. but I'm wondering... because I was planning on going on a diet in addition to working out. Is this going to make it worse? Because I've read that gallstones are formed sometimes when you have rapid weight loss, what is the best way to diet if you have gallstones? Is my gallbladder acting up because I'm working out? Do I need to take it slower because of the gallbladder issue? Maybe not push as hard? And will going on a diet be a problem? Oh, I had a hysterectomy about a year ago, so I'm wondering if the estrogen I just recently switched to could be triggering this as well. (Cenestin) Thanks for any info you can share.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sat, 02-18-2006 - 12:27pm

Hi Parkergirl1st!


Welcome to the board!
 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 02-18-2006 - 10:12pm

Hi Parkergir1st - welcome to the board.


I've started exercising, and I've noticed that when I push myself a little harder on the cardiovasular I get bloating, gas, and pain within an hour afterward. This has happened about three times now. I know I need to go see my dr. but I'm wondering... because I was planning on going on a diet in addition to working out. Is this going to make it worse?


Not to alarm you - but I think you should see your doctor before making any changes - and see him/her next week if possible.


Because I've read that gallstones are formed sometimes when you have rapid weight loss, what is the best way to diet if you have gallstones? Is my gallbladder acting up because I'm working out? Do I need to take it slower because of the gallbladder issue? Maybe not push as hard? And will going on a diet be a problem?


Gallstones are often fromed after periods of rapid weight loss / yo-yo dieting / following 'liquid diets' over a long term basis (ie. not just for a few days when you have the flu - but the cycle we often fall in to when trying diets from magazines - eat nothing but soup for 3 days then have roast beef with gravey) Our system does better when it's fed at regular intervals.


Once you get things checked out perhaps your doctor can refer you to a dietician. I'm not following a weight loss program - but considering I work in an office full of women I think I'm up to date on what ever hits the best seller list. I think that Dr. Phil is my favorite. The South Beach would be a close second - but the first part involves much to much deprivation for a delicate digestive system to cope with. Antoher author I have a great deal of respect for is Dr Andrew Weil.


Foods that can cause GB problems are those high in fat and in particular saturated fats and trans fats. They will also promote weight loss when replace with heathier options.


All the best - please let us know how you are feeling,


Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2006
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 12:42am
Thanks Jo. Yes, I have a dr. appt. next week, but I didn't want to suspend my workouts until then because I have worked so hard to get this far! I have four kids and it has been a challenge to keep going and make it a routine. To be honest, I have NEVER dieted! Bizarre, huh? So, this will be my first time. I've always just tried to eat well, in moderation, and exercise, etc. But the past 5 years have been a challenge, and I have gotten into some bad habits that I need to break. I just finished The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman. You should check it out. Her perspective is overall health AND weight loss. I've read a previous book of hers on women and hormononal imbalances/perimenopause. She's a nutritionist, not just some fly-by-night goof-ball wanting to make a buck on a diet book. I know the first two weeks will be hard, but in the end, I know I will be healthier for it. Thanks again.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 1:21am

I just finished The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman.


I did a quick Google & couldn't find specific details about this diet - just a few bits of info there & there - so I may be totally off base.


1. One site gave me the impresion that it was a high protien diet - if the protien eaten is from animals - then it could be high in saturated fat. . .which can trigger GB problems because the fat is stimulating GB contractions.


2. I found something that refered to a drink with lemon juice. Lemon juice will stimulate GB contractions.