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Pancreatic Insufficiency: Because Who Needs Digestion Anyway?

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Still Bloated After Gallbladder Surgery? Your Pancreas Might Be Ghosting You…


So, you got your #gallbladder removed? Congratulations. You’ve graduated from the “blame it on the gallbladder” club to the “digestive chaos with bonus symptoms” society. 🍾

But wait…why are you still #bloated, #gassy, and sprinting to the bathroom like it’s your part-time job???🏃‍♀️

Welcome to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (#EPI), where your #pancreas can’t be bothered to do the bare minimum for digestion.🫠


What Even Is Pancreatic Insufficiency?

The pancreas is supposed to release #enzymes (#lipase, #protease, #amylase) that break down #fats, #proteins, and #carbs so your body can absorb nutrients.But when your pancreas decides it’s on permanent vacation, food just sits there, partially digested, until it crashes out in the most inconvenient (and sometimes explosive) ways.

Symptoms include:

  • Bloating (look six months pregnant after a kale salad? #relatable🫃)

  • Diarrhea (Mother Nature’s method for humbling you in public…when you know, you know..🚽)

  • Steatorrhea (fatty, floating, foul-smelling stools that won’t flush…super fun at parties…or not🪠)

  • Unintentional weight loss (the diet plan you never asked for😱)

  • Vitamin deficiencies (especially A, D, E, K, and B12 because fats aren’t getting absorbed💊)


Gallbladder Removal: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Thought gallbladder surgery was your digestive “happily ever after”? Adorable.🏰

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which emulsifies fats to help your pancreas do its job. Post-removal, #bile drips constantly into your intestines like a lazy faucet, and your pancreas can’t time its enzyme release efficiently.

Also, meet: Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (because your body loves a plot twist right?🫤). This small muscle can spasm post-surgery, causing pain and messing with the flow of bile and pancreatic #enzymes, turning your digestion into an unpredictable game of Red Light, Green Light.🚦


Why Does This Happen After Gallbladder Removal?

  • Loss of bile storage means poor fat digestion timing.

  • Chronic low-level inflammation or SOD can affect pancreatic stimulation.

  • If you had undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis or high alcohol intake, the risk of EPI increases.

  • Bile acid diarrhea and fat malabsorption can worsen EPI symptoms.


What Actually Helps? 

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Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy ( #PERT)

Think of these enzymes as your pancreas’ temp workers.

  • Take with every meal/snack (yes, even your “just a cracker” moment)

  • Helps break down #fats, #proteins, #carbs so your intestines can finally absorb nutrients.

  • Reduces #bloating, #diarrhea, and #fatty stools so you can live your life without scouting bathrooms like a bloodhound.


Diet Tweaks

  • Small, frequent meals (help reduce enzyme overload).

  • Healthy fats in moderation (avocado, olive oil) while monitoring tolerance.

  • Avoid high-fat junk food (it’s not worth the post-meal chaos).

  • Stay hydrated (diarrhea will dehydrate you fast).

  •  Vitamin Supplementation


If you’ve got #EPI, you’re likely low on fat-soluble vitamins and B12. Get tested and supplement under medical guidance to avoid long-term deficiencies.🩸


Early Intervention: Because Suffering Is So Last Season

Still blaming “bad takeout” for your daily diarrhea? It’s time for testing:

  • Fecal elastase test (to assess pancreatic enzyme output)

  • 72-hour fecal fat test (to confirm fat malabsorption)

  • Imaging (MRCP, EUS) if chronic pancreatitis or SOD is suspected.

#EPI is treatable, and early treatment prevents #malnutrition, #osteoporosis, and further digestive misery.

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The Bottom Line

Pancreatic insufficiency after gallbladder removal is the plot twist no one asked for, but you can manage it with:

  • Pancreatic enzymes

  • Diet adjustments

  • Supplements

  • Medical guidance


So you can keep your dignity, avoid unplanned bathroom marathons, and actually absorb your nutrients. Cue the angelic music and sunbeams.... ✨🎼✨


Next time you’re eyeing that double-cheese pizza, remember: your pancreas is watching. And it’s judging you. 👀


Disclaimer: This post is not medical advice. If you want medical advice, ask your doctor, not your cousin’s Instagram. 


*If you would like more information on nutrition and lifestyle changes or have questions, feel free to message me, or you can book a free Discovery call to see if I can help you. 

Book at redtreelifeandwellnesscoaching.com or call/text 919-246-9905

or use this link to book directly on my calendar⬇️

 
 
 

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