Shortly after having my second baby on Christmas Day 2013, I started having painful episodes about once a month. As a recovering mama, I thought it was due to the healing process after childbirth. But for about 6 months, I would have these episodes about once a month.
I had no idea what was causing my pain, but I continued on as usual. I Googled everything I was feeling, but came up empty handed. Then one day on a baby forum, I read another mother’s post about her gallbladder attacks – and I just knew that was exactly what I was going through.
I went to my doctor and told her I thought I had gallstones. After a discussion and an ultrasound, she determined I did indeed have gallstones. She told me that my only course of action was surgery or living with the pain. She did tell me that gallbladder attacks are brought on by the gallbladder being unable to handle greasy and unhealthy foods.
There went my daily McDonald’s French Fries! I told my doctor that I wanted to delay/avoid surgery if I could. I did some more Googling and found some things that would help. However, the biggest move I made was simply changing my diet slightly.
I no longer eat French Fries, fried foods, greasy cheeseburgers or candy bars. Really all I did was remove the “bad” things from my diet. And miraculously, I have not had another gallbladder attack since changing my diet almost a year and a half ago.
Sometimes it is hard not to be able to eat fast food. I have to think twice about what I make for myself and my family. My body forced me to live a healthier lifestyle and I am so grateful actually. It may not be possible to avoid surgery for the rest of my life, but I am living as healthfully as I can now and the changes to my daily habits will continue no matter what.
The best part? My daughters also see the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
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Male here had some attacks when I was 32, after McDonald’s fries and chocolate and chips. Otherwise normal healthy weight. Was given an ultrasound told to have it out but I decided also to clean up my diet and listen to my body. Cutting out all fried food worked for me. Can still eat chocolate if I wish the key is most of your meals need to contain veggies and fruit, lean meals not high in fat. It’s now 9 years later and I am fine, I had one attack 3 years ago after you guessed it – a quarter pounder and fries. I managed to stop the attack by squeezing a lot of lemon juice into water and drinking that, the attack subsided half an hour later. Needless to say I can’t eat the fries at McDonald’s but I can eat the burger occasionally without any attacks. Listen to your body and don’t get surgery unless you’ve tried a diet overhaul cutting out fried and cream.
Yes, it was the McDonald’s fries for me too! Darn it – they are so good! I sometimes cheat but I can tell when I need to quit it. Apple Cider vinegar and water or apple juice saved me from a few almost-attacks too.
Hi. What are some examples of what you eat? My surgery isn’t scheduled until December 3rd and I am having a hard time finding what to eat. I’ve been living off jello and ensure. Lol