Expert: Dorene Petersen - 7/26/2011

Question
Dear Doreen,

As you can see from my subject title, I m suffering from weight gain that I m unable to control or lose after I had my gallbladder removed on the 23rd of May 2010. I did try Atkins diet. I lost some weight but I started getting dizzy and losing energy wasn't able to exercise. Tried watching my food , skipping dinner, walking but still it is not working. What is more imporant is even though I lost some weight (4kilos in a year!) I m still bloated all the time with fat arms and a double chin.

Is there anything that alternative medicine can do for me?
Thanks in advance,
MC

Answer
Dear Mathelda,

Thank you for submitting your question.

The gallbladder holds bile from the liver until it is needed to help metabolize fats. When the gallbladder is removed, the body metabolizes fats differently. In instances where there is not enough bile, the body may experience weight gain.

You may want to discuss adding more fiber into your diet with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor. Fiber helps regulate digestion and may, therefore, support weight loss. Start to increase your fiber intake slowly each day. This way it can reduce the gas that sometimes occurs with increased fiber intake. Fiber should be added to you diet regularly each day; it is a slow, steady, consistent change--not one that happens overnight. The current recommendation is to aim for about 25 grams of fiber a day, but as I said build up to this slowly.

Some ways to add more fiber into your diet that I like are:

1. Buy whole flaxseeds, organic if possible, and grind a couple of tablespoons every few days in a small electric coffee grinder. Keep the ground and unground seeds in the fridge to keep them fresh. Sprinkle at least 2 teaspoons each day on your food – it goes with everything!  I sprinkle it over fruit and yogurt, mix it in my soups, and put a dash on salads.

2. Check the fiber content on the label of your bread and cereal. Aim for about 4 grams in each serving. Yes, this means spending time at the store reading labels but it is worth it!

3. When you buy your organic celery and carrots, wash and cut them up into bite-size portions as soon as you get them home, and keep them in small snack baggies in your fridge. They are a great nutritious snack and stocked with fiber!

It is also important to drink more water when you increase your fiber intake. Try to drink a minimum of 2 glasses of water between each meal.

You will know you are on the right track by paying attention to your bowel movements. You will notice changes.

You don’t mention exercise, but even a short 10-minute walk each day morning and evening can help.

Changing your eating and exercise habits takes time. Just do a little bit everyday and if you forget one day, start again the next. Be patient. With consistent use fiber and exercise are worth the effort.

Thanks for your question. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.

Warm Regards,
Dorene Petersen