What Gallbladder Removal Actually Does to Digestion

Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries worldwide—but for 10-40% of patients, it triggers a cascade of lifelong digestive problems called post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). This episode unpacks what the gallbladder actually does (it's not vestigial), why its absence creates a "worst of both worlds" bile problem, and why the medical system struggles to treat PCS as a unified condition. We explore the few centers of excellence taking motility seriously, the surprising role of an old cholesterol drug called cholestyramine, and why patients end up bouncing between specialists collecting symptom-specific prescriptions. If you or someone you know has had their gallbladder out and things got worse, this episode explains why—and where to look for real answers.