When Eating Hurts: ARFID & Post-Gallbladder Survival

For many post-gallbladder surgery patients, eating is no longer a comfort—it’s a source of pain, bloating, and anxiety. This episode explores the dual nature of post-cholecystectomy syndrome: the physical reality of bile acid malabsorption and the psychological spiral of food avoidance. We break down the clinical concept of ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), the concrete pharmacological fixes often overlooked (like bile acid binders), and the behavioral strategies—from psyllium husk to interoceptive exposure—that can help break the pain-anxiety cycle. If eating has become a battle with your own body, this episode offers a roadmap for reclaiming the table.