Author: Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS
Key Takeaway:
Common Symptoms That Indicate Gallbladder Removal May Be Necessary
If you are experiencing sharp abdominal pain or persistent digestive distress, you may be wondering if your gallbladder is to blame. At Goal BMI in Brooklyn, NY, we frequently assist patients who develop gallbladder issues, particularly those undergoing rapid health transformations through medical weight loss or bariatric surgery.
Recognizing the symptoms of gallbladder disease early is the first step toward preventing serious medical complications. In this guide, Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS, breaks down the primary warning signs and explains why surgical intervention is often the safest path to long-term relief.
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile—a fluid necessary for digesting fats. When the chemical balance of this bile is disrupted, it can crystallize into gallstones.
At Goal BMI, we see a higher incidence of gallstones among patients following bariatric surgery or using weight-loss injections. Rapid weight loss can cause the liver to release more cholesterol into bile, increasing the risk of stone formation.
When these stones cause pain or inflammation (cholecystitis), surgical removal is often the best option.
If you are looking for “signs I need my gallbladder out,” pay close attention to these five clinical indicators:
The hallmark sign is a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. This often occurs shortly after a high-fat meal and can last anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours.
Because of the way nerves are mapped in the body, gallbladder distress often causes “referred pain.” You may feel a deep ache between your shoulder blades or a sharp sensation in your right shoulder.
Persistent nausea, especially when accompanied by bloating or indigestion after eating, can signal that your gallbladder isn’t releasing bile properly to help your body process your food.
Jaundice occurs when a gallstone blocks the common bile duct, causing bile to back up into the liver and bloodstream. This is a medical emergency and requires an immediate consultation with a surgeon like Dr. Terushkin.
If your gallbladder is blocked, you may notice pale, clay-colored stools or unusually dark, tea-colored urine. These “color shifts” are a sign that bile is not moving through your digestive tract correctly.
If surgery is required, Dr. Sergey Terushkin utilizes Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. This minimally invasive approach uses four tiny “keyhole” incisions, resulting in:
Yes. Your liver still produces bile; it simply flows directly into the small intestine. Most patients digest food normally without any long-term dietary restrictions.
Most patients return to light activity and work within 5 to 7 days, with full recovery typically taking 2 to 4 weeks.
Rapid weight loss (from a Gastric Sleeve or Semaglutide) can cause the liver to secrete extra cholesterol. About 30% of bariatric patients develop gallstones during their first year of weight loss.
Ignoring symptoms can lead to severe infections, a ruptured gallbladder, or pancreatitis—all of which require much more complex, emergency surgery.
Yes. Gallbladder removal is a medically necessary procedure. We accept most major NY insurance plans and offer free insurance verification.
Absolutely. Goal BMI offers TeleHealth services so you can discuss your symptoms and imaging results with Dr. Terushkin from the comfort of your home.
If your pain is accompanied by a high fever, chills, or visible yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), seek emergency care or contact our Brooklyn office immediately.
Don’t let chronic pain interrupt your health journey. Whether you are a bariatric patient or experiencing digestive issues for the first time, Dr. Terushkin and the team at Goal BMI are here to help.
Would you like me to help you schedule a virtual or in-person consultation with Dr. Terushkin at our Court Street office to evaluate your gallbladder symptoms?
Contact Goal BMI Clinic today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Sergey Terushkin is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). With over 15 years of experience and a prestigious fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, he is one of Brooklyn’s leading experts in minimally invasive surgery. At Goal BMI, he focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care to help New Yorkers achieve their best health.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
At GoalBMI – General & Bariatric Surgery in Brooklyn, NY, we provide comprehensive bariatric surgery, minimally invasive general surgery, and physician-supervised medical weight loss with personalized treatment plans designed around each patient's health goals and long-term success.
Our experienced surgical team includes Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS and Dr. Alexander Abdurakhmanov, MD , who work together to deliver advanced bariatric surgery, minimally invasive general surgery, panniculectomy after significant weight loss, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and comprehensive obesity care.
Every treatment plan is individualized using evidence-based medicine, modern surgical techniques, and compassionate patient care. From your first consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up, our team is committed to helping you achieve safer surgery, faster recovery, and lasting results.