10 Common Myths About Gallbladder Surgery — And What the Evidence Actually Says

Reviewed by Dr. (Major) R S Rengan, MS, DNB — Senior Consultant, Laparoscopic and General Surgery, Chennai

Introduction

Gallbladder problems are among the most common surgical conditions in India, and among the most misunderstood. Misconceptions about pain, recovery, diet, and long-term health can cause patients to delay treatment or avoid gallbladder surgery, sometimes with serious consequences.

This article addresses 10 common myths about gallbladder surgery that patients frequently raise when consulting Dr. R S Rengan and his team at Dr. Rengan’s Surgical Centre, grounding each answer in what current evidence and clinical experience actually show.

“Myth 1: Gallbladder surgery always causes weight gain”

Reality: Gallbladder surgery does not cause weight gain

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile. It does not regulate metabolism or fat storage. Removing it does not trigger weight gain in any direct physiological way after gallbladder surgery.

What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery

Some patients do notice weight changes in the months after a cholecystectomy, but this is mostly explained by changes in eating habits during recovery rather than any effect of the surgery itself. Dr. Rengan advises patients who return to a balanced diet and regular activity that stable weight is the expected outcome, not the exception.

Myth 2: “Gallbladder problems are caused by poor diet alone”

Reality: Gallstones are caused by multiple factors, not just diet

Diet is one factor among several. A high-fat, low-fibre diet can increase the risk of gallstones, a common reason patients later require treatment related to gallbladder removal.

Key Risk Factors for Gallstones

Genetic predisposition, age, sex (gallstones are more common in women, particularly over 50), obesity, rapid weight loss, and conditions like sickle cell anemia all contribute independently.

In Dr. Rengan’s clinical experience over 37 years, patients with healthy diets do develop gallstones, and patients with poor diets often do not. Genetics plays a major rule. Treating gallbladder disease purely as a lifestyle issue can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care.

Myth 3: “Gallbladder surgery is extremely painful with long recovery”