Personalized care to help you feel better, faster.
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, the small organ that stores bile to aid fat digestion. Many people never realize they have them — until a stone blocks a bile duct.
You might be at higher risk if you:
- Are over 40 and female.
- Have a family history of gallstones.
- Are overweight or have experienced rapid, unexpected weight loss.
- Have diabetes, high triglycerides or certain liver or blood conditions.
- Follow a diet that’s high in fat and refined carbs, or low in fiber.
Watch out for these common symptoms.
Gallstones affect everyone differently, but some signs are easy to recognize:
- Sudden pain in the upper right or middle belly.
- Pain in your right shoulder or between your shoulder blades.
- Nausea, bloating, or vomiting.
If you have any of these severe symptoms, seek care right away:
- Fever or chills with belly pain
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
- Severe pain that lasts more than a few hours
We offer treatment options that work for you.
Diagnosis starts with simple tests, which might include:
- Ultrasound: usually first and is quick and painless.
- Blood tests: to look for infection or blockage.
- CT, MRI or HIDA scans: to provide more detail when needed.
- ERCP or EUS: these offer a closer look, and ERCP can also remove duct stones.
But not everyone with gallstones needs treatment. Here’s what may work best for you:
- If you have no symptoms: You may not need treatment – just careful monitoring.
- If you have chronic pain or attacks: You may need either medicine to dissolve stones or a minimally invasive procedure to remove the stones or the gallbladder itself.
You can live a healthy, normal life without a gallbladder. After surgery, bile flows straight from your liver into your small intestine. Most people return to regular eating quickly, while some gradually reintroduce higher-fat foods over the next few weeks.
Take these easy steps today.
Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel:
- Choose smaller, lower-fat meals and add fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Aim for steady, gradual weight loss if recommended.
- Limit alcohol.
- Keep active most days.