I had gallbladder surgery on 10/28/08 along with ERCP to remove a stone in common duct. Ever since then I have GERD - burning or a warm feeling in abdomen, chest, etc. I have been on Pepcid, Prilosec, and Prevacid, but it won't go away - i've seen dr several times and am trying not to panic, but it's so depressing. I actually had a mini-gall bladder attack the other day which he said may be my body trying to figure out what do without a gall bladder, but if the attacks continue he wants me to go back to the surgeon for ultra sounds. I'm like you - I don't want ANY invasive tests right now. I've been on other message boards and see lots of people have similar problems and gerd is healed very slowly. I am not eating much either, but I notice if I eat small amounts of lowfat food every few hours I'm not quite as miserable. I've also had two headcolds since the surgery. Do you have any other symptoms?

Hi Charity,

I had my gallbladder removed over 4 years ago now. In the first year after the surgery I had digestive problems, but not hearburn. Then the heartburn, chronic stomach pain and what seemed like anxiety set in 10 months after the surgery. It took me a while to figure it out. You should read about low stomach acid. Low stomach acid is the cause of gallstones in as many as 50% of people who have them. Low stomach acid also causes heartburn, stomach irritation and nausea. I started eating smaller meals, more frequently, consisting of soothing foods that would be easy to digest, like skinless chicken breast, fish and cooked vegetables until they are soft. Don't eat anything that is coarse, acidic, or spicy. Also don't eat anything that is hot or cold, room temperature is better. Your stomach is irritated and it's letting you know the best way it knows how, which can feel like anxiety. I read you are taking herbal medication to help you, just be careful it isn't adding to the irritation. I too was taking herbal medication to help me, but it irritated me more.

All the best,

Brigitta