How common are GERD-like symptoms after gallbladder surgery? My two sisters and I have had our gallbladders removed, and we all have problems with severe heartburn, burning in the esophagus, or acid reflux. I've read hundreds of posts on the gallbladder bulletin boards and found many other people who report the same problems. Many are now taking Prilosec, Prevacid, Zantac or Propulsid for relief. What causes this to happen?

Judy

There's no evidence that gallbladder surgery causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, up to 40 percent of people experience other gastrointestinal symptoms, called "post-cholecystectomy syndrome," after their gallbladders are removed. The most common complaints are bloating, gas, diarrhea and pain in the upper abdomen.

If I were your doctor, I'd like to know more about your symptoms -- especially how long after gallbladder surgery your symptoms began. Sometimes GERD-like symptoms turn out to have a cause unrelated to acid or the esophagus. I'm also curious about the reasons that your gallbladders were removed: What were your symptoms then? Sometimes reflux symptoms can masquerade as gallbladder-related pain. Maybe you and your sisters had reflux all along.

Another cause of abdominal pain and reflux is a stomach that empties poorly. This condition, called gastroparesis, can produce symptoms similar to those seen in people with gallbladder problems.

The most important point to remember is that your symptoms could stem from a number of different causes. You and your sisters should see your doctors for more complete evaluations.