Today I had my gallbladder removed. Prior to the surgery I began to research the symptoms, causes, and treatments. I learned a variety of things, but the one I would like to discuss and have Dr Hyman address is the cause.

It seems that rapid weight loss and aggressive dieting causes our bodies to form gall stones. I am not going to try to give to much medical information because I am not an expert. During the last month I noticed how many people have had their gallbladder removed and several that are having theirs removed in the next few weeks, summer dieting, hmm.

For me the gall bladder attacks were increasing in frequency over the last several years. It seemed that I could not stay on a diet because of the pain I experienced within a few weeks of starting, but did not see a doctor because of the cost. The Ultra Simple diet plan triggered these final attacks, which were occuring almost daily for the last two weeks, even after I discontinued the diet.

One of the symptoms of detox is general nausea, pain and fatigue, which I experienced for the first week. However around week three and 9-10lb weight loss, I began to experience pain at night that was so severe, I equate it with labor contractions, and my stomach was so bloated and hard I did look pregnant.

I would like to say that I did feel better overall from eating better; my skin was clearer, dark circles were reduces, my nighttime stuffy head gone, and several other improvements, so I know it helps. My concern is the desire most of us have to lose it all fast, which is what caused the stones and years of power dieting. This diet just put me over the edge.

However, I plan to return to the whole foods program, and to this great support network. I will use a mixture of USD and UM, so I lose in a more gradual manner and still have the benefit of the elimination diet and detox aspect.

Unfortunatly I did too much damage to my gallbladder over the years, but there is a flush for gallstones that many people have with no symptoms. Your MD will know nothing about it, but hopefully Dr. Hyman will and will respond with more information.

I hope my healing process goes well, that I do not have the negative side effects and that some of the proplems I relate to GERD go away.

I hope sharing this with you will help someone.