Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in your gallbladder when components of bile-primarily cholesterol or bilirubin-solidify. They can range in size from tiny grains to golf-ball-sized stones. There are two main types: cholesterol stones (the most common) and pigment stones (formed from excess bilirubin).
Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. When stones block a bile duct or irritate the gallbladder, you may notice:
Gallstones form when the balance of substances in bile is disrupted. Common risk factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we put you first with board-certified gallstone specialists, advanced HIDA imaging, personalized low-fat diet plans, and minimally invasive treatments. From diagnosis through recovery, our compassionate team is dedicated to your comfort and long-term relief. Ready to get back to living pain-free? Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better digestive health!
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Small gallstones sometimes pass through the bile ducts without intervention, but most stones remain in the gallbladder and can cause pain or complications if not treated.
Eggs are naturally low in fat and generally safe for those with gallstones, but you should follow personalized dietary guidance from your gastroenterologist to suit your specific needs.
After gallbladder removal, gallstones can rarely form in the bile ducts. While the risk is low, stones may still develop and require medical evaluation or treatment.
It's uncommon to pass gallstones in stool because they usually get stuck in the bile ducts. Most cases require medical procedures like ERCP for removal.
Yes. Disruption of normal bile flow can lead to loose stools or diarrhoea, especially after eating fatty or greasy foods.
Avoid high-fat, fried, and greasy foods such as fast food, heavy cream sauces, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy to minimize gallbladder stimulation and pain.
No. A HIDA scan involves a small intravenous injection of a radioactive tracer and noninvasive imaging to track bile flow; discomfort is minimal.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically takes under an hour, and most patients recover fully within 1-2 weeks, returning to normal activities gradually.
A low-fat gallstone diet emphasizes lean proteins (chicken, fish), whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Yes. When stones block the bile ducts, the resulting pressure and inflammation can radiate pain to the upper back or between the shoulder blades.
