From “I Can’t Eat Anything Without Bloating” to Digestive Relief: A 10-Year Gut Struggle Transformed
TL;DR
Client struggled with bloating, food fear, and gut issues for 10+ years
Gallbladder removal didn’t fix her digestion, in fact, it made things worse
Gut microbiome testing revealed the real root causes (bacterial overgrowth, methane dominance, inflammation, low diversity)
After just 4 weeks of targeted gut support, she experienced less bloating, better bowel movements, clearer thinking, and no longer relied on coffee to get through the day
“I Don’t Know What to Eat Anymore.”
That’s what this client told me at our first session.
For 10 years, her gut had controlled her life.
Daily bloating, especially after lunch
Urgent bathroom dashes, to the point where she stopped wanting to travel
Loose stools, then constipation, then back again
A history of gallbladder removal but symptoms didn’t improve afterward
Oily hair, relentless brain fog, and fatigue that no amount of sleep could fix
She tried eating “clean,” cutting out more and more foods just to avoid flare-ups.
But even that wasn’t working anymore.
Gallbladder Out, But Gut Problems Still In?
It’s common to think gallbladder surgery will fix digestive issues, but that’s not always the case.
Without a gallbladder, bile flow changes often leaving people with:
Bloating and food intolerance
Loose stools or urgency
Constipation (especially if methane-producing microbes are involved)
Fatigue and poor nutrient absorption (especially fat-soluble vitamins and B12)
What We Found With Gut Testing
Instead of guessing, we ran CoBiome gut microbiome testing, and the real picture became clear:
E. coli overgrowth & toxin-producing Bacteroides fragilis – linked to inflammation, urgency, and loose stools
Methane-producing bacteria – these slow gut transit, causing constipation and sluggish digestion
Low microbiome diversity – no surprise after years of food restriction
Signs of gut-immune activation – her gut lining was overreacting and inflamed
Suboptimal B12 – technically “in range” on blood tests, but not enough to support energy or cognitive clarity
Building Her Root-Cause Treatment Plan
We focused on repairing, not restricting.
Here’s what we did:
Gently addressed bacterial overgrowths with natural antimicrobials: pomegranate, caraway, garlic, and black seed oil
Used targeted probiotics to support gut motility and reduce methane overgrowth
Rebuilt microbiome diversity without cutting more foods out
Added omega-3s to reduce gut and systemic inflammation
Supported perimenopause with creatine, magnesium, and collagen
Chose realistic strategies, not another strict protocol
The Results After Just 4 Weeks?
“I no longer have bloating like before or loose stools. My brain fog has lifted and I’m even off coffee because it just stopped tasting good.”
Food Freedom & Energy Are Possible Even After Gallbladder Surgery
If you’re stuck in the same cycle (gut issues after gallbladder removal, constant bloating, brain fog, fatigue, or food fear) you’re not alone.
But it’s important to know:
These symptoms are common, but they’re not normal.
You don’t need to live like this forever.
Why I Created Decode Your Health
I developed Decode Your Health for women like you, those who:
Are sick of chasing symptoms
Feel like their body is a mystery
Want real answers, not just “everything looks fine” from standard tests
When we look at your gut, your nutrients, and your lifestyle through a root-cause lens, everything starts to make sense.
Ready to Finally Get Answers?
For new clients this month, I’m offering a new client discount code to get started with Decode Your Health.
Get your new client voucher here.
Or head straight to my booking page here.
Let’s find out what’s really driving your symptoms and create a plan that works for your body, not against it.
Let’s connect
Follow me on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn for gut health tips, case studies, and exclusive insights.
Looking for more?
Explore more on my website here: https://www.oliviagracenaturopathy.com.au
📍 In-person and online consultations available
📧 info@oliviagracenaturopathy.com.au
📱 DM me on Instagram @oliviagracenaturopathy
Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting new treatments or supplements.
This case study is based on one individual’s personal health journey and is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Outcomes may vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed. Naturopathic care is highly individualised and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Your health concerns deserve a personalised assessment and tailored plan that considers your unique needs, history, and goals.
