I've had two "gallbladder" attacks in the last 3 months. Never happened before in my life. I'm 47. Woke up one night back in January at 2:00 am (after eating a large amount of pepperoni pizza) feeling like I had been shot under the right rib by a rifle. Went to ER about 4 that morning. After several tests, Dr. says I could stay and have my gallbladder taken out the next day or give it a couple weeks and see. I waited.

Fast forward til two nights ago. Ate chili cheese fries and a chili dog at the local ballpark (which I've ate several times this past month). I woke up at 1:30 am with a pain in the same area under the rib. This was less painful. Felt like perhaps a knife wound this time instead of a bullet. Anyway, I made it until about 7 in the morning and couldn't take it anymore. Back to the ER. Different Dr. Same results. Take it out tomorrow or schedule surgery in two weeks. I scheduled the surgery, but I'm not 100% committed.

If you've had experience with gallbladder problems, please tell me your story. Can I manage this through diet, or is it going to keep happening no matter what? If yours was removed, have you had any problems? What have been your side effects, if any? Thanks.