800.123.4567
Expert Weight Loss Through Lifestyle, Medication, or Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery
By Dr. Shani Belgrave | Published: September 15, 2026
Gallbladder disease most often shows up as pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, especially after a fatty meal, sometimes with nausea, bloating, or pain radiating to the back or right shoulder. It is commonly caused by gallstones, which form when substances in bile harden. Not every gallstone needs surgery, but repeated pain, inflammation, or blockage usually calls for treatment. Dr. Shani Belgrave performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy, minimally invasive gallbladder removal, for patients in Atlanta. Call (470) 250-0035 to schedule an evaluation.
Gallbladder problems are common, and most people who develop them have never had to think about the gallbladder before. It sits tucked under the liver and stores bile to help digest fat, and when it is not working well, the symptoms can be confusing or easy to dismiss as indigestion. Here is what to watch for, how gallbladder disease is typically treated, and when it is time to see a surgeon.
The most recognizable symptom is pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, often triggered by a fatty or heavy meal and lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Some people also notice bloating, nausea, or discomfort that spreads toward the back or right shoulder blade. These episodes, sometimes called gallbladder attacks, can come and go for weeks or months before someone seeks care.
More serious symptoms deserve prompt attention. Fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, or pain that will not ease can indicate infection, a blocked bile duct, or a more urgent complication. If you notice these signs, it is worth being seen quickly rather than waiting to see if they pass.
Most gallbladder disease traces back to gallstones, small hardened deposits that form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder does not empty efficiently. Gallstones can be present for years without symptoms, but they can also block the flow of bile, leading to inflammation of the gallbladder, a condition called cholecystitis.
No. Gallstones that are not causing symptoms are often simply monitored, since many people live with silent gallstones for a lifetime without complication. Surgery becomes the standard recommendation once gallstones cause repeated pain, inflammation, a blocked duct, or other complications, because the gallbladder is not essential to digestion and removing it resolves the underlying source of the symptoms.
The definitive treatment for symptomatic gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder through a few small incisions. Dr. Shani Belgrave performs this procedure at an Atlanta hospital or surgery center where she is privileged. Most patients go home the same day or after a short stay, and recovery is generally faster and less painful than with the older open-surgery approach.
Before recommending surgery, evaluation typically includes a review of your symptoms and history along with imaging, most often an abdominal ultrasound, to confirm gallstones or inflammation. If your case is more complex, or your history includes prior abdominal surgery, that gets factored into the surgical plan as well.
Gallbladder problems and weight can be connected: rapid weight loss, whether from diet changes, GLP-1 medication, or bariatric surgery, can increase the likelihood of developing gallstones. Because Dr. Belgrave practices both general and bariatric surgery, she can evaluate gallbladder symptoms in the context of your broader health, including if you are also considering or have already had weight-loss treatment.
Common symptoms include pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, often after eating fatty food, along with nausea, bloating, or pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder. Fever, jaundice, or persistent vomiting can signal a more urgent problem and should be evaluated promptly.
No. Gallstones that cause no symptoms often do not need surgery and can be monitored. Surgery is typically recommended once gallstones cause repeated pain, inflammation, blockage, or other complications, which a surgeon can help you evaluate.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder through a few small incisions. It is the standard treatment for symptomatic gallbladder disease and typically allows a faster recovery than open surgery.
Yes. Dr. Shani Belgrave performs laparoscopic gallbladder removal in addition to her bariatric surgery practice. Atlanta patients can be evaluated for gallbladder symptoms and, if needed, scheduled for minimally invasive surgery.
