Mum Loses 8 Stone After Gallbladder Removal Linked to Mounjaro

A mother from the UK, Emma McDonald, has successfully lost 8 stone after undergoing gallbladder removal, a complication she attributes to her use of the weight loss medication Mounjaro. At 38 years old, Emma started her journey weighing 21 stone and wearing a size 24. Following the removal of her gallbladder, she continues to take Mounjaro and expresses no regrets about her decision.

Emma began taking Mounjaro in June 2024, where she initially lost 2 stone. However, by August 2024, she experienced severe indigestion pain, which she initially attributed to an increase in her dose to 7.5 mg. After experiencing intense discomfort, she drove herself to an emergency department, where an ultrasound revealed a large gallstone blocking her bile duct, leading to a diagnosis of cholecystitis. This condition can result in severe complications if not treated promptly, including sepsis and bowel perforation.

In October 2024, Emma underwent a cholecystectomy, a procedure to fully remove her gallbladder. A biopsy following the surgery indicated that her gallbladder had been “rotting” inside her body. Despite this serious health scare, Emma has since recovered and has reached a weight of 12 stone 9 pounds, fitting into a size 12.

Statistics from NHS England indicate a significant rise in gallbladder surgeries in the UK, with operations increasing from 69,745 in 2023-24 to 80,196 in 2024-25, marking a 15% increase. Experts have suggested a potential connection between the rise in gallbladder removals and the increasing use of weight loss medications like Mounjaro, as gallstones are a known side effect. They emphasize the need for further research into this trend.

Reflecting on her experience, Emma stated, “I was told my gallbladder had gone rotten and Mounjaro was an exacerbating factor – but overall, I’m much healthier now, so I don’t have any regrets.” She noted that Mounjaro was her last resort after a significant weight gain following the birth of her daughter in 2021 and the challenges posed by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

After her diagnosis in June 2024, Emma was prescribed a 2.5 mg dose of Mounjaro for weight management. Within five weeks, she noticed improvements in her health, including the return of her menstrual cycles and gradual weight loss. However, the early side effects included painful sensations in her ribs, which she initially dismissed as simple indigestion.

As her weight loss journey progressed, Emma found herself reaching a tipping point when her work trousers became too tight. This prompted her to take action by starting Mounjaro. Despite the subsequent health complications, she remains determined to raise awareness about gallbladder issues, particularly among women, who are statistically more susceptible to cholecystitis.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women are two to three times more likely to experience this condition than men, with factors such as significant weight loss and hormonal influences contributing to the risk. Emma emphasized, “I can’t stress enough how much women are at risk of it. It was a perfect storm of having PCOS, a massive weight gain after giving birth, and using Mounjaro.”

Now, Emma is gradually adjusting her diet post-surgery, noting difficulties with digesting meat since the operation. She remains optimistic about her health and the positive changes in her life as a result of her weight loss journey. Emma concludes her story with a resolute statement: “I don’t have any regrets – Mounjaro has helped me take control of my life.”