Where Is Gallstone Pain Felt? A Full Guide to Symptoms, Attacks & Life After Gallbladder Removal

Quick Answer

Gallstone pain is most commonly felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs. It can spread to the middle of the back, between the shoulder blades, or up to the right shoulder. The pain usually comes on suddenly, lasts between 30 minutes and several hours, and can feel like a sharp cramp, an intense pressure, or a deep gnawing ache. It often happens after eating fatty food.

Written from personal experience — I had my gallbladder removed in 2006 after months of misdiagnosed pain during and after pregnancy. Everything in this post is based on what I learned the hard way, backed up by medical guidance from the NHS and other trusted sources. This isn’t medical advice — always speak to your GP if you’re worried about symptoms. You may also like the read: Gallstone Causes.

Where is gallstone pain felt in the body?

Gallstone pain is felt in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribcage. This is where your gallbladder sits — a small, pear-shaped organ tucked beneath your liver.

But here’s what a lot of people don’t realise: gallstone pain doesn’t stay in one place. It often radiates to:

• The centre of your upper abdomen (just below the breastbone) — this is why it’s so often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn
• The middle of your back, between your shoulder blades
• Your right shoulder or the tip of your right shoulder blade
• Occasionally, your chest — which can feel alarm
• Occasionally, your chest — which can feel alarmingly like a heart attack and sends many people to A&E

The reason the pain spreads is because of something called referred pain. The nerves that supply your gallbladder share pathways with nerves in your back and shoulder, so your brain sometimes gets confused about where the pain is actually coming from.

Key point: If your pain is on the left side of your abdomen, it’s very unlikely to be your gallbladder. Left-sided pain is more often related to your stomach, pancreas, or spleen.

What does gallstone pain actually feel like?

Gallstone pain — properly called biliary colic — has a very distinct character. Once you’ve had it, you don’t forget it.

Here’s how most people describe it:

• Sudden and intense — it often comes on out of nowhere, usually within an hour or two of eating
• A gripping, cramping pressure — many people describe it as feeling like their insides are being squeezed
• Constant, not wave-like — unlike labour pains or IBS cramps, gallstone pain doesn’t come and go in waves. It builds up and stays
• Impossible to get comfortable — you can’t sit still, can’t lie down, can’t find a position that helps
• Often accompanied by nausea or vomiting
• Sometimes followed by relief after a good belch or being sick (this happened to me on the way to the emergency doctor)

How long does gallstone pain last?

A typical gallbladder attack lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. If the pain lasts longer than 6 hours, is accompanied by fever, or you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, you need to get to A&E — this could be a sign of a more serious complication like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or a blocked bile duct.

My gallstone story (and why I nearly missed the diagnosis)

I want to share what happened to me, because if my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, it’s worth telling.

Back in September 2006, I had my gallbladder removed. But my journey started months earlier, when I was about 8 months pregnant with my youngest son.

I remember it clearly. I had the most awful “indigestion” — the kind where you can’t keep still, can’t sit down, can’t lie down. Something felt seriously wrong. My husband rushed me to the emergency doctor, and on the way there, I had to ask him to pull over so I could vomit.

By the time we arrived at the surgery, I felt a bit better after a good belch (classic sign, I now know). The doctor took one look at my pregnant belly and said, “It’s common for pregnant women to have indigestion and heartburn.” He sent me home with a big bottle of high-strength Gaviscon.

I want you to pay attention to this bit, because it’s where things went wrong.

A week after I gave birth, the same pain came back — but this time, ten times worse. It wrapped all the way around my front and back. I was short of breath. I was rocking myself back and forth trying to cope with it. This wasn’t indigestion.

I was rushed to hospital with my one-week-old baby in tow. They ran every test under the sun, including a full-body scan because they suspected a blood clot in my lungs. Nothing showed up. I was sent home the next day, still in pain, still with no answer.

Exactly a week later, it happened again. (Looking back, I’d probably eaten something fatty both times.)

This time — thank goodness — I saw a different doctor. He listened to my symptoms and knew straight away what it was. He sent me for an ultrasound scan, which confirmed his suspicion: gallstones.

I cannot stress this enough: if you have symptoms that sound like gallstones and you haven’t been offered an ultrasound scan, ask for one. It’s the simplest, most reliable way to diagnose gallstones, and it should be one of the first tests they run.

I was put on a waiting list for gallbladder removal surgery. It took 5 months for me to get to the top of that list. Five months of pain, of being afraid to eat, of trying to look after a newborn baby while dreading every meal. It felt like five years.

The symptoms of a gallbladder attack

Here’s a complete list of the symptoms to watch out for. You don’t need to have all of them — even a few is enough to warrant a trip to your GP.

Main symptoms:

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain that spreads to the back, shoulder blade, or right shoulder
• Pain that comes on after eating (especially fatty or greasy food)
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Feeling extremely restless — unable to get comfortable
• Sweating
• Pain that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours

Warning signs that need urgent medical attention:

• Fever or chills alongside the pain
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale, clay-coloured stools
• Pain that lasts more than 6 hours
• Severe pain that stops you doing normal activities

If you have any of these warning signs, don’t wait. Get to A&E or call 111.

What to eat when you’re having gallstone pain

While I was on the waiting list for surgery, I had to figure out my own low-fat diet through painful trial and error. Every meal was a gamble — was this going to be the one that triggered another attack?

Here’s what I found I could eat safely during that time:

Safe foods (very low fat):

• Fish — plain, grilled or baked, no batter or breadcrumbs
• Salad — without dressing (or with just lemon juice)
• Ryvita or crackers — no butter or margarine
• Porridge — made with water or skimmed milk
• Boiled or poached eggs
• Homemade vegetable soup
• Vegetable stir-fry — cooked without oil, or with a tiny splash of stock
• Plain rice and pasta
• Fruit — apples, bananas, berries, pears
• Steamed vegetables

Foods I had to avoid completely:

• Red meat (lamb, beef) — even lean cuts triggered attacks
• Chicken — surprisingly, even lean chicken set me off
• Cheese of any kind
• Crisps, chips, anything fried
• Butter, margarine, oils
• Creamy sauces or dressings
• Chocolate
• Fatty pastries and cakes
• Full-fat dairy

I basically lived on fish and vegetables for five months. On the plus side, my baby weight fell off quickly — but I don’t recommend the gallstone diet as a weight-loss plan!

A note on individual tolerance: Everyone’s different. Some people can tolerate small amounts of fat; others react to almost anything. Keep a food and symptom diary to spot your personal triggers. This is one of the most useful things you can do while waiting for surgery.

Want a proper guide? I’ve created a full Gallbladder-Friendly Meal Plan with recipes, shopping lists, and meal ideas designed specifically for life after gallbladder removal. Get the meal plan here.

What happens after gallbladder removal surgery

Let me be honest with you: having my gallbladder out was one of the best decisions I ever made. The relief of not being in constant fear of the next attack was enormous.

The surgery itself (a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or “keyhole surgery”) is now one of the most common operations in the UK. You’ll typically:

• Have 3-4 small incisions in your abdomen
• Be under general anaesthetic for about an hour
• Go home the same day or the day after
• Be back to light activities within a week
• Fully recover within 2-4 weeks

But there are a few things nobody warned me about — so I’m going to warn you.

Gas pain after surgery (and why it’s in your shoulder)

This one caught me completely off guard.

During keyhole surgery, the surgeon pumps carbon dioxide gas into your abdomen. This inflates your belly like a balloon so they can see your organs clearly and have room to work. At the end of the operation, most of the gas is released — but not all of it.

The remaining gas has to be absorbed by your body, and while that happens, it can cause referred pain in your shoulders (usually the right shoulder, sometimes both).

Nobody told me this. I woke up from surgery with excruciating shoulder pain and had no idea why. I thought something had gone wrong. It was only after some digging around online that I figured out what was happening.

How to ease post-surgery gas pain:

• Lie on your left side with your right knee bent up in front of you
• Walk around as soon as you’re able — gentle movement helps the gas disperse
• Drink plenty of water — this helps your bowels get moving again and reduces constipation
• Peppermint tea — genuinely helpful for trapped gas
• A warm heat pack on the shoulder — soothing while you wait it out

How long does it last? Usually 24 to 48 hours, though some people feel twinges for up to a week. If shoulder pain is severe, persistent beyond a week, or accompanied by breathing difficulties, contact your surgical team.

Diarrhoea after gallbladder removal

This is the after-effect nobody talks about at the hospital, so let me talk about it.

Around 20% of people who have their gallbladder removed experience diarrhoea afterwards. For some it’s a temporary thing that settles within weeks; for others (like me) it lasts years.

Why does it happen?

Your gallbladder’s job was to store bile and release it in controlled amounts when you ate fatty food. Without it, bile drips continuously from your liver straight into your small intestine. When too much bile reaches your large intestine, it acts like a natural laxative.

My honest experience:

For the first few years after my surgery, eating anything fatty could send me rushing to the toilet — and I mean rushing. It’s genuinely embarrassing to admit, but if I’d known this was normal, I’d have felt so much less alone at the time.

The good news? It does get better. More than 20 years on, I still get occasional bouts if I eat something particularly rich, but it’s nowhere near as bad as those early years.

What helps:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than big fatty ones
• Reduce fat intake gradually — your body needs time to adjust
• Add soluble fibre — oats, bananas, apples, and psyllium husk can help firm things up
• Stay hydrated — especially if you’re having frequent episodes
• Try bile acid binders — if the diarrhoea is severe, your GP can prescribe medication like colestyramine that binds excess bile

When to see your GP: If diarrhoea is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or is affecting your quality of life, please don’t just put up with it. This is treatable. Book an appointment.

Can you get jaundice after gallbladder removal?

Yes, it’s possible — though relatively uncommon.

Jaundice is when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It happens when a substance called bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced when your liver breaks down old red blood cells) builds up in your body.

Normally, bilirubin travels from your liver through your bile ducts and out of your body. But after gallbladder removal, complications can occasionally block or damage the bile ducts, causing bilirubin to build up.

Signs of jaundice after gallbladder surgery:

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• Dark, tea-coloured urine
• Pale or clay-coloured stools
• Itchy skin
• Feeling unusually tired
• Loss of appetite

This is not something to wait out. If you develop any signs of jaundice after gallbladder surgery — whether it’s days, weeks, or even months afterwards — see your doctor as soon as possible. It can indicate a retained stone in the bile duct, a bile leak, or bile duct stricture, all of which are treatable but need attention.

What to eat after your gallbladder is removed

The big question everyone asks after surgery: can I go back to eating normally?

Honestly, mostly yes — but with some sensible tweaks.

In the first 1-2 weeks after surgery:

• Stick to a low-fat diet while your body adjusts
• Avoid fried, greasy, and fatty foods
• Skip spicy foods temporarily
• Cut back on caffeine (I know, I know — I couldn’t do this either)
• Eat small, frequent meals rather than three big ones
• Gradually increase fibre — start slowly to avoid making diarrhoea worse

Good foods to focus on:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Wholegrain rice, pasta, and bread
• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans)
• Seeds, nuts, and oats
• Low-fat dairy or plant-based alternatives
• Soups and stews
• Plenty of water

In the longer term: Most people can eat a broadly normal diet after a few months, but there are a few habits worth keeping for life:

• Keep fat intake moderate — your body still has to process it without a storage system
• Spread meals throughout the day rather than eating one enormous meal
• Notice your triggers — for me, it’s very rich food eaten late at night
• Prioritise soluble fibre — it genuinely helps with the digestive side effects
• Stay well hydrated — dehydration makes everything worse

A note on coffee: The NHS suggests avoiding caffeine after gallbladder removal, but I’ll be honest — I have coffee every morning and always have. Some people find caffeine is a trigger, others don’t. Listen to your own body.

Want a proper guide? I’ve created a full Gallbladder-Friendly Meal Plan with recipes, shopping lists, and meal ideas designed specifically for life after gallbladder removal. Get the meal plan here.

What I wish I’d known: my honest reflections

Twenty years on from my surgery, here’s what I wish someone had sat me down and told me:

1. There will be no aftercare. You’ll leave the hospital with a leaflet and be sent on your way. This is why sites like this one exist — to fill the gap.
2. The shoulder pain is normal. Please don’t panic like I did.
3. You’ll have “phantom” gallstone pain occasionally. A mild, indigestion-like ache in the same spot. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but do mention it to your GP if it becomes frequent.
4. Diarrhoea is common, treatable, and improves with time. You are not alone.
5. Genetics matter. My sister had her gallbladder out 6 months before I did. Her side effect was severe acid reflux (she lives on Rennies). If gallbladder issues run in your family, be aware. My grandad also had his removed.
6. Fatty food will remind you it’s gone. Even years later, an over-indulgent meal can send you running. It’s the price of admission.
7. It’s still absolutely worth it. If you’re in constant pain from gallstones, having the surgery was the best thing I ever did. The occasional side effect is nothing compared to the pain of an attack.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the gallbladder located? Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ tucked underneath your liver, on the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribcage.

Can gallstone pain be felt in the back? Yes. Gallstone pain commonly radiates to the middle of the back, between the shoulder blades, or up to the right shoulder. This is called referred pain.

How long does a gallbladder attack last? Most gallbladder attacks last between 30 minutes and 6 hours. If pain lasts longer than 6 hours or is accompanied by fever or jaundice, seek urgent medical help.

What’s the difference between gallstone pain and indigestion? Indigestion tends to feel like burning or bloating and is usually relieved by antacids or belching. Gallstone pain is more intense, comes on suddenly, doesn’t respond to antacids, and often makes you restless and unable to get comfortable.

Can you live a normal life without a gallbladder? Absolutely yes. Your liver takes over the job of producing bile, and most people adapt within a few months. You may need to keep a lower-fat diet and manage occasional side effects, but a full, normal life is completely possible.

Is gallstone pain worse than childbirth? Many women who’ve had both say gallstone pain is comparable to — or worse than — labour. I gave birth twice and my gallbladder attacks were the most intense pain I’ve ever experienced.

Can gallstones go away on their own? Small gallstones can sometimes pass without treatment, but most gallstones that are causing symptoms won’t disappear and will keep triggering attacks. Surgery is usually recommended once you’ve had multiple attacks.

What triggers a gallbladder attack? Fatty or greasy meals are the most common trigger. Large meals, spicy food, and sometimes stress can also set off an attack. Symptoms often appear 1-2 hours after eating.

Can I drink alcohol with gallstones? Moderate alcohol isn’t directly linked to gallstone attacks, but heavy drinking can irritate your digestive system and worsen symptoms. After gallbladder removal, many people find they tolerate alcohol less well than before, especially rich drinks like cream liqueurs.

How soon after surgery can I eat normally? Most people can start reintroducing normal foods within 1-2 weeks after surgery, though a low-fat diet is recommended in the first few weeks. Full digestive adjustment can take a few months.

Why do I still get pain where my gallbladder used to be? Occasional mild aches in the same area are common and usually harmless — often related to eating late or having a rich meal. However, persistent or severe pain should always be checked by your GP, as it can occasionally indicate a retained stone or bile duct issue.

Can gallbladder problems come back after removal? The gallbladder itself is gone, so gallstones can’t form there again. However, stones can occasionally form in the bile duct (called “retained” or “recurrent” stones) and cause similar symptoms. This is uncommon but treatable.

Final thoughts

If you’re reading this because you’re in pain and trying to figure out what’s happening to you — I’m so sorry, and I completely understand what you’re going through.

The single most important thing I can tell you is this: trust your body. If something feels seriously wrong, keep pushing for answers. If a doctor dismisses your pain as “just indigestion” and it doesn’t feel right to you, ask for an ultrasound scan. Ask for a second opinion. Advocate for yourself.

Gallstone pain is real, it’s debilitating, and it deserves proper investigation.

And if you’re on the other side of it — waiting for surgery, or recovering from it — I promise it does get better. There will be an end to the fear of eating. There will be a morning when you wake up without dreading breakfast. You’ll get there.

Over to you

I’d love to hear from you in the comments:

• Where did you feel your gallstone pain? Was it classic upper-right, or somewhere unexpected?
• How long did it take you to get a diagnosis? Were you dismissed at first, like I was?
• What are you struggling with post-surgery? Diarrhoea, phantom pain, food triggers?
• What do you wish someone had told you before your surgery?

Your story could genuinely help someone else who’s going through this right now. Drop a comment below — I read every single one.

Sources & further reading

• NHS: Gallstones — Symptoms
• NHS: Gallbladder Removal
• British Liver Trust: Gallstones

This post was originally written in 2020 based on my personal experience with gallstones and gallbladder removal surgery in 2006. Last updated: July 2026.