Abdominal Discomfort, Diahrrea, Nausea and vomiting for extended time period

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Doctors, I have had a constant issue with greenish yellow diahrrea, abdominal pain,vomiting, and nausea for 3 years. I have had days where the vomiting does not stop and been hospitalized for 5 days becasue of it. But was never given a definative diagnosis. I have had several test over the last few years including but not limited to blood work, Nuclear testing, stomach contents empty study, Colonoscopy, upper and lower GI series, have tried medications for the diahrrea and vomiting and they dont help. The only thing that was found was a hiatal Hernia and possible issues with after my gall bladder was removed. This is causeing major issues with me being able to work normally and live. I sometimes cannot eat because everything aggrivates these symptoms when they are present. The diahrrea is really acidic and burns. It is embarrassing haveing to run to the bathroom every 20-30 minutes. I am running out of ideas or options. I also get severe acid reflux and indigestion. Any Ideas as to the cause?

Dear Wendy: There could be many factors that could be causing your loose stools and I can understand your concern as no concrete diagnosis has been made as of yet. One of the possibilities could be due to the gallbladder surgery. Some studies have shown that sometimes as many as 1 in 3 develop diarrhea after gallbladder removal.  The cause of loose stools after gallbladder removal are not clear. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir of bile and bile is only released in the presence of food. When the gallbladder is removed, the bile now directly enters the intestines and may cause symptoms similar to laxatives. Treatment will depend on medications such as anti-diarrheals such as imodium and drugs that impair the absorption of bile acids such as cholestyramine or aluminum hydroxide. Other causes could be due to the hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux and H.pylori infection. You may also want to modify your lifestyle by avoiding alcohol, smoking, caffeine and greasy foods. Take frequent small meals and do regular exercise.