Why do sharp pains under my ribs after fatty meals feel like biliary colic?

[Eleanor.W]

I’ve been getting these sharp, stabbing pains in my side just under my ribs, especially after I eat something fatty. My doctor mentioned it could be biliary colic and wants to do an ultrasound, but the pain comes and goes so unpredictably I’m not sure if I should be more concerned.

[PaisleyPC]

I’ve had something similar after fatty meals too. The pain would spike for a minute or two and then fade, sometimes wandering around under the ribs. I worried it meant something urgent, but it settled on its own a lot of days. The ultrasound helped set my mind at ease, even if the timing didn’t always line up with when I felt it.

[Scarlett.W]

Kept a tiny diary of meals and pain moments. It didn’t fix anything, but it helped me spot patterns and not chase every random ache as a crisis.

[Jacob_M]

Could be gallbladder things but I’ve also had gas, reflux, and a pulled muscle mess with similar pains. The unpredictability makes you doubt what is real.

[Layla.T]

If this is biliary colic, the doctor will explain what that means and what to watch for. If the pain suddenly gets worse, you develop fever, or you notice yellow eyes or dark urine, go to urgent care. Otherwise keep the ultrasound appointment and let the results guide next steps. In the meantime, lighter fats and small, regular meals might help the spikes.