 [ Symptoms ] why do gallstones hurt [ Disease ] researchers say many gallbladder symptoms stem from the modern western diet which is high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats if you are having symptoms from gallstones it is because as your gallbladder tries to squeeze some of that gallstone is blocking the outflow of bile that is stored in your gallbladder  says john martin md associate professor of medicine and surgery and director of endoscopy at the northwestern university feinberg school of medicine you are squeezing against a closed door and that is why it hurts if you eat fatty foods that makes it squeeze more 