I am 28 years old and I have just been diagnosed with Gallstones and my doctor is setting up an appointment with a surgeon to discuss whether or not I should have my gallbladder removed. I am trying to explore other options on how to get the stones removed. I am not overweight and I exercise and eat very low fat foods. I am just interested to see what symptoms you all had....HAS ANYONE HAD SEVERED HEARTBURN THAT COMES AND GOES? This is how it all started..in May 2002, I awoke in the middle of the night with horrible heartburn. Sometimes it lasts as long as an hour. I am on Protonix and it doesn't seem to help.