gallbladder out?

[monty 18]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had their gallbladder out at the same time as their sleeve surgery? I am very worried about this issue. I have done some research on this and many times it seems when one loses weight rapidly that the gallbladder no longer functions properly. When I asked my Dr. if he takes it out during the sleeve surgery, he said no and doesn't think it necessary. If you didn't have it taken out, did it have to be taken out later? Would appreciate feedback on this as I am concerned. Thanks!

[weho 103]

I've heard of doctors taking it if gallbladder disease has already been diagnosed. But as a preventative, no I haven't heard of that. My doctor prescribed Ursidiol (?) to help prevent gallstone formation. I started taking it about 1 month after surgery and will continue taking till I'm 6 months post op. Not sure how effective it is, but if it will put my odds in favor of not having another surgery, I'm all for it.

[courtines 6]

A friend of mine had his sleeve done by someone who is a gallbladder guru. He requires an abdominal ultrasound as part of his pre-op testing protocol. He will take them out while performing the sleeve surgery if there is evidence of stones or gallbladder disease. If there isn't anything wrong with them, he leaves them alone.

It is common for people to have gallbladder issues after losing a large amount of weight, whether that weight loss was achieved through surgery or not. I don't know of anyone who would take a functional gallbladder out, though. Doctors like to leave your parts where they are, as long as they aren't causing problems.

[monty 18]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the replies about the gallbladder. Thank makes me feel better, but still am concerned I will have to have another surgery down the road. I guess it's allpart of the package!

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

I had mine out a few months post op. I'm guessing from losing a lot of weight it caused it to go bad.

It wasn't too bad. The sleeve was my first surgery, the gallbladder my second. It did stink that my first surgery caused my second. But, at the same time I'm happy enough with my weight loss that it was STILL Worth it.

Plus, I don't need that stinkin' gallbladder anyway. Especially since in my family the women have issues with theirs already. So not having it anymore relives the stress of wondering when it'll go bad or whatever.

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

Back in 1987, I lost about 100 pounds through Modifast. I had just completed the re-feeding phase and started maintenance when I started having gallbladder attacks. I had my gallbladder removed the old fashioned way. But, from the size of the stones I had, I had been haviing gallbladder problems for years, and didn't recognize that was what was happening. It was wonderful to get rid of it - no more "stomach" problems!

Doctors won't take out a perfectly fine, non-diseased gallbladder - the same way they won't take out a perfectly functioning appendix. If you are worried you will lose yours afterwards, get the tests done prior to determine if you have exisiting gallbladder problems. If you do, find a surgeon that will take it out while you are getting sleeved.

Good luck - it seems you are doing a lot of research on this procedure. So did I. I am very glad I chose the sleeve - it was the right decision for me.

[monty 18]

Back in 1987, I lost about 100 pounds through Modifast. I had just completed the re-feeding phase and started maintenance when I started having gallbladder attacks. I had my gallbladder removed the old fashioned way. But, from the size of the stones I had, I had been haviing gallbladder problems for years, and didn't recognize that was what was happening. It was wonderful to get rid of it - no more "stomach" problems!

Doctors won't take out a perfectly fine, non-diseased gallbladder - the same way they won't take out a perfectly functioning appendix. If you are worried you will lose yours afterwards, get the tests done prior to determine if you have exisiting gallbladder problems. If you do, find a surgeon that will take it out while you are getting sleeved.

Good luck - it seems you are doing a lot of research on this procedure. So did I. I am very glad I chose the sleeve - it was the right decision for me.

[monty 18]

Wow! Your progress is awesome! I am at a similar start weight. Did you lose some of it before the sleeve or is your start weight just before the sleeve. I will be so happy if I even get close to where you are. Did you find anything special that seemed to help you on your journey? Would love to hear fromyou again!

[ravenjeh 16]

I've been wondering if my gallbladder is acting up. For the past few weeks I've been feeling a pain (not severe) behind my right breast, a little toward the center of my chest. It only lasts a few seconds, but will usually happen several times a day- more than that today. Since I am having VSG the day after tomorrow, I'm curious if the dr would go ahead and take it out if it looks bad. But since I am self-pay (and have already paid) I don't know if he would take it out for "free" or would bill me later for it... Maybe I'm just nervous and thinking too hard, lol.

[iegal 460]

Hi Monty;

If it ain't broken, don't fix it, right? Same as Weho, my surgeon perscribed Urisodiol (generic drug for Actigall) to help prevent gallstones. I too took the pills for 6 months out. Ask your surgeon if he can prescribe these to you too to help avoid another surgery.

Ursodiol is used to dissolve gallstones in patients who do not want surgery or cannot have surgery to remove gallstones. Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in overweight patients who are losing weight very quickly.

Apparently when we lose weight rapidly gallstones can occur. So, my surgeon had gallbladder removal surgery scheduled for me 6 months afterward WLS, which was cancelled when I showed no signs of problems.

Best wishes!