Gallbladder Issues...?

[missmachine 100]

So is it pretty standard that if you lose weight too rapidly that you will have a problem with your gallbladder? I'm worried about this, as my mom had wls also and had to have hers removed.

[Back~To~Amy 307]

It seems as though it is common. I had mine removed in 2007 and the surgery for me was much less painful than the VSG.

[missmachine 100]

So how soon after your surgery was that? I am just worried because I don't have insurance. I went to MX for my VSG.

[Back~To~Amy 307]

So how soon after your surgery was that? I am just worried because I don't have insurance. I went to MX for my VSG.

Oops! I wasn't clear. My gallbladder surgery was in 2007. My VSG was just 15 days ago. I'm sure people who had their gallbladder removed after their VSG will come along and share their experience.

Also, according to Webmd, only up to about 25% of people have gallbladder issues after WLS.

[Ready! 22]

My friend had to have hers out just months after VSG.

[israelsmommy 0]

My gallbladder was taken out when my gastric sleeve was done. They did it all at one shot. The reason is because as being heavy your body accumalates stones and a lot at that. It will only cause more problems for you as your body starts to lose weight and you decide to leave it in. Its not mandatory but my doctor suggested it be done now rather than coming back and doing it as a seperate procedure. Good luck and best wishes

[karenb4729 309]

My Doctor puts all his patients on Atigal after the surgery. This is a medicine that prevents the formation of gallstones or disolves gallstones if ones are formed. He has you take it for the 1st six months after surgery when you have the fastest weightloss.

[missmachine 100]

That sounds like a great prevention idea, Karen! I should look into trying to get a prescription for this. Is it expensive? Are there side-effects?

[karenb4729 309]

I'm taking the generic version (urosodiol) and it's less than $10 per month. I take one in the morning and one in the evening. Not sure what the side effects are but I haven't had any. Again, this is only for the first 6 months which is usually when you are losing the quickest. My Dr puts all his WLS patients on it.

Ursodiol is used to treat small gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery, and to prevent gallstones in overweight patients under going rapid weight loss. Ursodiol is also used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis

Read more at http://www.drugs.com/mtm/actigall.html#u5O8HqQbdSSsfBpl.99

[Foxbins 625]

I needed my gallbladder removed 10 months after my sleeve.

[MrzSongbird 53]

Thank heavens I've had mine removed before having vsg, that is some unbearable pain.