Gallbladder Symptoms - Other Then Pain

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Okay, I had my 9 month follow up (yes, a month late - long story!) yesterday. They of course examined me and asked about signs of gallbladder problems. It prompted me to look up the symptoms - and I have many of them, but no pain. For those of you who have experienced gallbladder attacks, does it make sense to be ultrasounded based on the other symptoms, even if no pain. For example, I do often have loose stools that are light colored. Or, does it make sense to wait until it hurts before being checked - which of course may not happen?

[doxieville 799]

I opted not to wait. I couldn't risk a bursted gallbladder or a stone stuck in a bile duct. But I've got other health issues that a bursted gallbladder would have put my health at a further risk.

[doxieville 799]

Forgot my point! Yes, if you haven't had an ultrasound yet, you should. Did you have one pre-op? My doc requires one.

[LizInTexas 125]

Had my gallbladder out at the same time as my sleeve. I had already had many problems with it so it was a no brainer for me. My surgeon described my gallbladder as "a completely non-functioning pathetic little sack of flesh wrapped around stones". Huh, like I didn't already know that !

That said, gallstones inside the gallbladder can remain asymptomatic for many years and never cause a problem. To prevent further formation of gallstones due to rapid weight loss, the doc can prescribe a drug called ursidol (Urso). Most everyone has gallstones. Just because you have stones isn't a reason to have your gallbladder yanked out unless you're experiencing attacks, and believe me, you will definitely know when you're having a gallbladder attack ! Most painful thing ever IMHO. Removal of the gallbladder will necessitate that you know where the nearest restroom is after every meal, and it doesn't change much in the long term, if at all... Had it been an option for me, I'd much rather still have my gallbladder... As others say: "your mileage may vary".