sad and scared about gallbladder removal after sleeve

[awold0 246]

Well I just found out I have large Gallstones and have to have my Gallbladder removed. I am feeling so depressed for the first time since sleeved in July 2013. I really don't know why I seem so down about it. I have done a lot of research and seems that with my rapid weight loss this has caused it.

I keep thinking if it had come off slower than this may not have happened. I have always been " The cup is half full" person and this really has me down. I am sorry for venting. I just feel that I know you all and you all understand the journeys we have. This is my first bump. I had no complication's after being sleeved and just felt lucky. So here I am ready to cry. If anyone is out there with positive vibes please send them my way. I really need it.

[jujubslim 95]

It's not a reflection of what you did or didn't do. Don't beat yourself up, you'll be fine. Gallstones are very common after wls. My doctor said I was very lucky I already had my gallbladder out years ago before surgery. That's one less thing to worry about after.

[Sue Magoo 71]

Hello Awaldo:

Don't be sad. Be glad because it's probably due to your significant weight loss. I had lost almost 100 pounds after banding when I had to get my gallbladder out. It's not a bad surgery. Just wanted to mention that you'll be a lot more comfortable after the gallbladder surgery if you wear something that fits tightly so that your jiggle doesn't wiggle. If you have good insurance, ask your surgeon for a binder while you're in the hospital. If not, try getting a Spanx type of garment. It really made a big difference for me.

Good luck. Get lots of rest after your surgery.

Take care.

Sue

[Catherine707 253]

Yes the GB disease is a side effect of weight loss, but there are other factors that predispose you to gall bladder problems. In ultrasound school they taught us the 4 "F"s that are likely to have GB stones - Female, Forty, Fertile (had a baby), Fair skinned.

Large stones are better than small ones because the large ones won't go into the common bile duct and cause a blockage. I found out I had stones in Ultrasound school, but never had a GB attack until 4 years later, and that was 10 years after losing 50 pounds.

The laparoscopic surgery is easier to recover from than the gastric sleeve. I went back to work after only 4 days recovery from GB surgery. I was off for 6 weeks after my sleeve surgery.

I hope you start feeling better very soon!

[Schmincke 118]

I agree with Catherine707. I also had GB surgery, in my case after 6 months on Weight Watchers. The GB surgery was much easier than sleeve surgery. I had my GB out on Thursday, and was back for a part-day at work on Monday. You have been through much tougher surgery already.