Gallstones *after* surgery?

[SparkleCat 521]

I had VSG in April, and while I want to lose about 10 more lbs, I really did lose 80+ pounds pretty quickly (in 5 months). <TMI Alert!!> In the past few days I have noticed my poop is now a pale color and I have had minimal intermittent pain in my upper right belly. Of course, I googled both of these and saw they can be a sign of gallstones...add rapid weight loss, being a woman of 45, on the max dose of cholesteral meds and wls, and it seems I am a prime candidate for gallstones

When I had surgery, my surgeon, of course, checked my gall bladder and it was good...no issues, but now I am wondering if it's becoming an issue. I have my 6 month check up next week, so I will definitely ask, but wanted to know if any of you had gallstones pop up *after* surgery and losing weight? How was it diagnosed, what were your symptoms and did you have to have surgery for it?

Thanks ahead of time for any insight into gallstones and the relation to wls and rapid weight loss!

[MauiGirl5555 38]

My DR insists on removing the gallbladder after surgery for everyone. He said it is common to get gallstones. He wont do it during the surgery which I find annoying b/c I would rather only have 1 procedure.

I have had gallstone attacks in the past. They are very painful. They feel like a freight train just ran you over.

[BitterSweet* 835]

Yes, gall disease is extremely common after WLS. You need to have liver enzymes drawn and if they are elevated, an ultrasound will rule out gallbladder disease. Gallstones do have the ability to travel and if that happens it becomes an emergency situation, so please get checked out by your doctor soon.

Btw, that "minimal intermittent pain" eventually turns into pain so bad it'll take your breath away and you'll swear you're having a heart attack.....that is of course if it's your gallbladder.