Gall bladder issues - advice sought

[Swampdoggie 477]

Hello Bariatric Pals, I am four months out from surgery and have begun to have what turns out to be issues with an abnormally functioning gall bladder. I've been having nausea and projectiles from both ends (sorry people). I had a HIDA scan and I'm borderline, on the wrong side. I have not had any pain though. My dr wants to remove it but has given me 2 weeks to see if meds will help.

Of note, I'm on a lot of antibiotics for another medical issue and I believe some of the nausea may be due to those. I'd kind of rather not go under the knife if I don't have to, but it it will make things better, I would. I haven't felt like exercising (and of course concern about being too far from a WC) and I've been eating some comfort foods (cream of rice, s/f pudding, etc), so it is a bit of a problem.

Do any of you who've had their gall bladders removed have advice on whether you'd do it over, how you felt before and after removal, are there things you have to do or eat, or can't do or eat? Or just any other guidance? Any counsel much appreciated.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I had no choice. Mine ruptured after weeks of miserable pain and discomfort. After surgery, I had to eat on the bland side during healing, but I never really missed the thing. What I have to watch now, 42 years later, is fatty, greasy, rich foods, because I don't have that gallbladder to process fats. But that's ok. I shouldn't eat that stuff anyway. I was 21 and it was 1973, back when they still cut you half in two. I was in the hospital eleven days. Today, they do it laparasopically and in some places it is outpatient day-surgery.

[Babbs 14,681]

Like Miss Mac, I had mine removed in an emergency surgery situation about 4 years before my sleeve. I would say just have it removed. Once the gall bladder starts getting "sick", it usually gets worse and not better. Easy surgery. In my opinion, it was less painful than the sleeve. And yes, you may have the squirts for a few months after if you indulge in more fatty foods, but you won't be doing that anyway, right?

Oh, and let me add (and this is TERRIBLE), I lost 10 pounds post surgery

[Swampdoggie 477]

I shall be an angel of the highest order :>

[jm726 27]

Hello Bariatric Pals, I am four months out from surgery and have begun to have what turns out to be issues with an abnormally functioning gall bladder. I've been having nausea and projectiles from both ends (sorry people). I had a HIDA scan and I'm borderline, on the wrong side. I have not had any pain though. My dr wants to remove it but has given me 2 weeks to see if meds will help.

Of note, I'm on a lot of antibiotics for another medical issue and I believe some of the nausea may be due to those. I'd kind of rather not go under the knife if I don't have to, but it it will make things better, I would. I haven't felt like exercising (and of course concern about being too far from a WC) and I've been eating some comfort foods (cream of rice, s/f pudding, etc), so it is a bit of a problem.

Do any of you who've had their gall bladders removed have advice on whether you'd do it over, how you felt before and after removal, are there things you have to do or eat, or can't do or eat? Or just any other guidance? Any counsel much appreciated.

It's super common to develop gallbladder issues after rapid weight loss and pregnancy. The best thing to do (if it's not functioning) is too remove it. Because honestly, if not now...it will happen in the future. ????. The best thing you can do now is avoid anything hot, spicy, or greasy. A bland diet makes it slightly more tolerable to eat. As far as removal, it's typically done laparoscopic, with 3-5 small incisions. The worst part is that (darn) gas pain, and some people will have shoulder pain. You'll be sore as if you did a bunch of sit ups for a few days, then gradually get back to normal & feel tons better. I wish you the absolute best & a speedy recovery! Hope this helps. ☺️

[rileyoshea 15]

Had a gastric sleeve in late October and just had my gall bladder removed at 7:45 pm last night. The pain compared to the sleeve is non existent - I took a tylenol at the hospital this morning and I haven't taken any since. The worst part is the gas bubble but nothing like the one from the surgery for the sleeve.

The surgeon offered to do the gall bladder in 3-4 weeks, but my attitude was - I am already here and I do not want to feel that pain anymore. I am glad it is behind me now as I am already healing. Good luck!