Being a Grad student & Gastric Sleeve with Gallbladder problems?

[AchieveGoals 46]

Hi guys! Well I'm a current graduate school student and I am getting the surgery done on Tuesday. It's my summer vacation so I got time to have the procedure done. It wasn't until a couple weeks ago I researched about long term complications of VSG and came upon reading stories where people have Gallbladder problems and gallstones due to the rapid weight loss.

I don't have any current issues with my GB or stones neither did I have them in the past, but I'm scared that I might end up having problems and it will affect my performance academically. Meaning, I'll have a gallbladder attack right in the middle of the semester and end up getting kicked out because my program would not accommodate even for a health issue (crazy I know).

Can someone please shed some light, I mean - have any of you had VSG and not had Gall bladder problems yet? And what can I do to prevent this from happening if possible? Thank you ...

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

It is possible to have problems with your Gallbladder after surgery but not guaranteed. I was prescribed Actigall after surgery which I believe is supposed to help get the Gallbladder going again.

If this is a concern for you, why not ask your surgeon what he recommends?

[chycky 671]

I don't think you can accurately predict if and when this would strike you. And I know academic programs can be rigorous and even if you can be away it will delay and cause implications.

You should search the forum for how long a gall bladder issue would put you out. The weight loss is bound to be a positive. And your program, if in US, is required to accommodate your health issues.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

@@AchieveGoals

I was really worried about gallbladder issues. Once I got heartburn and was convinced I was having gallbladder issues, it was just heartburn.

I have never had gallbladder issues prior to surgery, and one year out, still don't have any.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

I think a lot of people forget that most people having WLS surgery in the past were very overweight for very extended periods of time and also older. I think for younger healthier patients we have fewer complications.

[stacyrg2 350]

I had my gallbladder removed 8 months after VSG. I had my surgery on a Friday and was on a plane for a business trip on Wednesday. All in all I missed 2 days of work. Just my opinion but I wouldn't let concern about a gallbladder attack deter you from surgery

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[GinaCampbell 434]

Six weeks post op and was told yesterday that my gallbladder has to be removed now.

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[PaulStephens1975 62]

Gall bladder problems are always a risk whether you have weight loss problems or not. I've had lots of friends lose tons of weight and never have gall bladder problems. I'd say your chances are pretty low. Just pay attention to what you are eating post-op and avoid fried foods like the plague. I wouldn't put off the surgery if it was me.

Good luck with the grad work. I just finished my degree back in March. You'll be so glad when you're done!