Anyone had band and gallbladder out at the same time?

Catgal36 · January 21, 2008

Hi! this is my first time on the website! I am 36 yrs old live in Missouri and have my surgery scheduled for 2/1/08. I am also going to have my gallbladder at the same time, I am really scared! I had one Dr tell me he wouldn't do the two procedures together. I sought a 2nd opinion and my current Doctor will do them at the same time. I am paying for my procedure because my insurance would not cover the band. So I will save money with having the gallbladder at the same time-but I hope this doesn't backfire!

I don't know how to do my weight loss tape but currently I weigh 243lbs would like to lose 100lbs.:girl_hug:

twiggyinhiding · January 21, 2008

My gallbladder had to be removed before my lap band ... it was done 3 months before. My surgeon would not do them at the same time ..stating that the gallbladder surgery is a "dirty" surgery. Thats what happened with me... gl to you and I too would be concerned... ask alot of questions.

ronwifey · January 21, 2008

My Dr. pretty much said the same thing. Gall Bladder removal can be "dirty" and you don't want to get anything on your band or in your incision if you are having bypass. He said he would never do those two at the same time. Please be careful. Let us know what you decide to do.

I wonder if he is making the exception because he knows you are self pay and wants to save you money?

Moopymom · January 21, 2008

I had my gallbladder removed at the same time. My dr. said that if it was inflamed, or any of the gallbladder contents spilled during removal, he would postpone the band for about three months. Luckily all was well, and I had both removed, and am doing well - down 55 pounds from 9/1/07.

BTW, I grew up in Missouri and graduated from Mizzou - Go Tigers!!

TheOptimist · January 21, 2008

I just hand my band and gallbladder done at the same time on Jan 10th. The gallbladder side of my turso is much more sore. I would have been back to work within a few days of the lapband surgery, but the gallbladder has kept me at home (although working from my laptop) since the surgery. I too had to pay for my own lapband. So, I just paid the extra for the gallbladder since I didn't want to go through a second surgery. I am 42 and 100 lbs overweight. No other health issues.

I have not had any issues (yet) with having both done at the same time. Surgery was done in MX.

TheOptimist · January 21, 2008

oh, expect 4-5 incinsions for the lapband and 2 for the gallbladder. I came out of surgery and was a little suprized to find 7 holes in my abdomen!

Also, get some extra pillows. Only comfortable position to sleep is propped up on your back.

Catgal36 · January 22, 2008

Thank-you for the info, I glad to hear that everthing worked out for you. It just seems like doctors are split on the opinion of taking the gall bladder with the surgery, it's nice to hear from someone that had both done and is doing fine! Good Luck with your weight loss.