Gall Bladder problems and Lap band

[Blix 0]

One of the guys I work with had Lap band Surgery in early August. He had to have his Gall Bladder out last week and told me it was because of rapid weight loss and he said he was told quite a few of Lap Band Patients have to have their gall bladder removed because of weight loss. I was wondering if anyone else had been told this by their physician? That was the first I had heard of it.

[Saffron1216 0]

I had my lapband surgery on Sept 10th and had my gallbladder removed on Monday October 27th.

I wasn't told about the potential for having gallbladder problems after the lapband surgery. I did some research and found that this occurs most often after the gastric bypass but it can happen after lapband. They checked my gallbladder before I had the surgery and found no stones. The problem I had could not be seen by and ultrasound or a CAT scan. I had 'slug' building up in my gallbladder and it was found after a HIDA scan.

It all happened very quickly. The pain started off pretty light and I thought it was my port healing then it kept on getting worse. After the 4th day I call my lapband surgeon and he suggested that I go to the emergency because it was my gallbladder. The emergency room also agreed that it probably was my gallbladder but they didn't see anything on the ultrasound and Cat scan so they told me to follow up with my doc the next day and get a HIDA scan scheduled. To make a long story short, Thurs 10/16 went to ER, Fri 10/17 went to doc, Sat 10/18 had HIDA scan, Mon 10/20 got the call from doc telling me that it needs to come out, Tues 10/21 met with the surgeon who scheduled the removal on Monday 10/27, spent a night in the hospital, which sucked, and got back home yesterday.

I did a lot of research and found he gallbladder issues can be caused by fasting. I was on liquids for 3 weeks after my surgery. My surgeon said that the 'sludge' was probably already they I just irritated it more with the weight loss and fasting.

I do wish I had know about this potential complication before I had the surgery but, after thinking about it, it wouldn’t have changed my decision to have the surgery in the first place. But if you’re worried about it I would defiantly have my gallbladder checked before I had the surgery. I did have mine checked but they never did the HIDA scan which showed my true issue.

I am so glad you posted this thread because I was trying to look through old posts to see if anyone had the same issue.

[kdlee 0]

I am having problems with what I think is my gallbladder. I was in the ER 2 weeks ago with an "attack" and then had another one last week which I painfully waited out at home. I, too, show no stones on UltraSound. I am going to my family practice Dr. tomorrow to see what can be done. I will ask for the scan. Thanks for the advice!

I think it would be a good idea to take out the gallbladder while doing the lapband surgery to avoid these complications. I'm not sure why it is not done? A co-worker had the Duodinal switch done and her surgeron took both her gallbladder and appendix out at the time of surgery so that any abdominal pain could be ruled out as not being related to either the gallbladder or appendix. Sounds like a good idea. I suppose the reason they don't with the lapband is because of risk that it could turn into an open surgery instead of laproscopic, but I'm not sure?

[cattoy71 0]

I had my surgery on 10/13/08 and my doctor was very thorough in telling me that I would have to take acctagall (prescription) for at least 30 days post-op.

Apparently around 30% or more of bandsters develop gallstones due to the rapid weight loss, but you can decrease this risk to only about 3% by taking the medication 2x day right after surgery.

After going under anesthesia once for this surgery, there is no way I want to have to go under again.....especially if there is something I can do to prevent it.

I'm sorry if more doctor's don't tell their patients about this little pill that can do so much to bring your gallstone chance to almost nothing.

[health4life 0]

I've never heard this. What are the symptoms? I'm 2 months post op, but thankfully with NO complications.

[Tess415 1]

It's not only with the lapband, but any significant weight loss can set you up for a gall bladder issue, even liquid diets and gastric bypass. It's hit or miss, some people will be fine and not have any difficulties with it.

[greyhounder 0]

I had my lap band 7 years ago. I see my surgeon (same one who did my lap band) thus Wednesday to schedule to have my gallbladder removed. I've been a slow loser. Lost about 100 pounds the first year and then spent 5 or so years gaining back a bunch and losing a little. Last fall I started running and exercising in earnest, so this may be the reason. I'm back to that 100 pounds lost mark again. I'm a woman in my 40s. That contributes. Several family members have had their gallbladder out. I guess it was a given. I feel horrible. 8 don't want thevsuegery, but I know it will help.

[banded4lyfe 0]

I had my surgery on 5/1 and I was in the emergency room all day yesterday 5/11 they did an MRI found nothing then they found the stones on a ultrasound. They sent me home on antibiotics and pain meds told me to stick to Clear Liquids. They said no one would operate on me because it was too soon after my lap band surgery. Im miserable.