Hi, I'm two weeks post-op and have been having pain between my shoulder blades and in my stomach. I'm worried about my gallbadder. Would this be considered a "complication" of surgery? If I need treatment, will my insurance pay for it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If it's your gallbladder should not have ANYTHING to do w/ the band and be covered....your insurance should cover it. But make sure it's not just gas....Maalox Max has magnesium and this will make your stools loose but also move the gas if it's just that. But your doc can order a simple ultrasound and find out if that doesn't help.

Hope this helps.

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -43lbs :second:

The only thing a gall bladder issue would have to do with your banding surgery is that rapid weight loss or alot of weight loss can cause gall bladder issues. But if you are having pain only 2 weeks post op, you should tell your band surgeon so that he can be sure it's not band related.

I've been having some pain from my gall bladder, but they haven't found any stones. The next time I see my doctor I'm going to ask for the scan (HIDA I think) that shows whether or not it's actually working properly.

Feel better!

Thank you all for your responses. I called my nurse and she said to just wait and see if it lasts. If it continues, I'll definitely be calling back.

catherine

Hi Pfunk...,

I am also two weeks post band. I have also had pain in my chest. I actually had my gallbladder removed several years ago, and the pain I have been experiencing since being banded is very similar to that I experienced when I had gall stones. The difference is that this pain doesn't last too long and it is not nearly as painful.

I do know that weight loss as well as obesity can increase your chances of developing gall stones. I had been on Weight Watches when I started having trouble.

The good thing is, gallbladder problems, if I remember correctly (if not, I'm sure someone on this board will correct me), can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. I don't see why your insurance would have any problem covering this procedure.

I hope this helps!

As someone else said, if it is your gall bladder, the only relationship it would have to the band would be that it your band caused you to lose weight. Besides, gall bladder is a different animal and your insurance would cover it.........related to the band or not (which I don't think any doctor would directly relate it to the band, especially only 2 weeks out).

Personally, at 2 weeks out I'd think you're probably having gas. BUT, I would NEVER dismiss someone who thought maybe gall bladder because I suffered with gall bladder attacks from July to February and was misdiagnosed as "esophageal spasms". That was the most intense and miserable pain I have ever experienced in my life and I would never wish it on anyone. Nor would I dismiss it when I myself was dismissed and told to "seek counseling".

Now that I think about it, if it is your gall bladder......and you're only 2 weeks out.......it was probably a problem BEFORE you were banded. SO, if it makes you feel better about the insurance it couldn't be related to the band........

I just went through the gallbladder thing. I am 9 months post op and it was miserable. Ask the doctor to send you for a HIDA scan that way they can tell you if it's functioning properly. No reason to try to figure it out on your own. I would think that any insurance co would not see it as a complication of the band.

thanks again for your help guys. the pain seemed to go away, so it must have been gas. its just hard when you're in pain for like 24 hours and of course the internet fills your head up with worries. i was telling a friend, it's like all of a sudden, your body is a stranger and you don't know what its signals mean. it'll get better though, i'm sure. :confused:

thank you all again, seriously. this board kicks butt.