You guys were right, gallstones it is!

[TwoStepsBack 15]

Hey Everyone,

I posted a couple of weeks ago about my very bad though occasional stomach pains. I had many many people respond saying that it sounded a lot like gallstones or some other issue with my gall bladder and I should get it checked out right away.

I went to my GP who referred me to have an ultrasound scan today, which confirmed that I have a number of small gallstones and surgery is going to be necessary.

I was also told that my surgeon has started removing the gall bladder at the same time as doing the weight loss surgeries, as it is so common for people to develop this problem after dramatic weight loss.

So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone to took the time to respond. I probably would have just written it off as acid or something and not bothered having a scan if it weren't for all of you. I know it isn't a huge deal, but it has hilighted for me just how amazing it is to have the support network of these forums. Don't know what I'd do without you guys!

*big love*

Lyndsey xxx

[mnbsleeve 87]

Lyndsey, I'm sorry to hear about the gallbladder but I am glad too that you got to the bottom of it. I had my gall bladder removed several years ago. I have to say that the surgery is a breeze! If you have to do it, it should not be so bad. Nothing like the sleeve. I was home literally a few hours after the procedure and I was up and waking and back to normal the next day. Of course I took it easy for a week. But I did not even feel it. Once again, glad you are well. Take care!!!!!!!

[Just-A-Gem 86]

They are going to remove your gallbladder? There's your 3 lbs to goal! I'm glad that you figured this out. No more pain!

[Tiffykins 672]

Sorry, I missed your last post. I lost my GB at 8 months post-op, and it was the easiest surgery EVER.

Be careful once you're out and back to eating. I had to cut all the full fat foods and red pasta/marinara sauce from my intake. No avocados, no nuts, no Peanut Butter because it took my body sometime to go back to normal.

Best wishes chickee with the surgery. I was up and home within 1.5 hours of hitting recovery.

[SeattleSue 25]

I know it isn't a huge deal

Lindsey,

It totally CAN Be a big deal if you are passing stones...Nasty nasty nasty side effects when a stone is going through your system, not to mention if you get a blockage. Glad you got it checked out!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Hey Lyndsey, I'm wishing you get well very soon!! Xoxo

[GreginMI 76]

Really, they just take the gall bladder during bariatric surgery whether you have gall stones at the time or not? I asked my doctor why he didn't do that and he said it was illegal to remove a perfectly good organ. Hmmm

Hey Everyone,

I posted a couple of weeks ago about my very bad though occasional stomach pains. I had many many people respond saying that it sounded a lot like gallstones or some other issue with my gall bladder and I should get it checked out right away.

I went to my GP who referred me to have an ultrasound scan today, which confirmed that I have a number of small gallstones and surgery is going to be necessary.

I was also told that my surgeon has started removing the gall bladder at the same time as doing the weight loss surgeries, as it is so common for people to develop this problem after dramatic weight loss.

So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone to took the time to respond. I probably would have just written it off as acid or something and not bothered having a scan if it weren't for all of you. I know it isn't a huge deal, but it has hilighted for me just how amazing it is to have the support network of these forums. Don't know what I'd do without you guys!

*big love*

Lyndsey xxx

[janinemaire 7]

You should feel so much better when you get that gallbladder out. I posted before, I was sick for a long time with a diseased gallbladder. I was to ashamed to go to the doctors because of my weight. After it was taken out I felt so amazing. Tiff is right though be careful of fats after the surgery for a while, I almost had a few accidents. Good luck: )

[mommyofLDS 52]

I had my gall bladder removed several yeqrs ago, pre VSG. For about 6 months post-op I was extremely lactose-intolerant. I couldn't even stomach a cup of yogurt. its not the same for everyone, of course, but something to be cautious of

[weho 103]

Lyndsey,

Just curious, were you taking gallbladder pills after your surgery? I have to take them for 5 months...just wondering if they really are effective in preventing gallstones from forming. So sorry to hear that you are suffering with gallstones, I've heard they can be very painful. But it's so good that you were diagnosed so now you can be "fixed" Good luck to you!

[TwoStepsBack 15]

Hey all, I'll try and respond to all the questions, but if I forget anyone I'm sorry!

Weho: I was not prescribed any mediction to prevent gall bladder issues. Only an antacid and vitamins/calcium.

Tiffykins and Jay9mal: Why do we need to avoid fats after surgery, is it because they just go straight through (so to speak!)

GreginMI: That is what the radiologist said when he was doing my scan, but I will find out from the surgeon when I have my follow up in a couple of weeks for sure

MommyofLDS: Gosh, fingers crossed I don't get that... I eat a lot of dairy post op! Thanks for the warning.

And thanks everyone for the good lucks! xx

[Tiffykins 672]

Tiffykins and Jay9mal: Why do we need to avoid fats after surgery, is it because they just go straight through (so to speak!)

And thanks everyone for the good lucks! xx

I didn't have any major bathroom issues when I'd eat fat except for heavy dairy fat Soups like cream of broccoli and cheese, and some heavy sauces made with heavy cream, but I would get that weird pain in my abdomen that shot up to my shoulder. When the gallbladder is removed, the body can't break down the fat properly until it adjusts. It was weird that red Pasta sauce was a trigger for the pain, but I could eat ketchup. I could eat alfredo sauce, but couldn't eat full fat thousand island dressing. I could eat pistachios, but not macadamia nuts. It was just weird. It took 2-4 months for my body to adjust, and I was able to slowly introduce those foods back into my diet.

I also refused to take the Actigall prescription,for gallstone prevention. 1) There is no guarantee that after the 6 month regimen that someone still won't develop gallstones 2) There are liver contraindications with that drug, and for me, I refused to take anything additional during the rapid weight loss phase due to our livers working overtime because of the ketosis and the heavy fat burning period. My surgeon and I discussed it in depth, and the stats that are out for any weight loss surgery patient is only 25% of patients need to have the GB removed post-WLS. I was more willing to take that 1 in 4 risk than task my liver with breaking down more medications.

[TwoStepsBack 15]

Thanks for the info TIffy

I was doing some research yesterday and noted that there may be a link between having your gall bladder removed and developing ulcerative colitis...

I suffered from UC for about 5 years when I was a kid, and had to go on steroids for it which is what I believe made me put on so much weight as a child.... this is what I think caused all of my issues with my weight. Somewhere deep down I hold U.C. responsible for all of my teasing at school, obsession with weight loss and following anorexia, then bulimia, then compulsive overeating.

My sleeve surgery was the lid on all that, and I wanted to wave goodbye to it forever.

The thought that my sleeve surgery may (in a round-about way) result in U.C. seems ironic and brings this whole thing full circle. (in the most awful way)

I am definitely concerned! I will be asking my surgeon about it for certain.

Rant over, off to work now! xx