Gallbladder -- anyone WANT it out at same time as surgery?

[LoserMama 37]

I know its not technically necessary, but with a rate of something like 1 in 3 people needing their gallbladder out during active weight loss, I would love to just circumvent a repeat hospital stay. Has anyone had their gallbladder out at the same time as the sleeve? Dare I even ask the surgeon?

[KellyL 173]

It's definitely something you could address with your surgeon. Some remove it, some give that medication after surgery that is suppose to help prevent gall stones. I think it's Actigall? I had my gall bladder and stones removed a few yrs back so that's one less thing I had to worry about.

[Veda 12]

I did! He said he won't do it when there is no medical reason to do so. Like you, I would rather have it taken out - kill 2 birds with one stone...

[Laura2112 4]

I asked, I already have stones so he said he would at time of surgery, though he was a bit hesitant.

[LoserMama 37]

Kelly, Veda, Laura, thanks for sharing! yeah, I would love to just kill two birds with one stone I have a job where I don't want to be off a lot of work!

[ILKrista 36]

My doctor required an ultrasound before the WLS. Mine showed stones & bile duct scarring from passing stones. The endo doctor said that if the WLS surgeon didn't remove it, then I was going to have to have a 2nd surgery to take it out within the year. His recommendation, which was sent to the WLS surgeon, was that they take out the gallbladder at the same time as the weightloss surgery, which is what they did. I actually really didn't want to have the gallbladder removed, but now I'm glad I had it all done at once. If insurance would cover it, you might want to get a gallbladder ultrasound so you can find out if you have stones or not.

Krista

[emily_0192010 168]

I read the same thing and asked my surgeon about it, he said that he checks and if there are any signs of abnormality he removes them but other wise he leaves them alone. That was what I wanted because if it is functioning I don't want it removed "just because". I know the risks but it doesn't happen to everyone. If it does then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

[GreginMI 76]

My surgeon told me it's against the law for him to remove an organ unless something is wrong with it. I am taking medicine to prevent gallstones.