So...I'm just amazed at the differences between surgeons....the testing they do prior to surgery, the procedures performed...whether or not a drain is used, and whether or not its removed prior to leaving the hospital....the length of stay in-hospital...the speed at which people are moved through the diet stages after surgery....whether or not people are prescribed anything for acid reflux....and I wanted to ask a couple related questions.

Who was tested (by having an abdominal ultrasound done) for gallstones, prior to surgery? And who was prescribed Actigall (or some other medication), after surgery, to reduce the risk of gallstone formation? (Because of the post-surgery diet, we are much more likely to form gallstones.)

All the best, to each of us!

I too am amazed by the differences in doctor's orders and testing. I was not screened for gallstones, however, my surgeon did say he would be prescribing a med to prevent gallstones at my next follow up. He said the jury was out as to whether it was actually necessary (perhaps the reason for differences in what doctors do) but that it couldn't hurt and he felt it was better to be safe than sorry. I agreed!

I was self-pay. Had an ECG, X-ray, bloodwork - no pre-op diet other than prior 24 hrs (standard), no drain, no post surgery scripts other than the normal pain/nausea ones. Currently 4 weeks out and still singin'.

I had to switch surgeons during my preop phase and the first surgeon required an abdominal ultrasound and required your gallbladder to be removed if you have any sort of stones, even if they are not symptomatic. The second surgeon does not order an ultrasound unless you have any existing symptoms. He does require six months of actigall after surgery. I think removing your gallbladder ahead of bariatric surgery is pretty aggressive personally.

I do know that these surgeons go to conferences all the time. Mine has been to 2 multi-days ones in the past 2 months. He came back with all sorts news about recent studies and trends and which groups are now promoting WLS. You would think that things would be more standardized given that but they sure aren't.

I have a small stone in my gallbladder and the surgeon wasn't bothered by it, but after the surgery I was giving medication to prevent further stones from forming or the one I have getting bigger.

Yahoo...mine was removed 21 yrs ago....so issues here. I wonder why having the sleeve would promote the stones to form??

I had a pre-op weight loss goal that didn't have to be reached but I did have to lose. I did liquid for one week pre-op. I also had Ekg, blood work, psych exam pre-op. No drain, went home after 3 days with scripts for Prevacid and Actigall. Was able to progress diet as I felt comfortable. So I went to mushies after about 1.5 weeks. After 4 weeks I feel comfortable to try most "healthy" foods.

Had upper endoscopy, chest Xray, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, mammogram, and EKG. Had no drain and no leak test. Would have just stayed overnight, but my RBC count was low, so 2 nights in hospital. 2 weeks Clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks puree and finally solids.

I had an RX for PPIs, but I did not take them. As a rule I do not take meds and I learned some things about PPIs that I did not like.

My gallbladder was full of stones, but my surgeon told me than unless it was symptomatic, then he was leaving it. Good choice.

..the testing they do prior to surgery, the procedures performed...whether or not a drain is used,the length of stay in-hospital, whether or not people are prescribed anything for acid reflux....and I wanted to ask a couple related questions.

Who was tested (by having an abdominal ultrasound done) for gallstones, prior to surgery? And who was prescribed Actigall (or some other medication), after surgery, to reduce the risk of gallstone formation?

I was screened for gall stones but had none so they left mine in. No Actigall to date but the doctor warned due to dietary changes that I might start to develop those. The nice thing is my kidneys and gall bladder all looked great in the ultrasound. I was given a temporary prescription for preventing reflux my first couple of weeks post surgery but I had no trouble with reflux so he said I could stop the Rx.My doctor doesn't use a bougie but uses something less invasive through the esophagus that he uses when placing a lap band during the surgery. He made very miniscule incisions except for through the bellybutton. He doesn't overstitch as the surgeons in the practice here use a special staple with several rows that isn't the usual ones sold to hospitals - I guess they cost a little more but have less leakage problems. For me: no drain. 2 nights in hospital. It does seem that diets and foods are varied by doctor and by dieticians on these boards. Everyone has a preference I guess based on what seems to work best in their experiences.

@Celtic Harpist....my surgeon used a stapler with 6 rows of staples (3 remain in, and 3 go out with the old stomach), and he still over stitches. I'm grateful for the extra care taken!! Best to you!