Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

**IF YOU STILL HAVE YOUR GALL BLADDER PAY ATTENTION****



Recommended Posts

If you still have your gall bladder and are thinking about this surgery, consult with your Dr that is going to do your sleeve......IT IS PROVEN 1 out of 10 after the SLEEVE will have to have gall bladder surgery. #1, this can help you as he can remove the gall bladder and do the sleeve, your ins will cover the gall bladder and all you may have to cover is the sleeve surgery...if your ins does not cover the sleeve.............. DO NOT let them do the sleeve if you have your gall bladder, as YOU WILL HAVE to have gall bladder surgery in a month or two AFTER the sleeve, COMBINE THE TWO!!!!!! Chime in on all that have had the sleeve then had to go in and have gall bladder removed.................

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my gallbladder out years ago... it was gangrene and falling apart so I didn't have a choice.... BUT if I had a healthy gallbladder, I'd take my chances by leaving it in.. especially if the odds of needing to have it out are are 1 in 10... The gallbladder is NOT a vestigial organ... if you can keep it then you should.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The gall bladder is a digestive organ located next to the liver. The gall bladder stores a digestive juice called bile, and then squirts it out when you eat to help digest food. It primarily digests fats, but does have other functions. If you have had your gall bladder removed, bile simply leaks into the small intestine in small amounts all day long. Storing bile in the gall bladder for release when you eat is more effective and efficient. You won't digest fats as well if you don't have a gall bladder. However, you can live and be healthy without one.

Gall bladder problems are fairly common following weight loss surgery. Gall stones can form when there is an imbalance in the ration of cholesterol to bile salts in the bile. This is common occurrence when someone is on a very restrictive diet or is losing a lot of weight in a short period of time, as generally occurs after weight loss surgery. Studies show that about 30% of gastric bypass or sleeve patients develop gall stones following their surgery, and 10% have problems serious enough to require removal of the gall bladder. Likewise, about 10% of lap band patients have to have their gall bladder removed after surgery. There are a couple of ways to prevent gall bladder problems after weight loss surgery. Some surgeons simply remove the gall bladder routinely during gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. This is not usually done during lap band surgery, however. Not all surgeons will remove a healthy gall bladder, however. While you can usually live just fine without a gall bladder, routinely removing the gall bladder can cause some problems. It prolongs the weight loss surgery and requires larger incisions. It increases the risk of complications from the surgery. It also leads to diarrhea in some patients, which can be a life-long issue. There is a medication you can take to help prevent the formation of gall stone.

Actigall is a naturally occurring bile salt and helps to maintain the proper ratio of bile salts to cholesterol. It is taken twice a day. It helps prevent the formation of gall stones while you are losing weight. Once you have reached your goal weight, typically one year to 18 months after your weight loss surgery, you can stop taking the medication. My surgeon only puts his patients on it for the first 6 months though.

Actigall is effective 98% of the time. There are some potential side effects of Actigall, however, including abdominal pain, Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Side effects are relatively rare, though. The most common is diarrhea. If you would like your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, talk to your surgeon about it. As I said earlier, not all surgeons will remove a health gall bladder, but some do it routinely and others will do it upon request from the patient.

Some doctors routinely prescribe Actigall for weight loss surgery patients, but not all do. If you are not having your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, it is recommended that you ask your doctor about Actigall.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The gall bladder is a digestive organ located next to the liver. The gall bladder stores a digestive juice called bile, and then squirts it out when you eat to help digest food. It primarily digests fats, but does have other functions. If you have had your gall bladder removed, bile simply leaks into the small intestine in small amounts all day long. Storing bile in the gall bladder for release when you eat is more effective and efficient. You won't digest fats as well if you don't have a gall bladder. However, you can live and be healthy without one.

Gall bladder problems are fairly common following weight loss surgery. Gall stones can form when there is an imbalance in the ration of cholesterol to bile salts in the bile. This is common occurrence when someone is on a very restrictive diet or is losing a lot of weight in a short period of time, as generally occurs after weight loss surgery. Studies show that about 30% of gastric bypass or sleeve patients develop gall stones following their surgery, and 10% have problems serious enough to require removal of the gall bladder. Likewise, about 10% of lap band patients have to have their gall bladder removed after surgery. There are a couple of ways to prevent gall bladder problems after weight loss surgery. Some surgeons simply remove the gall bladder routinely during gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. This is not usually done during lap band surgery, however. Not all surgeons will remove a healthy gall bladder, however. While you can usually live just fine without a gall bladder, routinely removing the gall bladder can cause some problems. It prolongs the weight loss surgery and requires larger incisions. It increases the risk of complications from the surgery. It also leads to diarrhea in some patients, which can be a life-long issue. There is a medication you can take to help prevent the formation of gall stone.

Actigall is a naturally occurring bile salt and helps to maintain the proper ratio of bile salts to cholesterol. It is taken twice a day. It helps prevent the formation of gall stones while you are losing weight. Once you have reached your goal weight, typically one year to 18 months after your weight loss surgery, you can stop taking the medication. My surgeon only puts his patients on it for the first 6 months though.

Actigall is effective 98% of the time. There are some potential side effects of Actigall, however, including abdominal pain, Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Side effects are relatively rare, though. The most common is diarrhea. If you would like your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, talk to your surgeon about it. As I said earlier, not all surgeons will remove a health gall bladder, but some do it routinely and others will do it upon request from the patient.

Some doctors routinely prescribe Actigall for weight loss surgery patients, but not all do. If you are not having your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, it is recommended that you ask your doctor about Actigall.

Thanks for this post Laura-ven. My surgeon has me on Ursodiol 300mg twice a day for this very reason. As I recall, it's only for about 4 months.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you still have your gall bladder and are thinking about this surgery, consult with your Dr that is going to do your sleeve......IT IS PROVEN 1 out of 10 after the SLEEVE will have to have gall bladder surgery. #1, this can help you as he can remove the gall bladder and do the sleeve, your ins will cover the gall bladder and all you may have to cover is the sleeve surgery...if your ins does not cover the sleeve.............. DO NOT let them do the sleeve if you have your gall bladder, as YOU WILL HAVE to have gall bladder surgery in a month or two AFTER the sleeve, COMBINE THE TWO!!!!!! Chime in on all that have had the sleeve then had to go in and have gall bladder removed.................

Can you post a link to a reliable source that says this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you still have your gall bladder and are thinking about this surgery, consult with your Dr that is going to do your sleeve......IT IS PROVEN 1 out of 10 after the SLEEVE will have to have gall bladder surgery. #1, this can help you as he can remove the gall bladder and do the sleeve, your ins will cover the gall bladder and all you may have to cover is the sleeve surgery...if your ins does not cover the sleeve.............. DO NOT let them do the sleeve if you have your gall bladder, as YOU WILL HAVE to have gall bladder surgery in a month or two AFTER the sleeve, COMBINE THE TWO!!!!!! Chime in on all that have had the sleeve then had to go in and have gall bladder removed.................

Good doctors prescribe medication - Actigall- to prevent problems with the gallbladder. No matter what way people lose weight- with surgery or without- the chances for gallstones is increased. I hope everybody is smart enough to do their own research and find a good doctor who will know how to help them.

Edited by *susan*
Disrespectful and against forum rules

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wowza!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The gall bladder is a digestive organ located next to the liver. The gall bladder stores a digestive juice called bile' date=' and then squirts it out when you eat to help digest food. It primarily digests fats, but does have other functions. If you have had your gall bladder removed, bile simply leaks into the small intestine in small amounts all day long. Storing bile in the gall bladder for release when you eat is more effective and efficient. You won't digest fats as well if you don't have a gall bladder. However, you can live and be healthy without one.

Gall bladder problems are fairly common following weight loss surgery. Gall stones can form when there is an imbalance in the ration of cholesterol to bile salts in the bile. This is common occurrence when someone is on a very restrictive diet or is losing a lot of weight in a short period of time, as generally occurs after weight loss surgery. Studies show that about 30% of gastric bypass or sleeve patients develop gall stones following their surgery, and 10% have problems serious enough to require removal of the gall bladder. Likewise, about 10% of lap band patients have to have their gall bladder removed after surgery. There are a couple of ways to prevent gall bladder problems after weight loss surgery. Some surgeons simply remove the gall bladder routinely during gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. This is not usually done during lap band surgery, however. Not all surgeons will remove a healthy gall bladder, however. While you can usually live just fine without a gall bladder, routinely removing the gall bladder can cause some problems. It prolongs the weight loss surgery and requires larger incisions. It increases the risk of complications from the surgery. It also leads to diarrhea in some patients, which can be a life-long issue. There is a medication you can take to help prevent the formation of gall stone.

Actigall is a naturally occurring bile salt and helps to maintain the proper ratio of bile salts to cholesterol. It is taken twice a day. It helps prevent the formation of gall stones while you are losing weight. Once you have reached your goal weight, typically one year to 18 months after your weight loss surgery, you can stop taking the medication. My surgeon only puts his patients on it for the first 6 months though.

Actigall is effective 98% of the time. There are some potential side effects of Actigall, however, including abdominal pain, Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Side effects are relatively rare, though. The most common is diarrhea. If you would like your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, talk to your surgeon about it. As I said earlier, not all surgeons will remove a health gall bladder, but some do it routinely and others will do it upon request from the patient.

Some doctors routinely prescribe Actigall for weight loss surgery patients, but not all do. If you are not having your gall bladder removed during your weight loss surgery, it is recommended that you ask your doctor about Actigall.[/quote']

THANK YOU BABES

:))

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you still have your gall bladder and are thinking about this surgery' date=' consult with your Dr that is going to do your sleeve......IT IS PROVEN 1 out of 10 after the SLEEVE will have to have gall bladder surgery. #1, this can help you as he can remove the gall bladder and do the sleeve, your ins will cover the gall bladder and all you may have to cover is the sleeve surgery...if your ins does not cover the sleeve.............. DO NOT let them do the sleeve if you have your gall bladder, as YOU WILL HAVE to have gall bladder surgery in a month or two AFTER the sleeve, COMBINE THE TWO!!!!!! Chime in on all that have had the sleeve then had to go in and have gall bladder removed.................[/quote']

Bladder surgery ???

Before or after Sleeve

______

Both on the same day ????

I will tell my doctor ... Thank you !!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hadn't heard any statistics before my surgery, but I had heard that some surgeons routinely removed the gall bladder at the same time as the sleeve surgery. I asked my surgeon and he said that was 'old school' and he would stay away from my gall bladder. I guess in Texas it's true when they say, "if it ain't broke - don't fix it!"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had mine out years before being sleeved and haven't had any digestive problems after either surgery.

It is actually becoming more routine to do it at the same time - but your surgeon will do an ultrasound on your gall bladder first to see if you have any stones forming. Stones can form and be asymptomatic, but then you rapidly lose weight and they can become lodged in the bile duct and cause pain. So if you have the u/s and there are no stones, I see no need to remove it. The medication post-op will help prevent problems.

Best advice for anyone: Talk to your surgeon - they know best!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Interestingly, I specifically asked my surgeon about this last week, and she absolutely shook her head NO. She prescribes preventative meds for all her post-op patients instead. As with most things on web forums such as this, it is easy to find contradictory information. Trust your own doctor, ask questions if you have them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×