I am 3 week post surgery, and have been reading alot about people getting their gallbladder removed after the surgery due to complications, is this a must? Is there anything to be done proactively to avoid having a second surgery..

Many surgeons prescribe meds to start taking after surgery to ward off gallstones. Ask your PCP or surgeon if they recommend it. I had gallstones (and attacks) prior to getting sleeved and scheduled to have them both done at the same time.

I don't think they'll take the GB out without a reason (a gall bladder / gall stone 'attack).

But, it IS common with fast weight loss, so go figure...

My dietician mentioned today to take fish oil to prevent issues - I sort of tuned out as I already have mine removed. Something worth looking into though?

Good luck!

Some docs will prescribe meds as a matter of course and as mentioned there are natural remedies purported to help. I'm three years out and still have my gallbladder and have had no issues. I imagine if you already had gallbladder problems before surgery that you'll have them afterward, as well. I do think pace has a lot to do with it and I see less sleevers with gallbladder issues than, say, RNY patients. I lost at a slow pace over 17 months and never had an issue.

~Cheri

Ursodiol (Actigall)

My surgeon prescribes it to all of his patients for the first six months so we don't run into any trouble.

I was one who had to have a second surgery to remove my gallbladder.....My PCP told me that those other meds would not work................But the surgery was not a big deal at all.....My gallbladder was just extra baggage anyways... LOL

Ursodiol (Actigall)

My surgeon prescribes it to all of his patients for the first six months so we don't run into any trouble.

Ya this...

Thanks for your reply's, I'll check with my doctor then, also found the below online...

Preventing Gallstones during Weight Loss

Maintaining a normal weight and avoiding rapid weight loss are the keys to reducing the risk of gallstones. Taking the medication ursodiol (also called ursodeoxycholic acid, or Actigall) during weight loss may reduce the risk for people who are very overweight and need to lose weight quickly. This medication is ordinarily used to dissolve existing gallstones. Orlistat (Xenical), a drug for treating obesity, may protect against gallstone formation during weight loss. The drug appears to reduce bile acids and other components involved in gallstone production.

Source: Gallstones and gallbladder disease | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease#ixzz2dSwiIQy9

University of Maryland Medical Center

Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook