Gallbladder sludge, Actigall, Protonix and Sucrafate Oh My!

[SleeveMe247 184]

Hello all,

For those that have followed my journey, you are aware that I have been in and out the hospital from the time I was released post op. I followed my diet according to the instructions I was given, yet I still has complications. I was told during my last hospitalization that I had pancreatitis due to elevated lipase levels. I stayed in this hospital for 3-4 days with no food by mouth and eventually went home.

Not even a week later, I'm back in the hospital! They ruled out pancreatitis as my lipase and amalyse levels went down. I was told there were no gallstones showing on my ultrasound. Today I was finally told I have sludge in my gallbladder and may have to take Actigall for a while to break down the sludge. Further, I was told I have severe acid reflux and would be taking Protonix (to break down the acid) and Sucrafate (to coat the stomach).

I wanted to know if anyone has had experience with any of these drugs and/or situations? Also I see mixed reviews about keeping one's gallbladder versus having it removed. I was told that if I don't see improvement after taking these meds that my gallbladder may need to be removed in the future. I've been through so much already that I can't imagine going through more pain not another surgery. Not sure if it's best to take the meds and see what happens, or just beg to have my gallbladder removed so I can go back to my normal life.

Please share any thoughts and experiences you all have had with this. Thanks!

[Sharon1964 2,530]

I had my gallbladder out years ago, due to stones. It took a full year for my digestive system to get back to normal afterwards. After surgery, I became lactose-intolerant, and a huge number of foods gave me indigestion that never did before. It took a year for those symptoms to go away.

Since you are on a journey of changes right now, I would say have it taken out now, and go through all those changes at the same time, rather than heal up and then have to go through them again at a later date.

[belaby18 8]

I currently have the same thing happening to me I got sleeved August 17th had (still have the slimmies) terrible nausea and vomiting around 3 weeks post op. I couldn't drink or eat nothing went to the hospital they had me npo for 3 days and Doctor said I also had that gallbladder sludge. Really lost hope in the care because the doctor went on to say everything was fine no leaks, the gallbladder was emptying. I had my surgery in TJ so I was more frantic on what could be causing this discomfort so I decided to call the doctor up and recommended I take either nexium or Prilosec and so far nexium gave me troubles. But I'm crossing my fingers for Prilosec, I can see myself slowly getting better ????????

[The Candidate 3,215]

I haven't experienced any of your issues. However my surgeon prescribed both the Actigall and Protonix, which I filled before surgery, to start taking after surgery, as these type issues, from what I was told, are generally at risk. Along with the possibility of gallbladder removal. Although I've never heard of sludge before.

I was actually hoping they would find a need to remove my gallbladder during surgery, to save myself the trouble of maybe having to do it later.

I'm so sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time, and I hope it improves soon!