Gallbladder removal during surgery?

[Paula'sVSGLife 49]

I have heard rapid weight loss can lead to the development of gallstones and I know some bariatric surgeons offer gallbladder removal at the same time as the sleeve surgery.

Is anyone thinking about getting this done? My surgeon offers it, and I think I will get it done, as I already have gallstones so I am at high risk of developing even more and of course, having gallstone attacks.. which I can tell you is one of the worst pains I have ever experienced... and I have had an 11 lb baby!!

Just wondering what other people are thinking about this option.

[cindyw41 761]

Being obese and rabid weight loss both are factors in having gallbladder attacks. With you having previous issues it seems like that would be a good option for you. 1 recovery, 1 surgery & taking care of two issues ????

[Paula'sVSGLife 49]

Hey Yes I know, that's why I said I was getting it done

Sorry if you misunderstood the question!

I meant what about other people?
Anyone else having it done or considering getting it done during their VSG?

[Less of Jess 28]

I had mine out at VSG survey. I also had gall stones and had already passed a stone. Best decision I've made (after wls that is). The only "problem" I've had is occasional diarrhea, which actually helped my pre surgery Constipation, and helped prevent the common post surgery constipation!

[KristenVSG2014 1,871]

I had mine out before WLS but you should definitely consider it. Many of my friends that had surgery at the same time as me have had to have their gall bladders removed and one is in the hospital right now from pancreatitis caused by her gall bladder.

[Kaishek 10]

I had my surgery on 12/21/2015 and also had my gallstones and gallbladder at VSG survey. I was also a revision from lapband though not at the same time as surgery. I have tracked my progress against others on the site, and I think having the two major ops together, it might take a little while longer for recovery. I am at 5.5 weeks post surgery and although it has been a struggle to get my fitness back I am getting there, and I would definitely not have wanted two surgeries.

[DaisyAmy 561]

Go for it. Two birds, no stones! (See what I did there? Ha!)

[cindyw41 761]

Is anyone thinking about getting this done? My surgeon offers it, and I think I will get it done, as I already have gallstones so I am at high risk of developing even more and of course, having gallstones.

Usually when someone is still thinking about it, it isn't a done deal. I was just agreeing that it's a good choice for you. For when your "I think I will get it done" turns to I've decided to get it done.

I know the relief of having the gallbladder removed.

[Amarie1621 2]

Does Usally every one experience gallbladder attacker after surgery? ? I'm woundering I'm have this problem

[KristenVSG2014 1,871]

Does Usally every one experience gallbladder attacker after surgery? ? I'm woundering I'm have this problem

It is quite common after rapid weight loss. When I had attacks it lasted 3-4 hours after I would eat. I would get a terrible pain behind my breastbone, could not stand up straight, I would break out in a sweat, sometimes I would dump...it was terrible. I had it for over a year before they figured out what it was.

[A New KK 104]

I had mine removed at the same time because they found a gallstone during the pre op ultrasound. Dr. also found and repaired a hiatal hernia when he was in there. When I woke up he told me I got 3 for the price of 1 (even though I'm sure he charged my insurance for all 3). Felt a little beat up day after operation but smooth sailing since. Did have 2 days of dumping syndrome on days 4&5 post op which was attributed to gallbladder removal. Thankfully no symptoms since then. It made sense to me to do it all at once since gallbladder problems post op are a know problem so why put off the surgery until alter.

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

If you know you already have gall stones then go ahead and get your gallbladder removed at the same time. I did. I am so happy I did. I had gall stones back in 2000-2002, sever incidents. They hurt like hell to pass. So glad I will never have to experience that again.

[Amarie1621 2]

If iv never had stones I wounder if my doc would take it out at same time I'd hate to have to have another surgery in a year or so

[Paula'sVSGLife 49]

If iv never had stones I wounder if my doc would take it out at same time I'd hate to have to have another surgery in a year or so

I think it totally depends on your surgeon! I say bring it up in the pre op discussions and let it be known you want it out and go from there. Not everyone gets gallstones from rapid weight loss... I already have them so that felt like a recipe for disaster.

[ssflbelle 829]

I had a diseased gallbladder so the Dr removed it and repaired a hiatal hernia and gave me the sleeve as well I was in the hospital for 2 days. Just had it done Tuesday and came home Thursday. Have been slowly recovery as I still have some pain and discomfort but I am glad he did all three in one surgery.