Gallbladder out?!

[bphillips329 2]

Hey all!

My sleeve surgery is scheduled for March 14. I have been reading that many people end up having to have their gallbladder out after surgery due to the rapid weight loss. Should I just go ahead and get mine out now while I'm already there? My insurance sucks and won't cover anything, so ultimately it would be cheaper to do it at my initial surgery. Suggestions?

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I am sure your insurance would cover gallbladder removal if you needed it later on. I haven't had to have my gallbladder out and I'm glad I didn't remove it unnecessarily. You should probably consult with your PCP and your surgeon about it.

[katanne 215]

Ask your surgeon. I asked mine and he said he doesn't routinely remove gallbladders. Most of his patients don't end up with gallstones that block the bile duct (the only problematic kind). I can't think of an insurance company that would deny coverage for a medically necessary surgery later in the event you need it.

[GibbsGirl 483]

My Surg put me on a medication for 6 months that is suppose to stop any damage to mine. It's kinda expensive but so far so good.

[MeFirst 65]

I asked my surgeon that exact question because I didn't want to have to have another surgery later to remove my gall bladder. He ordered an abdominal ultrasound and said if there were any stones or anything that looked problematic, he would remove it during my sleeve. Turns out my gall bladder is in great shape! I guess it's staying for awhile.....I hope for forever.

Btw, I'm scheduled for March 14 too. Woohooo

Edited March 2, 2016 by MeFirst

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

I did have to have my gall bladder out 6 months after surgery but I HAD gall bladder attacks before my sleeve surgery took place. I did put that on my surgery paperwork but they opted not to do anything at the time.

I had another major attack and it became necessary to have it removed. The surgery was done as outpatient and I was out a week and back at work. It really wasn't that bad.

I agree that you should keep it if it doesn't need to be removed but don't worry if it does. The diet for someone without a gall bladder is low fat and that is something we do already so it doesn't really require any major life changes.

Ask your surgeon if you have maternal family history or have had issues yourself and they can check before surgery to see if you need any special attention there...Good luck!!

[TipTop in TX 81]

I asked my doctor to do an ultrasound of my gallbladder before surgery. She did and it was okay. I was also of the mindset that if is really common just take it out. I still have mine and keeping my fingers crossed I don't have any problems later.

Edited March 25, 2016 by ExcitedAt55

[jennyde 4]

I asked mine to be removed.. Surgeon agreed.. Don't want another $15k follow up surgery!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App