Reading through materials, my doctor recommends gallbladder removal with the VSG procedure as a precautionary measure. Did anyone else have this done or recommended? If so, how was it? I have never had any gallbladder issues but also don't want any, and with the rate of stones post surgery, I kinda think it should go. Thoughts anyone??

Thanks

I had my gallbladder removed years ago and if you can have it removed at the same time as your sleeve surgery - go for it! You may have a little more discomfort and healing time but worth it not to worry in the long run.

Thank you for the info KristenLe! Anyone else have it done with the VSG?

I did not have it done with my VSG and I wish I had. I was in the ER with a gallbladder attack at 6 months out and have to have it done in another surgery.

I had explained in my initial paperwork that I had already had a couple attacks ad was surprised they didn't want to remove it but lesson learned.

If you have no issue then I would question, but if you have family history as they say in Frozen..."Let it gooo!" lol

When I first met with the surgeon for the sleeve I told him I had a hernia. He asked for a catscan and it was discovered I had a diseased gallbladder also. I had no physical problems so I had no idea I had a diseased gallbladder. My surgeon did all three surgeries in the one day.

I had RNY, but I also had my gallbladder removed at the same time. We found out I had bunch of gallstones when I did abdominal ultra sound and It bothered me as well, they said that it will need to be removed because usually after weight loss a lot of patients will need to have their gallbladder removed at some point anyways.

Edited May 25, 201610 yr by UsernameTaken

Looking like its a good idea just to have it taken out at the same time. I have an ultrasound scheduled in a week where they will look for stones so that will help me decide. Thanks ladies. I appreciate the info and if anyone else has input I'd love to hear it. Especially if they have a bad experience after gallbladder removal. I read about diarrhea afterward.

@@trueheart I had mine removed under emergency circumstances and have to say the pain of my last attack was 1,000 times worse than the surgery and recovery. I had no issues after.

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Edited May 26, 201610 yr by KristenLe

It seems to be done on a case-by-case basis depending upon what the patient brings to the table and the surgeon's preferences and experiences. With the sleeve, my doc only takes the gallbladder if he feels stones in there at the time of surgery, otherwise he leaves it alone. With the DS he takes it as a matter of course because the small to moderate risk of it giving problems during weight loss is offset by the risk of a general surgeon getting lost in the altered anatomy of the region with that procedure should the gallbladder give trouble.

Mine was fine and left in when I had my VSG and hasn't caused any problem since. Going by the ultrasound results will give you a good heads-up towards any potential problems with it.