I started seeing my primary doctor to track weight loss (for insurance) in September and met with my surgeon for the first time on Wednesday (1/29) we discussed my options and he told me that he would have some tests ran but that it was my choice on which surgery I chose to have unless my test results suggested otherwise....he scheduled my tests for Friday (1/31) And during my gallbladder ultrasound the ultrasound tech asked me if I was in any pain and when I said no she said “that’s weird because your gallbladder is pretty nasty” I asked what she meant and she said that I had some stones and lots of polyps but not to worry bc the surgeon would just remove it during surgery....has anyone else had this happen? Did it sway yours or your surgeons decision to have the bypass or the sleeve?

I had my gallbladder removed during my surgery but it wasn’t the deciding factor for what type of surgery I had. I had gastric bypass surgery due to severe gastric reflux (GERD) I had a HIDA scan that showed low gallbladder function and honestly was suggested possible removal when I first decided to finally pursue bariatric surgery. Since they are similar recovery for both surgeries. I wasn’t sure either would happen. When I finally got a great Bariatric surgeon he wasn’t sure if he would remove my gallbladder during the procedure, he said if it was too risky he wouldn’t. But thankfully he did because it turned out to be severe chronic inflammation of my gallbladder. Which I feel contributed to my weight problems (not to mention metabolic disorders and other medical conditions)

my personal opinion is, if the doctor says your gallbladder is bad and they can remove it during your surgery then best to do that. because there is a high rate of gallbladder problems after rapid weight loss.

I'm glad to have had gastric bypass surgery as an option for the added tool it offers of “malabsorption “ and that it benefitted me since I had severe GERD.

Edited February 2, 20206 yr by Darktowerdream

most people don't but some do (if they're having gallbladder issues). I think they used to take them out pretty routinely during weight loss surgeries, but most surgeons don't anymore unless you're having problems with it. I don't think it matters which surgery you have - they can remove the gallbladder as part of either surgery.

I had no idea I had a gall bladder issue and it didn't show up on any previous tests, but when they got in there they said it was the size of a softball and took it out.

My doc will take a feel and remove the gallbladder if he feels stones in there, otherwise he leaves it alone. That's with the VSG; with the DS he removes it as a matter of course as he doesn't want another surgeon getting lost in the altered anatomy should it cause problems later.

I was told mine has to come out during surgery (vsg on 2/20), as they discovered stones and inflammation on my abdominal ultrasound. Does anyone know if it makes for longer recovery time or if recovery is different when gallbladder is also removed?

I just found out today that mine has to be taken out at the same time. Ultrasound from February showed chronic inflammation and my HIDA scan from this week showed that it was "hyperkinetic." I'm getting bypass, but due to GERD is what swayed my decision.

Mine was removed during surgery and it was a complete surprise when I woke up. I am also so please the my years long battle with GERD is over! Best of luck!

I had mine out at the same time, no biggie and I haven’t missed it