Hi! I just got my sleeve March 17th. A few other people I know that got the sleeve (from a different surgeon/hospital) were prescribed medication that reduces the chance of getting gallstones and a gallbladder infection (and consequently lessens the chance of having to get your gall bladder removed) since rapid weight loss can cause gall bladder issues. My surgeon and his assistant did not prescribe these to me. It seems common to get them for Atleast the first few months post surgery. I sent an email to my dr last night through the portal requesting them, because I’m an anxious person and I’m sure I’ll just think I’m getting them constantly if I don’t do something to try to prevent them. I’m just wondering if anyone else was not prescribed a medication for it, or if I’m the only one? Makes me kind of question my doctor. I’m hoping they will answer Monday and write me a prescription.

Thanks!

LC

I was never prescribed anything like that. Just heartburn meds

@Xx1jpt5xx thank you for answering! Have you had any gall issues since surgery?

My surgeons office makes it a policy to remove the gallbladder if you still have yours (I didn't as I had mine removed 8 years ago) as it causes problems after surgery. If your surgeon left yours they really should have given you some kind of meds. If you start having gallbladder issues, trust me, you'll know. I got so sick when mine went bad that the only thing I could keep down was water. I threw up everything else and ended up loosing 30 pounds in a week! Of course after I had my gallbladder removed I gained back that 30 pounds with interest...-_-". Also, it was really painful whenever I ate. Stabbing pains in my side, kind of painful. So yeah, if yours goes bad, you'll definitely know!

My surgeon did not prescribe me any meds but I did get pain meds

24 minutes ago, it'sonlythefirststep said:

My surgeon did not prescribe me any meds but I did get pain meds

Thank you! Have you had any issues with your gall bladder since? I may just be super paranoid, but if I can avoid having another surgery, I want to!

1 hour ago, Xx1jpt5xx said:

I was never prescribed anything like that. Just heartburn meds

@Xx1jpt5xx thank you for answering! Have you had any gall issues since surgery?

8 minutes ago, LC43 said:

@Xx1jpt5xx thank you for answering! Have you had any gall issues since surgery?

I had no issues. Wasn't even aware there could be gall bladder issues.

14 minutes ago, Xx1jpt5xx said:

I had no issues. Wasn't even aware there could be gall bladder issues.

Oh good. That makes me feel better!

My surgeon had me on Ursodiol (300 mg.) to prevent gallstones and Omeprazole (20 mg) to prevent stomach acid for 3-6 months after my sleeve surgery. She was outstanding. If your surgeon won't prescribe them and has no medical reason not to, I would talk to your PCP, if you have one. I have had no issues with my gallbladder or acid.

it seems like most people get that prescription (ursodiol) - but not everyone. So you're far from the only one..

Edited April 19, 20206 yr by catwoman7

I also got prescribed Ursodiol, they were huge! I had zero gall bladder issues and I stopped taking them because I lost weight so slowly. I had zero issues and it’s been over 17 months.

I was only given somac for heartburn, I'm 6 months out with no gall bladder issues. I'm in Australia though.

I was sleeved on 2/27/2020. My surgeon gave me a script for gallbladder t o begin 4 weeks after surgery.

I had bypass, but my surgeon did prescribe med to help prevent gallbladder. In fact, I took my last one this morning.

I talked with him about the meds alot. Apparently, they can have side effects of both nausea and hair loss so he makes them optional. He did say, you must take them as a preventative measure - meaning you need to take them before you have issues as they will prevent, but not reverse. I chose to take them for 100 days although he was willing to prescribe for up to 6 months.

Lori

I was put on Actigall after my sleeve in 2013. After a RNY revision in February it was not prescribed.

Different docs do different things.