My PCP called and my recent ultrasound showed that the reason for my debilitating pain is gallstones, and my gallbladder needs to come out soon. My main fear about the lap band was the surgery itself - well, if I have to have surgery anyway for my gallbladder, I might as well get banded at the same time!

So I told my PCP that I want to have the lap band done and they can take out the gallbladder at the same time, but there's a three month wait to get into the surgeon. My PCP said I can't wait 3 months, the gallbladder has to come out. So I asked him if he would call the lap band surgeon to try and get me in sooner, so both surgeries can be done at the same time. I think a doctor speaking up for me might get better results than my asking myself, no?

I reeeaaally hope they can get me in right away! He's calling right now, and I can't sit still waiting for him to call me back.

I hope they can do it for you. It is best to avoid two recoveries if at all possible.

I am fearful that I will have to have my gallbladder out also because it is not functioning properly. I am currently not having pain issues and hope they don't start before my date is sceduled.

I really hope it works out for you and that they can bump you up the list!!

thoughts and prayers are with you

I'm sorry about your gallbladder, but I don't think that you can wait that long to get it out. It can be real trouble if you have a bad attack and stones get stuck.... take it from someone who had it happen.

My surgeon won't do gallbladder removal and Lap Band surgery at the same time because there is a chance of getting a infection.

I, too, need my gallbladder removed, my lapband surgeon called me yesterday and said mine wasnt functioning after a HIDA scan that he wanted done. He said in his opinion its better to do the lapband first, IF youre not having any problems with gallbladder pain, etc b/c after you lost a bit of weight the gallbladder surgery goes easier so that the liver isnt in the way. He said he couldnt do both at the same time b/c of risk of infection and something to do with bile... But if youre having alot of problems, definately have the gallbladder out first. I know it sucks to wait, but your health is first and foremost.

My surgeon would not do the band until the gallbladder was removed first. He said there was a chance of infection from the gallbladder if the band was done first.

I, too, need my gallbladder removed, my LAP-BAND® surgeon called me yesterday and said mine wasnt functioning after a HIDA scan that he wanted done. He said in his opinion its better to do the LAP-BAND® first, IF youre not having any problems with gallbladder pain, etc b/c after you lost a bit of weight the gallbladder surgery goes easier so that the liver isnt in the way. He said he couldnt do both at the same time b/c of risk of infection and something to do with bile... But if youre having alot of problems, definately have the gallbladder out first. I know it sucks to wait, but your health is first and foremost.

My dr said same thing - can't do together and if in no pain then wait til after getting the band! good luck

It's my understanding that if you're having gall attacks, you need that out, heal and then have lap band. If you've had no gallbladder symptoms but they notice something wrong with it while they're in there for lap band they'll take it at that time. If you're having trouble with that pesky gallbladder, you're most likely going to wait for your band.