My surgeon thought my liver seemed to be rather large, so sent me for a liver/gallbladder ultrasound before surgery. They called today and said that I have gallstones and will have to have my gallbladder removed before my lap band surgery....:drool:

Has this happened to anyone else?

Hmmm, my surgeon checks the gallbladder before surgery and if it needs to be taken out he does it at the same time as putting in the band. Might want to ask your surgeon if that is possible. That would save you from having two different surgeries. Just my two cents, doesn't hurt to ask.

Good luck to you.

I did ask that and they said that he doesn't do that because there is a risk of infection I think. They said the lap could be done as soon as 2 weeks after gallbladder removal. Not looking forward to 2 surgeries in 2 weeks though.

Thanks for the reply

Hello,

My ultrasound has not yet been scheduled, but I was told by my surgeon that it is possible that they will have to remove my gallbladder 6 weeks before my wl surgery.

I had gallstones during pregnancy 20 years ago, and he said that if I had a problem once, he's sure it will be a problem after the surgery, and that's why he'd rather take it out before the surgery.

I'm hoping the ultrasound will reveal that no gallbladder surgery will be needed.

I really do like my surgeon. He is very thorough and seems genuinely concerned. Many websites and forums like this one said that others had both surgeries at the same time, so I am a little disappointed that my surgeon does not do this. Anesthesia is one of the things I do not look forward to and between the EGD, gallbladder surgery and lap band, I will go under anesthesia 3x in a very short amount of time. Oh well... Bring it on... I am definitely ready. One of the things that I did think about was how frightening it would be (if I had not found out that I had gallstones beforehand) if I had a gall bladder attack after being banded. I imagine if that happened, I would have been afraid that it was from the band. So I am overall glad that I am having the problem taken care of now.

DaMomb,

Very good point, I remember when I had gallstones during pregnancy, I thought something was wrong with my baby. For 4 months, I would go to the ER, and they would strap on the fetal monitor, tell me everything was fine. After a while, they started to think I was crazy, then all of a sudden they figured out it was my gallbladder. It was scary.

You'll be just fine, there's obviously some reasoning behind doing it beforehand.

My Dr will remover the gallbladder at the same time as placing the band if necessary. Hope all is well.

My surgeon thought my liver seemed to be rather large, so sent me for a liver/gallbladder ultrasound before surgery. They called today and said that I have gallstones and will have to have my gallbladder removed before my lap band surgery....

Has this happened to anyone else?

Interesting. Why doesn't the surgeon take out the gallbladder at the same time as he/she inserts the band? Other surgeons have done it that way.

I have a friend who had her gallbladder removed at the same time her band was placed.

I was banded for almost 2 years before I started having problems with my gallbladder. And yes, when I started having the attacks, I was terrifed that whatever the problem was, was related to my band. I was thrilled it was my gallbladder! I had my gallbladder removed 2 months ago and don't miss it at all!

Good luck to you . . .

Thanks for all the replies. Although I wish I could have both done at the same time, I am so excited to finally be "almost" there! My knees hurt and I know that will be better after I lose weight. Also have been having a lot of problems with bile and now I am wondering if that has something to do with my gallbladder..... Who knows, but at least it will all be taken care of soon.

I love this forum. Everyone is great!

oh that bites! its a shame you can't get them done at the same time! and 2 weeks apart no less! ugh!

wow, sorry to hear you have to go thru that!

hang in there!

My gallbladder is also coming out at the same time my band goes on..I will have one extra incision though..I'd rather do it now than have it done later on. I have had problems in the past due to rapid weight loss...

The good news is I had my gallbladder removed yesterday, and it was absolutely no big deal. I feel great today, and I am just that much closer to getting my band on now. I CANT WAIT! I hope the world can handle the sexiness that will be me!! :oD

Thanks for all the replies.

You get an "at a girl", you are one step closer, and it's good to know that it's no big deal. Thanks for sharing.

Get ready...that sexier you is going to be killer!