Gall Bladder

gilta · 12-23-2007, 07:29 PM

My MD is having me have an ultrasound of my gall bladder. He said that with major weight loss there is a higher risk of gall stones. I may have to have my gall bladder removed during the LAP-BAND^® surgery.

Is this a usual thing?

Thanks,
Gilta

shortgal · 12-23-2007, 07:31 PM

I would have had to have an ultrasound to check my gallbladder before surgery, but I had already had mine removed in 1989.

I have also heard rapid weigh loss can cause gallbladder problems.

hijabigirl1973 · 12-24-2007, 01:55 PM

It is true that rapid weight loss can cause gallstones. I have also heard of some surgeons taking the gallbladder out during LAP-BAND^® surgery as well. I say if they opt to take out your gallbladder let them by all means. When I had gallstones it was worse then the labor I experienced with my daughter.

m1hocker · 12-24-2007, 03:18 PM

After I lost a lot of weight after having my twins, I had to have my gallbladder taken out. Several doctors have told me that with rapid weight loss or a large weight loss that gall bladder problems can result. I would have it taken out if the doctor is recommending it. Take care of it before you have to deal with attacks...it's NOT fun. Good luck!!!

shortgal · 12-24-2007, 03:25 PM

Gallbladder pain was THE WORST PAIN I ever had. When I had mine out they were not yet doing it laproscopically and the traditional "open" type surgery was not fun either, but at that point I was ready to rip the thing out myself.

WASaBubbleButt · 12-24-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilta

My MD is having me have an ultrasound of my gall bladder. He said that with major weight loss there is a higher risk of gall stones. I may have to have my gall bladder removed during the LAP-BAND^® surgery.

Is this a usual thing?

Thanks,
Gilta

Many people have stones in their gallbladder. Some cause problems and some do not. Most docs will not do gallbladder and banding in the same surgery, too much risk of infection and other complications.

Personally the only way I would have my gallbladder removed is if there were symptoms. Many of us have huge kidney stones for life and we have no clue about it until we are told. I wouldn't do anything about that stone either.

Iluvcarbs · 12-24-2007, 08:41 PM

I agree with you 100% Wasa. My ultrasound showed a small gall stone. My doctor didn't feel it was anything serious. If I start to have symptoms then I will deal with. I had a hernia repair with my LAP-BAND^®. And I got my period 2 days post-op. I could not imagine having anything else done. lol.