Question:
I just found out my gallbladder should be removed before surgery
I'm so confused about having the gastric bypass surgery. I was scheduled for Feb 15th and I put surgery on hold until I find more info on living without a gallbladder. My husband and family members are asking me to work harder at losing the weight since I'm only 230lbs. But I feel exhausted. Please share some experiences with me...Kat_6665 — Kat_6665 (posted on February 13, 2010)
February 13, 2010
its not a big deal not to have a gallbladder...i got mine removed in 2001.
mine was causing serious attacks...i was happy to get mine out..the only
side affect i have is that sometimes i get diarrea when i eat a really
greasy meal....yr lucky if u havent had the attacks that most people get.
take care.
— jenflo
February 13, 2010
I had my gallbladder out when I had lap RNY, and in my pre-surgery research
never found any reason to want to keep it. Of course your family is trying
to protect you. My experience though was that when I was at the stage of
thinking I should just try harder to lose weight on my own, it was 5 more
yrs and I don't know how much more weight gain before I was sure I couldn't
lose wt and keep it off without surgery. Now as I'm losing wt 3 months
post-op and looking and feeling so much better, I consider the last 10 yrs
unnecessarily lost. I was ashamed of my wt and hated to have to go to my
husband's social events. In just under 3 months and 46 lbs lost, I no
longer want to hide, and I'm so sorry I wasted those yrs. God bless.
— Janell C.
February 13, 2010
Why should your gall bladder be removed? Are you having problems with it??
If they're telling you it's a "preventative" measure - I say
poppycock!! Most surgeons do not routinely remove your gallbladder. The
only time I've ever heard of it is when you've suffered serious gallstone
attacks before. Then they remove it because after surgery, if you're prone
to developing gallstones, you will develop them more easily. I've still
got my gallbladder, and so does everyone else I know who've had their
surgery using Dr. Snyder out here in Denver...and he's a nationally known
and highly respected bariatric surgeon. But - if they want to remove your
gallbladder because you HAVE had problems with it before, then rest assured
that you won't miss it at all. The do the surgery laparoscopically, and
from what I understand it can usually be done at the same time as they do
the RNY, thus saving you the expense and recovery time of two separate
surgeries. I hope you're getting good advice from your surgeon - but if
you aren't sure, I'd be getting a second opinion. Hugs, Erica
— Erica Alikchihoo
February 13, 2010
My gallbladder was not working a 100% pre-operative. I was actually
working at 11.5%, whatever that means. Anyway, my surgeon left it in and I
was shocked. He did so because it was not giving me any issues, like
stones. Well it is working now so good thing he left it in, I had no idea
they could start working again and no idea why but it does so glad I have
it.
— Jaime Breckenridge
February 13, 2010
I too am in the process of scheduling surgery. I found out my gallbladder
had to be removed first & had the surgery about two months ago. I have
done great! The surgery was very easy & I haven't had any problems with
dietary retrictions (I'm staying away from high-fat). Good luck & don't
worry, you will feel so much better once you have it removed!! :)
— Candied
February 13, 2010
Did your doctor say why? before surgery, cuz my doctor would have done it
right along with the rny, made it easier on the patient. I have had my gall
bladder out for almost 10 years. I had the sleeve done in July of 08 and I
have lost 125 pounds. I feel great!!! I would talk to your doc. and if you
just becareful what you eat, he/she should be able to do both surgerys and
the money he would save the insurance co. and it would save you from going
under 2 times and healing time would be less, he should be thinking of your
health and maybe he has $$ in his eyes, I don't know, but talk to him/her.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 15, 2010
My only question is why before surgery. My surgeon told me that if he got
in there during surgery and felt that mine needed to be removed he would
remove it, he said much less complications and discomfort for the patient
to do it all at the same time. So I would discuss this with my surgeon and
if I didn't like the answers I would seek a second opinion. It is your
body and your choice about the care you recieve don't ever feel like you
have to do something without researching it or getting a second opinion
(unless it is an emergency of course). Good luck. RNY was the best thing
I ever did for myself, my family didn't want me to do it either and now
they all agree it was the best thing!!!
— brindledanes
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