Gall Bladder Removal w/ GBS??

Hi all, I just found out today that when I have my Gastric Bypass Surgery next month I am also having my gallbladder removed. (By the way I do have a tentative date of August 6th but it's not set in stone yet) I'd like to hear from anyone else who has had that done. My father was very concerned when he heard that and thinks it would be too much on a person.(he's just scared, I know) His cousin died about 20 years ago when she went in for gastric bypass. They accidentally did the incorrect operation and removed her gall bladder then figured out the mistake and did the bypass, she then died from complications with the gallbladder removal. I explained that they have come a long way since then and my surgeon knows what he's doing. Any input would be appreciated. ~Julie~

Hi Julie, We have had discussions with Dr. Bell regarding the gall bladder issue. He says that about 20 percent of folks who have WLS wind up needing to have their gall bladders removed. He does not remove the gall bladder for a couple of reasons. The first being that he only does laproscopic (unless there is some reason to switch to open when actually on the table) and it raises the risk level tremendously to do both because of the angles etc. There is a danger of damaging the bile duct etc. He also feels that to take them out routinely if they are healthy isn't good either. However he did say that if he were doing open's and he found a diseased gall bladder he would remove it at that time. I don't know if that helps but that is my understanding. Linda p.s. Congrats on the tentative date!!!

Julie: I had my gallbladder out 4 years ago so I can't really help you there. Do you have a meeting schdl'd with your surgeon that your Dad could attend? Maybe meeting the Dr. and being able to talk to him would put him at ease. You are right that things have changed drastically in the last 5 years never mind 20. But Dads do worry about their little girls. I hope all else is going well. August will be here before you know it. Chryssie

Hi Julie: I had my gallbladder out when I was 20 weeks pregnant in 1996. That was the scariest moment of my life. Anyway, I can't help you will the gallbladder WITH wls thing, sorry. Chryssie has an excellent point. Have your dad go to a meeting with you, or meet with your surgeon with you. This is what I did with my husband when he was unsure and worried about me. He has a good understanding of everything now and I think he knows more than I do at this point. Congratulations on the tentative date. It's when you wanted it, too. My toes were cramping because I had them crossed for so long til I heard from you!!! Tara

Dr. Valin recommends that you have your gall bladder out if you have any kind of history of gall bladder problems and you are having OPEN RNY. I have had "troubles" with my gall bladder for years-no pain, no stones-but it just made me feel very queasy from time to time. I agreed to have him remove the gall bladder. He explained that they find that a significant number of people who experience large weight loss have problems with their gall bladders and end up having to have them removed. He said it only adds 15 minutes to the surgical procedure, doesn't increase the pain level of the surgery and it doesn't increase the recuperation period. GO FOR IT! I said...and he did. I'm glad I made this decision...but it's an individual and personal thing. Ann

Hi, I know Dr.Aranow says that the procedure does not add that much time on the surgery or any excess pain. I had my GB out previously, so I am not sure of it. Ask at his next support group meeting. I say, you do no want the pain of the GB in the next few months while recooperating...so have it taken out. Joanie

Hi Julie! I did have my gall bladder removed during my RNY. I also had it done lap, so I guess it can be done that way! One of my pre-op tests was an upper/lower GI to see if gallstones or other gall bladder disease was present. I already knew that I had gallstones but got the test again, which confirmed it. My dr. said it was an extra 1/2 hour when you have the gall bladder out & not a risk. My doctor's routine was that if your gall bladder was normal, he'd still put you on medication to prevent stones from forming for 6 months after the weight loss surgery, because it's a fairly common side effect of the surgery to develop gallstones -- rapid weight loss is a cause of the stones. I'd say don't sweat the gall baldder removal. I forget that it was done most of the time! And I think having your Dad talk to your doctor or go to a support group with you would be a great idea. Having known someone who died previously (sounds like those doctors didn't know what they were doing!) would definitely be enough to scare him when his little girl's getting ready to do the same thing. It would hopefully reduce some of his anxiety. Good luck on the 8/6 date!! Kathy F.