Bile Salts Question

Hi everyone! I am scheduled for lap RNY on June 6th. I read an article that taking supplemental bile salts in the first six months after surgery can reduce the risk of needing your gallbladder out in the future. I've read about several post-ops taking Actigall for this purpose, but I have a couple of questions. Is there an over-the-counter supplement that can be taken? If so, can anyone recommend a brand and a proper dosage? Thanks in advance for the advice! Amanda

My surgeon said I need to take this for 6 months after surgery. I got the generic which here in Columbus is very inexpensive. This is definitely something you should be asking your doc about.

Hello. Good luck with your surgery. The science about taking Actigall (ursodiol) is not clear. It was thought that GBP was an automatic path to forming gallstones, now it is not so clear. Taking Actigal was thought to reduce the chance of developing gallstones. The science for that has gone back and forth with a study last year suggesting that our gallbladder does pretty much what is wants to do regardless of what surgery we have had or what medication we take. There is no OTC that can be taken to mimic the effect of Actigall. Actigall can be taken as a capsule of as a powder mixed in fluids. Many surgeons remove the gallbladder at the time of GBP to remove any possible source of problems in the first 1-2 years after surgery (nausea, belly pain or gallstones). Other surgeons do not believe in removing an organ that is healthy and has a purpose in our digestive tract.  If your GBP is done laparoscopically, it will not interefere with laparoscopic surgery in the future if you need your gallbladder removed. Talk this over carefully with your surgeon. Good luck and good health!