Gallbladder and Lap Band Question

Hi all of you veterans of WLS, I'm in the process of waiting for approval from my insurance company. Hopefully, I will know something within a few weeks. As I await the answer from them, Dr. Steely, my surgeon, has ordered that I have a gallbladder ultrasound on Apr. 3 which will reveal whether or not I have gallstones. Then an EGD (I guess this is like an upper GI) on Apr. 6 to check for ulcers or any complications in my esophagus and the upper part of my stomach. This is a prerequisite before the doctor will agree to the lap band surgery for any of his patients. I don't have any problems with gallstones or ulcers that I'm aware of, but he told me at my initial consultation that if it is discovered I have gallstones, I will need to have my gallbladder removed. Here's my question for those of you who may have experience with this: is it possible or is it normal procedure for the dr. to remove the gallbladder and place the lap band at the same time? Or is it required to have 2 separate surgeries? I really don't want to "go under the knife" twice if I don't have to. I will be calling his office as well to find out, but was wondering what normal procedure was with other doctors. Are these tests required by other doctors? I know....too many questions, but any input any of you have would be welcomed! Regards, Melodie M

Hi Melodie, for some Dr.'s this is a normal procedure. Some will remove the gallbladder during the surgery so that you don't develope stones later. Other's don't. Yes, they can remove your gallbladder when they do the lapband. The lapband is done laproscopic just like the gastric bypass. Just have the test, then you will know for sure what is going on. You can have a lot of small gallstones and they could pass and you wouldn't know it, but it's the large ones that will notify you, especially if you eat fried or fatty foods. I had to have mine done in 1998 the stones were too big to pass and the gallbladder was full of 3 large stones and multi little ones. I would say about 75% of the surgerons require the scope to go down into the throat and check your stomach and esophagus. I had to have mine checked twice prior to surgery because of acid reflux, now I have an ulcer in my pouch, my esophagus has acid burns from throwing up, and where the pouch is attached to the intestine is inflamed. Better be safe then sorry later and have to do all this again. Best wishes to you, Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thanks for your reply. Oh my, I'm sorry you have so much to deal with. Are you doing okay now? Do you mind me asking when did you have surgery, how much have you lost, and would you do it again? I'm pre-op, awaiting insurance approval and want to get healthy again. When the grandkids come one day in the future, I want to be able to enjoy them and be an active part of their lives.

I am kind of in the same boat as you right now, only I have had one of the tests done already. I have the EGD scheduled for April 5th and I had my gallbladdar ultrasound done last week. I was told at Vandy that even if I had stones the surgeon may decide not to take it out. It would depend on whether I had gallbladdar disease. I discovered after the ultrasound that I do in fact have gallstones, multiple in fact. I have to wait for the surgeon to decide what he will do, but I was told that if he takes it out, it will be at the same time as the other surgery. Good luck with your test. Rachael

Thank you Rachael and thanks for your reply! If my gallbladder needs to come out, I hope my surgeon is of a like mind as yours; for if he's not, I may be looking for another surgeon! I hope your EGD goes well in April; have you ever had one before? My mother had one done a month ago and she said her throat was very sore afterward, but I'm hoping it was just because she had to have her esophagus stretched - I'm such a scare baby when it comes to pain. ~Melodie M

Hi Melodie, I used to get real bad throat pain when the scope was being done with me a wake. Now they do it with me asleep and no sore throat. Everything will work out. I had the RNY gastric Jan. 9, I have lost a total of 56 lbs. Do I regret it considering all the problems I'm going thur with my potassium bottoming out, the ulcer. I have no regrets. I would do it again if I had to. My situation is a combination of have leukemia, being on chemo, kidney problems, low potassium, plus having the surgery, that keeps me fighting and praying for better health. It's not on common to get an ulcer in the pouch. Mine only burned for a little over a week. I just stay on liquids, no burning, and no getting sick to my stomach. You will do fine with your surgery. Trust the "Doc" Kathy. She has faith to move mountains. Love Kathy