Signs of Gallbladder issues & medications

My sister in law was just admitted to ER with gallbladder issues. She is 15 months out of RNY. Got me thinking, I dont even know what the signs and symptoms are. I am almost 6 months out RNY. Also, how many of you are on gallbladder meds as a preventative measure and what are they prescribing.  Thinking I may want to talk to my PCP about preventative meds.

Hi. Sorry to hear about your sister-in-law. I hope things go well for her. As far as the symptoms of Gall Bladder disease about 90% of gallstones provoke no symptoms at all. Which is what happened to me. The primary sympton is typically steady pain in the upper right abdomen near the rib cage, which can be severe and radiate to the back. Nausea or vomiting may occur as well. Large fatty meals can precipitate the pain, but usually occurs several hours after eating and often will wake you up in the night.

I ended up having a complicated open cholecystectomy. Was in surgery for 8 hours, 3 blood transfusions and 6 days in ICU. It's important to note that my RNY did not cause the complications of my surgery. It was just a freak thing that happened. Just make sure you listen to your body and how your feeling. I did not have any symptons of gallbladder disease. Was not on any preventive meds. I wish now that they would have taken my gallgladder out during the RNY.

Hi Joyce,
  Like you, I had a complicated open cholecystectomy. I ended up having a blocked and very dilated common bile duct. I had a completely full gall bladder, full of stones. Of which, I didn't have any going into the RNY on my surgery date, 1-2-01. I didnt have any symptoms other than mid-back and shoulder blade pain, and bloated belly, frequent small stools and an extreme amt of very stinky gas:!! I am having alot more symptoms now. I feel as though I am dying. I am going to update my profile. I hope someone can give me an idea of where to go next. If something doesnt give, I feel as though my days are numbered.

Oh my gosh!  I just found a Dr. Bolar patient!  I had my open RNY with Dr. Bolar nine years ago.  After the third month, my hunger came back with a vengence and I could eat and not feel hunger.  He told me to measure a cup and eat three times a day.  Of course, I didn't lose any weight.  I have an enlarged stoma and pouch.  A surgeon nearby told me he was notorious for large pouches and stomas.  I am now looking into revision to a DS with the wonderful John Husted.  I have also heard that Dr. Greenbaum is good and the Rabkins were real good.  HOW are you doing??  Did you lose and keep off your weight?  I had my gallbladder taken out last year, but I hear that is common after wt. loss surgery.  Pat in KY

I had a dull ache that would radiate up my back and to my shoulder blades.  I also just felt sick to my stomach allot!  I had many "tests" to check my gallbladder which were all fine, one did show a "slow" to drain gallbladder (I think drain is the right word) .  Anyway, after all the testing they decided to remove it anyway.  They found "sludge" in it and said that eventually the sludge turns into stones.  I have had none of the above mentioned symptoms since removing it.