Gallbladder issues.

I'm 5 months out and have lost around 60 pounds.  Lately, I've been getting horrible pain under my right rib, we're talking serious pain, the kind that puts a person in the fetal position.....

So, I called my surgeon's office today and they thought it sounded like my gallbladder, and asked me to come in first thing in the morning for an ultra-sound and labs.  Then my surgeon will examine me. 

I've had two episodes that lasted an hour in the past 12 hours.  I'm hoping I don't have to go back under the knife......but, if I do, It will be better than the cramping sharp, stabbing pain that I've had.  Also, my daughter's friends dad is a doctor, and they stopped by earlier to pick my daughter up (school thing) and I told him about it, and he shook his head and said "your getting your gallbladder out, but don't worry, you don't need it anyway"
 He thought it sounded like the gallbladder too, just like my surgeon did over the phone......SIGH.....

I'll update you tomorrow on what happens. 

Have any of you had yours out?  What can I expect long term without my gallbladder (digestion and stuff)?  Thank you.

I'm so sorry that this is happening to you.  I still have mine so no advice on what it feels like or how it will be after/if you get it out.  I was just wondering if you took the gallbladder medicine that they give us to prevent those problems.  My doctor has his patients take it for 6 months post op.  Hope you feel better soon and get it resolved.   I've heard lots of people say that it was not too bad,  the surgery.  Good luck  :o) Jeani

My surgeon did not offer gallbladder meds......just a PPI......Wow, this could have been prevented???????

I'm going to repost this on the main VSG board.  I accidently posted it here, however, it would be the maint. people who would have more experience with this issue...maybe it was a good mistake.

Yes, this could have been prevented if you were given the medicine to take for the first six months.  However, I had my gallbladder removed over ten years ego, and I do not miss it at all and the surgery was no big deal.  I am sorry you are going through this, just get it done and move on with life. 

Thanks Elina.  I think this will be fine, then I'll move on!  Surgery is on the 8th of April.

Fooey, no fun to be in pain. I have not had gb surgery but I hear that now that it is laproscopic its a fairly easy deal. Some wls surgeons do prescribe actigal for some months after wls as it seems to reduce the chances of gb attacks. But some people get them anyway. Anyway, I am sorry you have this problem but I think its a pretty easy one as surgeries go. Let us know what they say. I think they ultra sound your gb to see if there are stones. I had that done before my vsg because I thought I might have stones and wanted my surgeon to yank out that thing while he was in there. But no stones so he left it alone.    Diane

They didn't check my GB pre surgery either....wish they had.

I'm going to stop worrying that this could have been prevented.  I have a bag of marbles....I think mine would have come out regardless.

Surgery in on April 8th. 

Thanks for your support. I think this will be an easy surgery~surgery lite!

Sorry girlie.  I know folks who took Actigall and STILL had to get their gallbladder out after they came off of it.  I think gallbladder issues are like hair issues, for some folks its an issue, and some folks its not.

Sorry babygirl!

Thanks, I'll stop worrying that it could have been prevented.  Surgery lite.....it will be fine.

 I'm 53 and had my gallbladder out at 21.  Back in the old days they had to do the big cut surgery, now they just do it thru the belly button.  Only problems I have ever had is raw onions - that gets the fetal position.  Now the big scar is their and ugly.  But after I get the tummy tuck it will all be good!
Kathy