Question:
Can you get your gallbladder out lap after an open RNY?

Well, I can't believe it, I'm but three months out today and I have gallstones. Sheesh.... I begged the doctor to take it out before, but there was nothing wrong with it... such is my luck! :) So I was wondering if it's possible to have it out lap after my open RNY with all the scar tissue and what not. Also, how long should I wait to do it? Is it dangerous to get it out so soon after my other surgery? I have an appointment next week to discuss with a surgeon, but thought in the meantime I would check and see if anyone here had been through similar issues! Thanks!    — Deborah W. (posted on February 19, 2002)

February 19, 2002
I know exactly how you feel. I had an Open RNY on 5-8-01 and I also begged my surgeon to take my gallbladder out during the RNY. I knew with my luck, I'd have problems. Sure enough I had stomach pains last month and had an ultra sound and I'm full of tiny gallstones. But I will be going to a "local surgeon" this time, not up to the big city as with the RNY. The surgeon who will be doing the gallbladder "thinks" he can do it LAP. Personally, I would'nt be surprised if it may have to be done open. The reason I say that is I have alot of scar tissue inside from the Open RNY. So who knows if the LAP will be changed to open, but we are kind of in the same boat. Good luck to both of us. ;)
   — Danmark

February 19, 2002
Is your gall bladder giving you problems? Pain, nausea, etc. I have no idea if it can be done lap, but if it is causing you problems, it's probably best not to wait too long. When mine was taken out, the surgeon intended to do it lap, but once he saw it, he realized that it was very abcessed and changed to open. My understanding is that it could have ruptured and dumped all that infection into my abdominal cavity.
   — garw

February 21, 2002
Deb, I hope so! Email me shortly after March 1st when I get my gallbladder out and I'll tell you IF I got lucky or not. I had the Open RNY and the guy doing my gallbladder "thinks" it can be done LAP although I have alot of scar tissue. By the way, I'm having a "double" surgery too. That is I will be having TWO DIFFERENT SURGEONS doing TWO DIFFERENT SURGERIES at the SAME time. One will be doing the gallbladder and the other the Rotator Cuff. Sounds like I'm going to have lots of fun. Ahem.
   — Danmark

October 9, 2002
I had my gall bladder out many years pre-op but for the same reasons. I would lose and gain extreme amounts of weight. It got to the point my Dr. said stay fat or stay skinny. Anyway I had mine out laproscopically (my RNY was Open). It was the easiest surgery I have ever had. I'm sure you will be fine!!
   — Heather W.