Question:
Does everyone have gallbladder problems?
I was wondering if there is a correlation between having WLS (open RNY) and needing to have one's gallbladder removed? I seem to be reading so many posts where people are having gallbladder surgery post WLS. Thanks ... — Lisa D. (posted on October 9, 2002)
October 9, 2002
Lisa, It isn't the surgery that correlates to gallbladder problems, it is
the weight loss. Rapid weightloss for any reason can cause gallbladder
problems. I had to have my gallbladder removed when I was on Phen/Fen. It
dosn't always happen, but it is a very common problem.
— Amber L.
October 9, 2002
I am post op 14 months today (Lap RNY) and I still have my gallbladder :) I
took Actigall for 6 months after surgery and so, far I have been lucky with
mine.
— ncgal
October 9, 2002
Rapis weight loss causes gallstones. A lot of people that have the surgery
already have damage to their gallbaldder because of losing and gaining back
weight over the years. The good news is if you need your gallbladder
removed post op many insurance companies will approve a TT at the same time
because you are already having surgery.
— Linda A.
October 9, 2002
Well my wife Jen refused to take the perscribed actigal and definetely has
stones accordibng to the ultrasound. Her pain went away for now and it will
have to come out when she has troubles. When I had surgery actigal wasnt
perscribed for all patients like it is today. I admit I ate butter on stuff
post op to try to prevent this problem. So far so good, knock on wood. Just
being MO puts us at hugh risk of gallbladder trouble, so its not just the
surgery.
— bob-haller
October 9, 2002
Well, not everyone has gall bladder problems post op. I am 22 months post
op, and have not had ANY gall bladder problems at all. I was not required
to take any medication to prevent gall stones either. I think that part of
the reason is that I lost weight rather slowly (about 93 pounds the first
12 months). I think most of my surgeon's patients lose weight rather
slowly, so we do not have the gall bladder problems that others do. BTW, I
had RNY. Good luck.
— Maria H.
October 10, 2002
My surgeon told me that a gall bladder problem may arise after a
signifigant weight gain or loss has occured. I was having problems with
mine, so it was removed also, along with my appendix, during my RNY. Open
me once, and get it all done!
— Jenny_B
October 10, 2002
Lisa, I think EVERYONE who has WLS should go into it with the conviction
that they will indeed have to have their gallbladder out. Why? Well that
way you are prepare as you know it will have a high chance of having to
come out anyway. I begged my surgeon to take mine out during WLS and he
said the insurance would'nt cover it. I just knew with my bad luck (only
kind of luck I have) that it would have to come out later... and in ten
months it had too.
— Danmark
October 10, 2002
It depends on the dr, I was told that many developed gall bladder problems
with the change in diet that it was removed with surgery. It just depends,
with the lap it is not removed sometimes because of location and because
some insurance won't approve it and also, as we all know, ideas change with
time. My was taken out so I have no problems but I have seen many go
through our group having to have it taken out later.
— Elizabeth K.
October 10, 2002
Hi, I'm the one that just posted about my gall bladder nearly rupturing. I
talked to the surgeon and he assures me that this problem probably wasn't
related to my RNY. That my gall bladder probably hadn't been functioning
for awhile. I know at the time of my WLS my surgeon said the insurance
wouldn't pay to take out a healthy gall bladder and that as long as it is
healthy it does have a function in the body. Having said that however,
getting my gallbladder taken out was twice as painful (incision area- I had
to have an open because it was so enlarged)as my WLS was. Of course I
didn't have to undergo all of the diet stuff afterward. Point, if they'll
take it out, let them. Having two operations in six months isn't exactly
good for the body, but if they leave it in chances are it will be okay.
Just read up on the symptoms of a gall bladder attack so if it happens
you'll be prepared to follow up.
Leigh
— Leigh P.
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