Question:
Does gallbladder removal during wls add to length of surgery?

I will be having my wls this Friday (Yippee!!), and I will be having my gallbladder removed also. Does this add to the length of the surgery, or is it something that they can get to, and take out, fairly quickly?? Also, does it make a difference in your recovery?? More pain, etc..?? I don't see why it would, but just wondering. Thanks a bunch!! Btw, I'll be having Open RNY.    — Cat S. (posted on April 7, 2003)

April 7, 2003
Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I had my gall bladder removed at the same time also. I asked the Dr. how much longer would the surgery be, and he said 11/2 - 2 hours longer.
   — yh1401

April 7, 2003
I had Open RNY and gallbladder removal - surg was at 8am I was in recovery at 10 am!
   — ~~Stacie~~

April 7, 2003
I had my gallbladder out nearly 2 years before my WLS, so I can't say how much extra time it would take. However, having lived through one gallbladder attack (and attack describes it perfectly), I would be very glad if I were in your shoes that your WLS surgeon is going to take the gallbladder too.
   — garw

April 7, 2003
I had Open RNY w/ gallbladder removal and my surgery was about 4 hours. My surgery was a little longer than my roomie's (who had surgery just before me) but not varying too much. Our recovery varied as well. She was back at work in two weeks while I didn't go back to school for a month and I wasn't even ready to go back then! She used less pain reliever and was definitely a better patient than I. She had gone through childbirth before so maybe that had something to do with it? Also, she is 20 years older. Either way, I was in a lot more pain than her. Remember to breathe! When I was hurting (especially while walking) I woudl hold my breath - BIG MISTAKE!!! Breathe, breathe, and breathe some more! You'll do great!
   — Tracy A.