Question:
Post Op Pancreatitis

blood work indicates Pancreatitis. Is there a correlation between GBS? I am 4 years post op and up til now have done well.    — JoColeman (posted on December 12, 2007)

December 12, 2007
Hello, I am 5 months post op and have had a very easy recovery. BUT--I am having my gall bladder out in the morning because my doctor does not remove them routinely and I have been having attacks. One of the signs of gallbladder trouble is pancreatitis. Having the GB out usually resolves the problem. Christine
   — Christine M.

December 12, 2007
Jo, I agree with Christine that "gallstone pancreatitis" is highest on the list of possibilities. Bariatric patients often get gallstones as a result of the weight loss. There are many other possible causes of pancreatitis, but I would start with a look for gallstones. That is a simple ultrasound. Warmest regards, Tom Inge, MD
   — Tom Inge, MD

December 12, 2007
If you still have your gallbladder I would say yes, if you do not have your gallbladder the answer is also yes. In a lot of cases Pancreatitis is caused by stones, you can still get stones or "sludge" in your bile ducts even after a gallbladder is removed. If you do in fact have pancreatitis make sure you stick to the special diet they will give you for this, especially low fat foods. I am one year post op and my doctor checks these levels every few months even though I had my gallbladder out 20 years ago. My Mom had a bad case of Pancreatitis last xmas and it was from sludge in the bile ducts, she is on a special diet now, keeps you from having attacks (she said it felt like a heart attack). So please keep a careful watch on this and make sure the doctor or nutritionist gives you a special diet to follow. Good luck and feel better.
   — noboat4u