Question:
Any problem with gallstones after quick weight loss? Or gallstone prevention meds?

   — karikat (posted on April 14, 2010)

April 14, 2010
I am now 3-1/2 mos. post-op RNY and have had absolutely no problems with suspected gallstones; however, my surgeons required me to take Actigall (a stone preventive med) from the time of my first week post-op recheck. I also took (in combination with the Actigall) something called omeprazole (which is an acid reducer, I believe, but don't quote me on that as it's been awhile since I worked in the healthcare field, but I do know it's a generic for something similar. At my 3 mo. OV late in March the NP told me I could d/c the omeprazole and of course I have; again with no suspected problems. I will say I also discussed with my surgeon PRIOR to the procedure why he just didn't take the gallbladder out while he was in there and his reply was in fact this, "Why would I remove an organ from an individual and increase my risk in liability if there is absolutely nothing wrong with it?" I believe I snarkily replied because it's a worthless organ that serves no purpose to which he agreed, but he said in all the surgeries he has performed to date less than 5% would return with gallbladder issues in the future and thus he did not believe it was a risk worth taking nor assuming liability that the insurance company would pay for an unnecessary procedure. Hope this helps you. Good luck!
   — momeego

April 14, 2010
I had open RNY May 26th, 2009. Last Tuesday I had to have my gallbladder removed due to stones. I optied for the open RNY surgery hoping my Dr. would take the gallbladder out. As you can see he didn't. I believe I was having issues with my gallbladder long before I went to see the Dr. and then I waited another 3 weeks before I had it removed. Not a good move. I know realize how sick I was leading up to the gallbladder surgery. I will return to work tomorrow feeling 100% better. Gallstones is one of the side effects from WLS. I know this going in. Just didn't expect to have to have another surgey within less then a year. Good luck. Have a great day.
   — dsquire

April 14, 2010
I've got almost the exact same story as Trish. RNY Jan 4th 2010-- down 82 lbs and have taken Antigall since my 3 week Post Op appointment. I too thought they'd take it out but the indication from my surgeon was that insurance wouldn't cover it because it was a healthy organ !
   — KQinNC

April 14, 2010
I had RNY in November of 2006 (lost 117 pounds), and I still have my gall bladder. There are a certain percentage of people who will end up having to have their gall bladder removed after WLS, though, but that could also be said about anyone who loses weight through other method. Often people who lose and re-gain, lose and re-gain will have the same problem. Admittedly, the gall bladder doesn't provide a lot of function, but it does play havoc with the way your foods are digested. A lot of the WLS surgeons are checking the gall bladder for diseases, but if none is evident by appearance, then they usually won't remove it. I would recommend to anyone considering WLS to talk to your doctor. I personally think they should do at least two checks, an ultrasound and the other test that shows the percentage your gall bladder is working. Anyway, best of luck with it all!
   — BrendaMS

April 17, 2010
I am wondering why it seems like an almost certainty that when people have the surgery that they have problems with thier gall bladders. Anyone know the answer to this? Can anyone explain medically why? Also, the gall bladder is NOT just a useless organ and really no one should make that assumption because it is a grave mistake to do so. The gallbladder is essential for proper digestion as it stores and concentrates bile. Very very important role. Thanks for any replies. Straw Walker
   — StrawWalker