Question:
Hi Everyone! Has anyone received the news that they need their gallbladder removed?

I just came from my surgeon's office and although I feel fine (although I have some cramping after each meal), the tests I had yesterday and last week show that my gallbladder is not functioning as it should. I now need to have it removed. Please share your experience with this situation. I am 8 months post-op and 100 pounds lighter. Thank you in advance.    — Pilar12 (posted on September 14, 2010)

September 14, 2010
This is pretty common, every person I know that has WLS has had their gallbladder removed.If you google gallbladder problems after WLS you will find lots of comments, there were studies that showed 30% to 50% of people will develop gallstones or other problems. I have heard there are some doctors who advise patients to have it removed at the time of WLS, Not sure of ethics on that. I had mine removed before my WLS due to gallstones, Mine got stuck in the bile duct and they did surgery on the spot. I think the biggest problem is not being able to handle fried foods too well after. I know I cannot, I get sick pretty quickly. So I avoid the best I can. Good Luck.
   — dowens67

September 14, 2010
103 pounds getting mine removed in a week! sept 23 and i am also 9 months out! it is the number one issue after WLS! I got so sick in march and then may/june i spent time in hospital nothing was staying down not even water or vitamins i hurt myself something bad and it took them all that time to discover it was gall bladder issues thank god for a smart lady DR!! who order the ultra sound!! anyway things are fine now my vitamins are coming back to normal it takes 6 months for you to catch up on your vitamin intake but man what a disaster and set back i had! still wouldnt change my decision! it is the best thing i ever did was have the WLS! good luck i hope they remove it soon for you!!!
   — Atomickitten613

September 14, 2010
Luckily, my gall bladder has been behaving itself so far!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

September 15, 2010
I had mine out before my surgery but had I not, he would have taken it out when he did the surgery. I am not surprised you need it out now.
   — tfqh99

September 20, 2010
I'm a little over 2 yrs out and just found out a couple of weeks ago mine needs to come out. No stones but poor function. I hurt so bad with my first attack I would have given the Dr. a knife to cut it out. I'm gonna try to wait til Nov. to get it out though.
   — JODI_13

September 21, 2010
i was having problems with mine before surgery so my surgen recommended having it taken out because the rapid weight loss was going to make it worse
   — MommyandMe

October 17, 2010
I had my bypass 3/04 and developed gallstones about 18 months post op. I had my tummy tuck and gallbladder removed at the same time 11/05. You won't miss it-gallstones were the worst pain I've ever been through, you'll do fine. Good luck!
   — mzcath

October 17, 2010
Hi everyone and special thanks to those who responded to my question. I went into surgery on 10/11/10 and the same surgeon who performed my RYN, Dr. Steven Patching in Sacramento, CA., removed my gallbladder. The operation was a complete sucess. I have been home this past week and am returning to work tomorrow. It was one of the easiest operations I ever had with minimal pain. So again thanks for all the support!
   — Pilar12