Question:
I just found out my gallbladder should be removed before surgery

I'm so confused about having the gastric bypass surgery. I was scheduled for Feb 15th and I put surgery on hold until I find more info on living without a gallbladder. My husband and family members are asking me to work harder at losing the weight since I'm only 230lbs. But I feel exhausted. Please share some experiences with me...Kat_6665    — Kat_6665 (posted on February 13, 2010)

February 13, 2010
its not a big deal not to have a gallbladder...i got mine removed in 2001. mine was causing serious attacks...i was happy to get mine out..the only side affect i have is that sometimes i get diarrea when i eat a really greasy meal....yr lucky if u havent had the attacks that most people get. take care.
   — jenflo

February 13, 2010
I had my gallbladder out when I had lap RNY, and in my pre-surgery research never found any reason to want to keep it. Of course your family is trying to protect you. My experience though was that when I was at the stage of thinking I should just try harder to lose weight on my own, it was 5 more yrs and I don't know how much more weight gain before I was sure I couldn't lose wt and keep it off without surgery. Now as I'm losing wt 3 months post-op and looking and feeling so much better, I consider the last 10 yrs unnecessarily lost. I was ashamed of my wt and hated to have to go to my husband's social events. In just under 3 months and 46 lbs lost, I no longer want to hide, and I'm so sorry I wasted those yrs. God bless.
   — Janell C.

February 13, 2010
Why should your gall bladder be removed? Are you having problems with it?? If they're telling you it's a "preventative" measure - I say poppycock!! Most surgeons do not routinely remove your gallbladder. The only time I've ever heard of it is when you've suffered serious gallstone attacks before. Then they remove it because after surgery, if you're prone to developing gallstones, you will develop them more easily. I've still got my gallbladder, and so does everyone else I know who've had their surgery using Dr. Snyder out here in Denver...and he's a nationally known and highly respected bariatric surgeon. But - if they want to remove your gallbladder because you HAVE had problems with it before, then rest assured that you won't miss it at all. The do the surgery laparoscopically, and from what I understand it can usually be done at the same time as they do the RNY, thus saving you the expense and recovery time of two separate surgeries. I hope you're getting good advice from your surgeon - but if you aren't sure, I'd be getting a second opinion. Hugs, Erica
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 13, 2010
My gallbladder was not working a 100% pre-operative. I was actually working at 11.5%, whatever that means. Anyway, my surgeon left it in and I was shocked. He did so because it was not giving me any issues, like stones. Well it is working now so good thing he left it in, I had no idea they could start working again and no idea why but it does so glad I have it.
   — Jaime Breckenridge

February 13, 2010
I too am in the process of scheduling surgery. I found out my gallbladder had to be removed first & had the surgery about two months ago. I have done great! The surgery was very easy & I haven't had any problems with dietary retrictions (I'm staying away from high-fat). Good luck & don't worry, you will feel so much better once you have it removed!! :)
   — Candied

February 13, 2010
Did your doctor say why? before surgery, cuz my doctor would have done it right along with the rny, made it easier on the patient. I have had my gall bladder out for almost 10 years. I had the sleeve done in July of 08 and I have lost 125 pounds. I feel great!!! I would talk to your doc. and if you just becareful what you eat, he/she should be able to do both surgerys and the money he would save the insurance co. and it would save you from going under 2 times and healing time would be less, he should be thinking of your health and maybe he has $$ in his eyes, I don't know, but talk to him/her.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 15, 2010
My only question is why before surgery. My surgeon told me that if he got in there during surgery and felt that mine needed to be removed he would remove it, he said much less complications and discomfort for the patient to do it all at the same time. So I would discuss this with my surgeon and if I didn't like the answers I would seek a second opinion. It is your body and your choice about the care you recieve don't ever feel like you have to do something without researching it or getting a second opinion (unless it is an emergency of course). Good luck. RNY was the best thing I ever did for myself, my family didn't want me to do it either and now they all agree it was the best thing!!!
   — brindledanes