Question:
Gallbladder surgery--lap vs. open

I am two months out from having my lap rny. I had a gallbladder attack on July 5, and had had tests since then to confirm that my gall bladder has to come out. I have an appt with the surgeon (same surgeon that did my rny) on July 29. After reading as much from the internet that I can, I'm wondering if I'll still be able to have the gallbladder removed lap, since my rny was done only two months ago, or if the incesions aren't healed enough that I'll need to have the gallbladder removed by the open procedure. Any thoughts would be appreciated.    — Betsy H. (posted on July 19, 2004)

July 19, 2004
I had my open RNY in February of 2003. I had to have my gallbladder removed within 5 months of my RNY. I was able to have it done Lap. If you had your RNY done Lap they should be able to do the gallbladder lap as well. My RNY hurt like a b*tch. With the gallbladder surgery, there was almost no pain at all. What I did find though, having two surgeries so close together, is that I was really tired. I had a lot of dizzy spells and weakness. I was off work for 4 weeks with my gallbladder and it took a couple of months before I felt like I had my energy back. Good luck!
   — Janet S.

July 19, 2004
I had my lap RNY in 2/03 also, but did not have my gall bladder removed til the end of 6/04. I also used my same surgeon as for my WLS. He did it lap, using 2 of the same incisions and made 2 more to the right. I was up and around 2 days later and back to work in a week. As for having 2 surgeries close together, I will be having my TT and hernia repair on 8/17, just 6 weeks after my gall bladder. There was no hesitation on the part of the PS and my WLS surgeon did not think it would be a problem either. The gall bladder surgery usually is a much easier recovery than the RNY. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

July 19, 2004
Deffinately ask your surgeon to do it LAP if you get a choice in it. People have back to back LAP surgeries alot. I'm just thankful the dr took mine while he was in there.. Swhhhh ~ because I'm 2 months out an still recovering from the OPEN procedure. Best Wishes to you.
   — smoore_911

July 20, 2004
If you have a choice do it lap! I had my Lap RNY last december and 6 months to the day later I ended up in the ER and needed to have my gallbladder removed, They did it lap and I was pretty much fully recovered the next day. I was amazed how easy it was.
   — Patricia T.