Question:
Post-op gall bladder problems

or gallstones , than why dont they just go head a remove them in the beginning, instead of waiting 2-6 months when we could have trouble and need to do surgery again. This will help in keeping cost down in the long run, and time off from work???? Just a though if anyone has an answer. thanks, Jay Biller    — jay B. (posted on January 2, 2001)

January 2, 2001
In my area, it is common practice to remove the gallbladder when the WLS is performed. I had to have mine out a few years before I ever considered WLS, but if it had still been there, it would have all been removed at the same time.
   — Beth B.

January 2, 2001
I had my surgery at BTC and I did have my GB out, but only because the ultrasound showed stones. My Dr. didn't take them out routinely cuz my surgery partner didn't have hers out. I am glad I got mine removed- I tried to talk him into taking the appendix as well as doing a hysterectomy while he was in there, but no such luck:)
   — M B.

January 2, 2001
In having my surgery, I knew there could have been problems with the gallbladder down the road. I brought the subject up with my surgeon and he had no problem removing my gallbladder even though I had no signs of gallstones. He said it took a few extra minutes and a few extra dollars. Better than another extensive and expensive surgery down the road. If i would have had complications down the road, I may have still been too heavy to have it removed laprascopic because I have such a high BMI. I just did not want a second surgery so soon. I will have to have a tummy and thigh tuck in the next 1-2 years and hopefully this will be my last surgery. But every surgeon is different. Some surgeons will think in terms of prevention and some will have a wait and see approach.
   — Jan M.

January 3, 2001
My surgeon, Dr. Howell in Fargo, ND, has been doing WLS for 30+ years. He has also been chief surgeon at the teaching hospital where he works. He routinely removes the gallbladder for just this reason, and he also took out my appendix.
   — Cindy H.