Question:
How long does the surgery take, and is it a longer recovery time?

At the first group informational meeting i went to i asked the surgeon who lead the meeting if his medical group did lap and gallbladder surgery at the same time. He said no because it took too long to do them together. Then at my meeting with my surgeon he said yes that him and the other surgeon do that surgery together. So would like to hear about anyones experience with this surgery. I want lap but am feeling a little unsure, because of the gallblatter.    — Nancy S. (posted on September 25, 2001)

September 25, 2001
I don't know about all surgeons, but mine told me that he would check my gallbladder during my lap rny and if there appeared to be any problems he would take it out. I don't think it is any big deal at that point. They are already in there and they just snip it, suck it out, and suture the connections up. I still have mine, by the way.
   — ctyst

September 25, 2001
My surgeon told me up front that he WILL take my gallbladder out while he had me opened up because he said I would eventually have problems with it anyways and it's better to get it out of the way and avoid going back in again. I personally think that makes more sense. Good luck to you!
   — sunsect

September 25, 2001
My surgeon's comment was, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". He said he would check the condition of the gallbladder when he went in to see if it had to be removed. Sure enough, he said it was fine and left it there. I had to take Actigall for three months post op.. It thins the bile, to avoid stones. I've had no problems with my gallbladder. My sister on the other hand did not take her Actigall. She has a bad gallbladder now and she is kicking herself for not taking the Actigall.
   — Jeannet

September 25, 2001
i begged, cried, and carried on about wanting my gallbladder out. i had lots of symptoms of gallbladder disease, but the tests i had were normal. my surgeon reluctantly agreed to take it out. i had lap rny, surgery time was 3 1/2 hrs. post op, my surgeon told me i had a healthy looking gallbladder, but i say, good riddance !!
   — melanie S.

September 25, 2001
I had Lap 7/25/00 and Gallbladder removal 8/17/01. Wierd for me was, prior to Gallbladder removal, I could tolerate sugar/fat more- since operation I've expirienced dumping more- which for me IS GOOD. I wish they would have removed it while they were in there the first time (but it was fine)- however since they didn't, I did get some "pros" along with the con of having surgery again- as in I did have to have more little scars (but an had an easier recovery being thinner), I had to take a week off work and was really sore (but I also got to hear from my surgeon that he looked at my bypass and said it looked great!) so I am really happy in having the surgery a year later... I was given peace of mind knowing everything is OK in there... Plus no more GB attack pain and a HIGHER intolerance to substances I shouldn't be eating in the first place!
   — Karen R.