Question:
Will the Dr. remove your gallbladder at the same time ,if you know it is a problem ?

   — Penny H. (posted on May 5, 2002)

May 5, 2002
Whether it's a problem or not your doctor should remove it because the likelihood will only increase after surgery that you will develop problems. Ask your doctor about it and make sure he knows your feelings on the subject. It is not a big deal while he's already in there to take it out. Sharon Robinson
   — Sharon R.

May 5, 2002
How do you know it's a problem? Most surgeons will take it out if an ultrasound pre-op shows stones or if they see that it has stones once they start your surgery. However, some surgeons will not take it out if they look at it during your surgery and believe it looks healthy.
   — garw

May 5, 2002
My surgeon takes the gall bladder when she goes in to do the open RNY because she says with rapid weight loss a person will most likely develop gall stones and taking it just keeps one from having to go through another surgery. Open RNY 11/8/01 down 92lbs.
   — Janice B.

May 5, 2002
Some doctors always remove the gallbladder at the time of surgery as a preventitive measure. Other doctors will only remove the gallbladder if there is a problem with it. You should talk to your doctor about this if you have a gallbladder problem. If you have a healthy gallbladder and keep it after surgery, I would ask to be put on Actigall, which will reduce your chances of getting gallstones during the period of rapid weight loss. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 5, 2002
I had open RNY 2/11/02. Previous to surgery I had a gallbladder ultrasound, which showed it looked okay. During surgery he saw evidence of stones, so he just removed it at the same time. Fine by me, one less thing to worry about.
   — Jennifer G.