Question:
Can I do anything to prevent this?
I am only 5 weeks post-op, but am a little concerned about the possibility of having my gall bladder removed later on (I've never had any problems with it). I know that many posties get gall stones and end of having the gall bladder removed. What exactly causes this and is there anything I can do to try to prevent it? My friend had her gall bladder taken out after 5 1/2 months post-op and had more pain from it than her WLS. It just worries me.... — karmiausnic (posted on October 25, 2002)
October 25, 2002
There is a prescription medication (Actigall) that many surgeons put their
post-ops on (if they still have their gallbladder). If you have concerns
about this, ask your surgeon about Actigall.
— John Rushton
October 25, 2002
Hi. This worried me alot as well! After only a few weeks post-op I started
developing horrible pains in my right side, it seemed I had some symptms of
gallstones. I had a check-up with my surgeon and he put me on Actigall
which is supposed to help prevent gallstones from developing and I believe
eventually you won't have to get your gallbladder removed. I am now almost
5 months post-op and haven't had any of those pains since! Ask your doc
about it, I know many WLS patients are on Actigall for 6 months after
surgery. Goodluck! :)
— Lezlie Y.
October 25, 2002
Due to the increased weightloss from this surgery, you are at a higher risk
of getting gallstones. Most dr's have the gall bladder checked either
before the surgery or during. If gall stones are present many go ahead and
remove it at the time of surgery to prevent having to have another surgery
down the line. My doctor is removing mine because I have stones already. (I
didn't know it, the ultrasound found it) If, they do not remove the gall
bladder then the doctor can prescribe special salts to be taken after your
surgery that will aid in keeping you from getting gall stone. However,
these have a tendency to REALLY tast bad.Gall stones are one of the
complications of this surgery, but can be controlled through the salts and
lots of water.
— dkinson
October 25, 2002
Take actigal a prescription drug TODAY! Call your surgeon for the
prescription or intentionally eat a bit of fat daily. Like one pad of real
butter.
— bob-haller
October 25, 2002
Bob is right... get the prescription. I had one, but could'nt swallow any
of my pills for three months post op. By that time I figured it was
probally to late for the gallbladder pills anyway. So at 10 months post op
mine had to come out. However, as far as eating some fat everyday to keep
the gallbladder healthy... it did'nt work for me. I've never ate low fat.
In fact I enjoy a high fat diet and it did'nt keep me from getting
gallstones. So I don't think it works.
— Danmark
October 25, 2002
Hey you you would'nt be talking about me would you hahahah. I'll call you
tonight. Later
— sarah C.
October 25, 2002
I read on here earlier that a pinch of sea salt in your food, daily, will
greatly decrease chances of gall stones developing. I would try it myself
but have to have my gallbladder removed..Good Luck
— Cheri P.
November 4, 2002
I'm pretty sure I'm having gallbladder attacks or passing stones. I'm
going to try a liver / gallbladder flush and that supposedly softens the
stones and lifts them out of the gallbladder and out painlessly and fast.
It sure is worth it to me to try this instead of opting for surgery first.
Supposedly you feel very good and energetic also afterwards. I'll update
my profile about it after i finish. I'm waiting for some stuff called
ultra-phos to come to me right now. I've had two attacks in the last 3
days and fortunately they aren't as severe as some people say, but I don't
want to wait for that.
— themperrys
November 19, 2002
I had an ultrasound and it shows gallstones. I didn't do the flush I said
I would do because my doctor's office advised against it. They don't
usually believe in that kind of stuff. Anyway i'm too nervous to do it
now. I see my doctor on Friday so we'll see from there.
— themperrys
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