Question:
Is the recovery on the open RNY faster if you already had your gallbladder out

I have been told that the recovery time is faster if the gall bladder was out previous to the open RNY? Is that true    — Sherry M. (posted on September 3, 2003)

September 3, 2003
Only a minority of WLS include the removal of the gall bladder. However, I would think the straight RNY gastric bypass w/o the GB removal (either because it has been removed before or it is health) would have a quicker recovery time...JR
   — John Rushton

September 3, 2003
I had an open RNY with removal of gall bladder at the same time, and can't think of a reason why my recovery time would've been longer than somebody who'd previously had their gall bladder out. On the other hand, if your gallbladder was removed previously, it's conceivable there could be adhesions (scar tissue) that might make the RNY a little tougher to do, depending on how it's done. I really don't know that for sure, but anytime surgery is done on an area where there previously was surgery done before, my understanding is that adhesions can make the second surgery more involved (as the doc has to cut through that scar tissue if it's in the way). Also, if the previous gall bladder procedure was done "open," and the subsequent RNY is "open" as well, then you've had the abdominal wall opened twice, which I would think increases the chances of a hernia (over having both operations done at once). Again, though, these are just random thoughts -- I'd ask your surgeon.
   — Suzy C.

September 3, 2003
Im not a doctor so I cant say 'for 100% certain; but I wouldnt see why it would make any difference. My doctor certainly didnt say it would be 'less' if I didnt take the gallbladder out. In fact, I wouldnt see adding to your recocovery time. the MAJOR time in an open recovery is 'the cutting' part; and this doesnt have anything to do with what was done inside. as far as recovery; i belive its 'less' for a lap gallbadder than a lap rny.. But if your having an open I wouldnt worry about Im sure you'll be fine by the time you use all the 6 weeks up. Normal 'disablity' time frame is 6 weeks; Insurance companies have figured in 6 weeks for surgies like hysterectomy, rny, etc. You'll NOT be helping if you forget the gallbadder to 'save' a day; If you leave it in; and have to have it removed later... you'll have 'recovery' time for THAT too. I would say just go ahead and have them both done at the same time.
   — star .

September 3, 2003
I'm thinking this belongs in the old wives tale category. Just doesn't make much sense to me.
   — zoedogcbr

September 3, 2003
Maybe for some people, but it wasn't for me...! I had a really tough recovery time, but I was really sick/bad off when I went in for surgery. I had been given less than six months to live, so they didn't expect me to make it off the table, much less 20 months later and down 212 lbs! :~) Each person's recovery is as different as they are! SOme people never have to have their gallbladder out, even after wls, so... chalk that one up to urban legends! :~)
   — Sharon m. B.