Question:
why do so many people have their gallbladder out at the same time?

I have heard so many people say that they have had their gallbladder out at the same time? Why? Does the surgeon decide this during surgery or does he know prior to?    — Jennifer L. (posted on June 14, 2001)

June 14, 2001
I had a perfect gall bladder before and during surgery. I am 8 months post op and I have been having gall bladder attacks since Feb. I only have had 3 but I can't wait to get mine out. My doctor said I can either have it out now or try and wait until I get my tummy tuck. They did say that if I have too many attacks or an attack that lasts more than an hour it is coming out. I am 63 lbs away from my goal and 38 lbs away from a TT so I will wait. Then my insurance will pay for most of the costs since they will be done together.
   — Sherri M.

June 14, 2001
My doctor said that you have a high chance of developing problems afterwards so he will remove mine at the time of surgery. It is useless anyways....so if this will be one healing period as opposed to two separate operations, then I am all for it.
   — S S.

June 14, 2001
Gall stones are likely to develop during rapid weight loss. If you have a history of gall stones in your family, it is more likely that you will have gall stone problems. So combine that with rapid weight loss and that probably equals gall stones. My surgeon does an ultrasound (I think that was the test) to see if you already have gall stones. He does leave it up to you as to what you want to do (leave it in or take it out). There is a prescription medication that you can take to prevent gall stone formation during the weight loss process. Since both my mother and my grandmother had gall stones at my age (nothing to do with weight loss), I decided to have my gall bladder removed during WLS.
   — Gina E.