Question:
Has anyone post-op tried cranberry tablets to prevent kidney problems?

HI, I am having surgey in one week and am a little worried about kidney stones/infections. I have heard that this can happen sometimes during rapid weightloss(as well as gallstones) my doctor will prescribe actigall for the gallbladder but I was wondering if anyone had tried cranberry tablets to help with their kidneys. I have some on hand and I thought about it today. Thanks in advance for any help.    — Jennifer E. (posted on August 20, 2002)

August 20, 2002
I've never heard of Cranberry tablets, you may want to check w/your doctor on that one! All I can tell you about kidney stones....drink water, water, water, water!! I have chronic stones, pre WLS I've had 3 ureteroscopy's to remove stones that were so big they got stuck in my ureter and gotten infected AND 2 lithotripsy (ultrasound blasting) to break stones up. If I had done as I was told and gotten in my 3 litres of water - things would have been better! Since my WLS, it's been great, no reoccurence of stones, probably because I'm makeing sure to get in tons of water, not drinking anymore dark cola's or over doing it on the coffee - both of which help stones form! Again, drink water!
   — Rosario T.

August 20, 2002
You drink cranberry juice to help with the acidity of your urine which helps prevent infections. I know that some people take to tablets instead of drinking the juice. I am not sure that they would help with stones however. As Rosario said, water is the best prevention. I would ask my doctor for his opinion. God Bless.
   — garnet156

August 20, 2002
Hi... I have had kidney stones on and off for over 20 yrs. I did have one surgically removed over a year ago so this too concerned me. Water is your key. Don't waste your money on pills for this, drink lots of water to keep your kidneys flushed. I am 4.5 months post op and do about 100-120 oz a day. My best to you.
   — AJC750

August 20, 2002
Jennifer, Hi thought I would post, I know exactly what you're talking about, I went to GNC and bought some cranberry capsules for urinary tract infestions. I take them from time to time, when-ever I miss taking my daily dose of diet cranberry juice. I can't seem to drink to much of it. So the pill really helps me. I'm not sure what is does to the gall bladder, the the urinary tract infections, It clears up without any problems... I'm 4 days shy of 3 months post op and down 70 pounds
   — tannedtigress