Question:
I am 3-months post-op and beginning to have gallbladder problems.

I am wondering what the pain is like/downtime, etc. for lap gallbladder removal vs. Lap RNY. I had the RNY 3-months ago, and hate the thought of another surgery. Will they create new incisions or go in the old ones?    — Amy E. (posted on January 21, 2004)

January 21, 2004
I had to have my gallbladder out at 5 months post op. I had open RNY but had Lap Gallbladder removal. With the gallbladder removal, there was almost no pain at all, just discomfort when I sat in certain positions. I was off 4 weeks for the gallbladder, but not because of the pain, but because my body was so tired from having 2 surgeries so close to each other. It was worth it though, those gallbladder attacks are so painful. Good luck.
   — Janet S.

January 21, 2004
I just had my gallbladder removed 2 months ago. They did it lap. I have 4 incisions. One a couple of inches below my boobs, another a couple of inches below that, the next at my belly button and the last one is to the right of my belly button. You gallbladder is on the opposite side of the chest in comparison to your stomach so most of the incisions are in different places. The RNY was a THOUSAND times worse then the gallbladder. I went home the same day and was back at work in a week with no problems.
   — Patty H.

January 21, 2004
Had Open RNY and Lap gall bladder 7 months after. So true that the RNY was alot worse than the gallbladder. I had several attacks over the last 3 months and they just could not(and to my dismay)did not diagnose gallbladder until I ended up in the ER. In and out of hosp. in no time and could have went back to work after 1 week-but chose 2 for some much needed rest. You will be fine. 4 tiny incisions that will most likely heal very nicely.
   — Jackie S.

January 22, 2004
Ok, I'm the weird one. I had to have my GB removed (Lap) at 13 months post-op. My open RNY in 2002 was a walk in the park but with this surgery I thought I was gonna die. The pain was intense. In all fairness, my surgeon did have to remove a lot of scar tissue. I was out of work for a week and 3 days. I only had 4 small incisions, 1 on top of my old scar from the RNY, 2 very small ones on my right side and one in my belly button. Good luck to you. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 130+
   — Siddy I.

January 22, 2004
My RNY was open and my galbladder removal Lap. I could have gone back to work two or three days after the lap procedure. It was nothing. Rebecca 10/03/01 265/140
   — RebeccaP

January 22, 2004
hi amy i started having gb attacks 3 weeks after lap rny.waited till my 6 week check up to tell Dr.than waited about 6 weeks to have it out.I was almost 3 months out.And yes they go though 4 of the same holes and make one additional hole to the right onder breast.Everyone told me it would be a piece of cake but it wasnt.My energy level went on a major crash that was the worst.and soarness and alot of pulling.I would say it was about like surgery after 2 weeks from the rny surgery.best part no drains.Plus you kind of know what to expect from the other.I missed 2 weeks of work.I do think it slowed my weight loss down.from the lack of excersise and weakness.You will feel so much better after wards it is nice not to have to worry when the next attack will hit. good luck and e mail me if you like.
   — patty L.