Question:
Is it best to have a Cholecystectomy or to have the gallbladder removed

I just read my surgeon's letter to the ins company and he asked for approval for not only stomach reduction by RNY gastric bypass but also for a Cholecystectomy or removal of the gallbladder. Is this common? I have heard that gallstones are common with rapid weightloss, but is it so common that it is best to have the gallbladder removed before gallstones have a chance to form?    — mdjacobs (posted on January 27, 2003)

January 26, 2003
I was "fortunate" enough to have already had my gallbladder removed when I had my RNY done, but if I hadn't, I would have BEGGED the surgeon to take it out at the same time. Gallstones are incredibly painful, and I wouldn't want to have to face ANOTHER surgery later if I could prevent it now. I have also heard that gallstones are common with extreme weight loss, and one of the ladies I work with who had her RNY in October has now been diagnosed with a dysfunctional gallbladder and is going to have to have ANOTHER surgery to have it removed. She had even asked our surgeon at the consult if he took out the gallbladder at the time of the RNY and he said he didn't unless the patient had existing gallbladder disease. She didn't then but does now! She is putting off the surgery as long as she can because she really isn't looking forward to having another procedure and missing more work to recover, but she has pain every day from the gallbladder. I say (and it's only MY OPINION!), if your surgeon is willing to give you a "2-for-1" TAKE IT!
   — Carolyn I.

January 26, 2003
My surgeon told me that he could take the gallbladder out when I had the RNY (the 2 for 1 deal), or I could wait and if I have gallstones later, I could have the gallbladder removed and a tummy tuck done at the same time (which will save me $$$ because TT is considered cosmetic and insurance companies usually don't pay for it).
   — jengrz

January 26, 2003
Have you had a gallbladder ultrasound to see if you have stones? If you do, then insurance will probably be OK with having it done at the same time. To answer your question, yes it is fairly common for them to remove your gallbladder at the same time as your WLS, especially if they have discovered gall stones in your pre-op testing. I had already had my gallbladder removed when I had my WLS. I had only one gallbladder attack which started on a Monday and was present until I had it removed on Friday. It is a HORRIBLE feeling and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, so if your insurance will approve, I'd have it taken out. As for it helping to get a tummy tuck, I'm not sure it would. I believe many insurance companies will pay for removal of the panni if it is causing medical problems, like back pain, skin infections, etc. However gallbladder surgery can be performed lap, so insurance might not be willing to pay for panniculectomy at the same time since that's an open procedure.
   — garw

January 26, 2003
I am scheduled for open vbg and gallbladder removal April 9th. My doctor now takes the gallbladder out at the same time as a standard practice. He said a full 90% of his patients got gallstones and were back in the hospital within 12 months of wls. I'm thrilled he's removing it. Why suffer pain when you can avoid it? Good luck. Marti.
   — Marti C.

January 26, 2003
If your insurance will pay to have it removed with WLS.... DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!! I begged my surgeon to remove mine with WLS and he said the insurance would NOT pay for it. Don't know if they would or not. But he would'nt do it. I knew with my luck I'd have to have it out later. Sure enough, 10 months later I had to have another bleeping surgery to remove it. DO IT WITH WLS and save yourself the pain of another surgery. God bless your surgeon for wanting to take it out with WLS! He is thinking of you.
   — Danmark

January 28, 2003
I had my gall bladder removed a year and a half ago and let me tell you.....I don't miss it one bit. If your surgeon can take it out while he or she is in there......DO IT! And give your doc a big hug for saving you from the immense pain of a gall bladder attack further on down the road! Good luck and God Bless.
   — RedHeadBeauty