gall bladder problems after surgery

[Sunshine2]

How many people have had to have their gall bladder out since surgery? I thought today I was having symptoms, but not sure now. What were your symptoms?

[inbliss]

I am 2 years 3 months out and last month had terrible pain in the middle of my chest on 4 different occasions - 2 of them really, really bad. Finally went to the dr because it was so bad…blood tests, ultra sound verified gallstones…and an MRSP (MRI of abdomen) showed that I passed some of the stones which are now embedded in the bile ductal system. Have to have the stones removed and then later will have to have my gallbladder removed.

No symptoms other than the terrible pain in the middle of my chest…right at the "V" at the top of my ribs…the specialist said before the stones are removed, if I have any pain, turn yellow, or have an unexplained fever that I need to go to emergency.

Still don't regret VSG…and I am never sick…so this if this is the worst that happens to me - oh well

[StacyD]

2 of my friends who had the gastric bypass had to have their gall bladders removed (one of which had signs of gangrene) If you are having any serious pain call your doctor and they will do a sonogram

[Marvinator]

Gallstones are a risk. I had my gallbladder out well before the sleeve surgery. But I remember the discomfort I was having. It was pretty bad. Gallbladder surgery was cake though. Not much discomfort after the first day and even the first day wasn't horrible.

[Java Girl]

I had my gallbladder removed last Friday, 6 months after my VGS surgery. My symtoms came on quickly, 2 attacks within 10 days with the second landing me in the hospital for 3 days before the gallbladder was removed. My earliest symtom...but at the time I didn't know it was horrible breath....like something had died. There was not enought toothpaste, mouthwash or gum that could mask the odour. Thankfully, since the surgery my breath has completely cleared up!

[honib52]

Hi,
Sorry about your being sick. You are doing so well at losing weight. I am slowly losing and have stalled for over 1 month but still happy to have had the surgery. I quit my job and am enjoying working as a substitute teacher when I want to work. So I am not as active as I use to be. Take care,
Honi

[bjsrealtor]

I wonder if not drinking the recommended 64 oz of water a day causes gall stones??? anyone know?

[Sunshine2]

Went to my surgeon today and he seems to think my symptoms could very well be my gallbladder. This is not what I wanted to hear!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to have another surgery so soon. I have been doing so well so far. I guess I will have to get the scan scheduled

[bgedang]

Gallbladder issues arrise from rapid weight loss. I had mine removed at the time of my sleeve and so thankful that I did given the number of people I have read have had to have it out later. Good luck to you!

[donewithdieting]

I'm 2 years plus out and had my gallbladder out 1 week ago.
About 8 days prior I ate a piece of summer sausage and cheese and with in 5 minutes I was semi laying on the couch hardly breathing, It felt like a elastic band being tightened and released around my upper abdomen. Last for about a minute (felt like and hour), went away then happened one more time about 5 minutes later. No nausea, felt good for about 4 days, then all of a sudden started with a nagging uncomfortableness across my abdomen under my ribs. Lasted for 3 days, tried to work, pretty miserable, went to see our surgeon in his office and told him what is going on, ordered lab tests for Liver function, pancreas health, CBC and ultrasound of the gallbladder. Labs all normal, the gallbladder was full of stones. I was not an emergency on Friday so scheduled for Tuesday. Feeling great, back to work by Friday. I'm a RN case manager--no lifting job. The only thing is when they "blew me up with Carbon Dioxide my pretty flat belly was now stretched and flabby. I hope that comes back soon. I was looking at a tummy tuck so now need to wait a year. I do wear my abdominal binder from my VSG just to protect my steri-strips. Helps me feel tucked in. Hope this helps. Linda

[Sunshine2]

I had my gallbladder removed this past Monday only 5 weeks after the sleeve. I had an attack Friday night and an awful one Saturday morning. My dr. Put me in the hospital right then. The pain was the worst I've ever had. Sure wasn't planning on another surgery so soon.

[JustWantToBeHealthyAgain]

Gallbladder stones are definitely a risk when you lose a lot of weight in a relatively short amount of time and I do NOT want another surgery if I can help it. I told my surgeon that I was concerned about it happening in the future and he put me on Actigall. I take 2 pills a day and the medicine specifically works to prevent gallstones. I have to take it for 6 months. It was pretty cheap too. Only $10 with my insurance.

I've never had any of the symptoms of stones thus far. I had one episode of 10/10 pain but that was after I had a bite of bread weeks ago. Needless to say, I've never done that again and I just consider it a food I can't eat.

[Nrodriguez67]

I was sleeved on December 17th and my surgeon told me that he wanted me to take Actigall for about 6 months post op to prevent gallstones. Katherine is right, it is very reasonably priced; 5.00 with my insurance.

[JustWantToBeHealthyAgain]

I'm glad you are on it too, Nancy. It puts my mind at ease because I really don't want another surgery. I'm surprised more people don't take it post op. As my doctor said, it's cheap and could prevent another surgery, so why the hey not?

[Sunshine2]

I'm very upset my doctor did not recommend it. He said it could not have developed that quickly, that I must have had it already in the process. But, at my one week check up said my gb looked good. I was very worried about that happening, now I just dont know what happened, was it already in the making and the strict liquid diet set it off? Just dont know what to think. Oh well it's done now, but somewhat upset.