Gallbladder out. Yes or no?

[Bekkiss]

My surgery is 10 days out and my doctor asked if I wanted to have my gallbladder removed during the surgery. They said that it could prevent future problems. As soon as Ifinish this post I will start my research. I am however wondering what everyones experience is. Did you have your gallbladder removed during your surgery? Do you wish you had? Thank you!

[AScorso]

My surgery is 2 days before yours with same Dr. I have decided to have my gall bladder removed at the same time. I talked to several people and asked questions and its about 50/50. Some people have gallbladder problems 3 months later, some a year later and anywhere in between, some do not have problems at all. My insurance does not cover weight loss surgery but will cover gallbladder surgery if I were to need it in the future. But I decided to have it removed at the same time instead of going through the pain and suffering later. I'd rather get it out and have one surgery and one recovery time. But that's just my opinion.

[Fab50]

i am interested in knowing also. thank you for post!

[sraebaer]

No, my doctor in the states never even mentioned having that done. Could it be a way for the Mexican surgeons to make more money?

[Bekkiss]

No, my doctor in the states never even mentioned having that done. Could it be a way for the Mexican surgeons to make more money?

Hi sraebaer! That is the first thing I thought so I started researching. I try to stick to peer reviewed research and it looks like 20-23% of bariatric patients will have gallbladder issues within the first year. There also seems to be a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting it. Weight Watchers and Lap Band patients have had to have their gallbladders removed due to stones caused by rapid weight loss. I am going to keep poking around and see what I find.

[hookydad]

I had my gallbladder removed during my sleeve. I had a small stone that developed already due to the lead up diet so they thought it was best to just get rid of it as I would probably get more and more severe as the weight loss went on.

[Bekkiss]

Thank you for your feedback hookydad. I am finding that it is rather common.

[sraebaer]

Hi sraebaer! That is the first thing I thought so I started researching. I try to stick to peer reviewed research and it looks like 20-23% of bariatric patients will have gallbladder issues within the first year. There also seems to be a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting it. Weight Watchers and Lap Band patients have had to have their gallbladders removed due to stones caused by rapid weight loss. I am going to keep poking around and see what I find.

I had my surgery in 2013 and never have had gallbladder issues. It would be interesting to hear medical research.

[Marsh17]

Hi there, I have been to two different doctors in the states and neither one ever mentioned having my gallbladder out. My surgery is scheduled for the end of this month. I'm looking forward to hearing what you find in your research. Thx

[cpttrsn]

My endocrinologist recommended that I get the gastric sleeve. I asked about getting the gallbladder removed and he said no. He said that I had no history of gallbladder issues and that issues were rare. I trust him and did not have mine removed.

[Gvn71]

I did not have my Gallbladder out. My doctor told me that there is a statistical higher risk for gallbladder attacks / issues post surgery. He never suggested I have it out as a precaution. He also told me that if I avoid high fat foods it will likely never be an issue. I have had no problems and am 1 year out from surgery.

I would not have my gall bladder removed unless it was necessary. It does serve a function so why would you want to remove it when it is still working fine?

Hope this helps.

[Bekkiss]

I did not have my Gallbladder out. My doctor told me that there is a statistical higher risk for gallbladder attacks / issues post surgery. He never suggested I have it out as a precaution. He also told me that if I avoid high fat foods it will likely never be an issue. I have had no problems and am 1 year out from surgery.

I would not have my gall bladder removed unless it was necessary. It does serve a function so why would you want to remove it when it is still working fine?

Hope this helps.

Hi Gvn71. I was wondering about dietary changes that would decrease any potential gallbladder issues. Thank you.

[Gvn71]

Hi Gvn71. I was wondering about dietary changes that would decrease any potential gallbladder issues. Thank you.

This is exactly what my Dr. explained to me. If I held to the plan and eliminated high fat foods long term than I should not have any issues. Now that I am 1 year + out, I do have some higher fat content foods, but in moderation. I think that is the key. I have had no issues.

Good Luck!

[DHB]

Many surgeons (mine included) put sleeve patients on Ursidiol (goes by other names) for 6 months post op to prevent gall bladder problems. Seems to be quite effective.

[Bekkiss]

I did not have my Gallbladder out. My doctor told me that there is a statistical higher risk for gallbladder attacks / issues post surgery. He never suggested I have it out as a precaution. He also told me that if I avoid high fat foods it will likely never be an issue. I have had no problems and am 1 year out from surgery.

I would not have my gall bladder removed unless it was necessary. It does serve a function so why would you want to remove it when it is still working fine?

Hope this helps.

Hi Gvn71. I was wondering about dietary changes that would decrease any potential gallbladder issues. Thank you.