Gallstones?
I got my surgery date today... it's set for July 30th (YAY!) but I discovered today that gallstones are a common risk factor for WLS patients due to the rapid weight loss and that many are encouraged to remove their gallbladder before getting the surgery. So now I'm nervous. I don't want to have to remove my gallbladder and in addition I'm now afraid of getting gallstones. Is all of that true? If so is it truly common or does it happen to a small percentage of patients?
I'm also worried because I don't recall my surgeon telling me about this particular risk at my consultation or in the seminar.
Age: 26, Height: 5'8" HW: 328, SW: 322, CW: 239
According to these studies:
http://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/incidence-of-gallstones-after-sleeve-gastrectomy/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24462305
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23932005
If you don't already have gallstones, and you have a sleeve gastrectomy, the risk factor of you developing gallstones is 3 - 6%.
Also, it's better to be a slow loser.
My surgeon did not mention it either but did say he would inspect it for problems and would remove if necessary. It looked good so he left it in.
Surgery Date 04-22-14 HW 2011 388(lost 60lbs on WW, regained 40) Surgery Consult Weight 1/10/14 - 367 SW 357 - CW 9/15 210.
Stalls are your body's way of telling you not to get too cocky.
5K - 1st 59:00(9/14) PR 33:45(9/15)
10K - 1:14(10/15) 1/2 - 1st 3/20/16
I was told ahead of time it was a risk. I knew also because my mom 2 yrs prior had RNY. She had her gallbladder taken out after 3 months. She did not take her medication like she should have. She had no problems before surgery with her gallbladder. Nothing showed up during her screening. My mom had all kinds of problems because she dropped weight quickly, but I don't think she knew how serious it was at the time.
I used the same surgeon , but got the sleeve. I on the other hand requested to have mine taken out based on my mom's history , plus I have gallstones. They found them during my pre-op tests.
My surgeon refused because he stated he really wanted me to keep it if I could. He wouldn't tell me how many stones I had , but said I must take Urisadol every day for 6 months to a year so we will see. He gives it to all his patients because of rapid weight loss. I just can't believe my mom didn't take it. I sure will!!! He also stated it's very common for American women and if they are obese to have them.
Some people never even know they have them until a bad flare up. He told me never eat fries again or fried stuff because it would probably bother me!
I would talk to your doctor and ask if he gives anything to prevent them. I'm not sure if they all do, but my program and clinic does.
Really, my gallbladder was the least of my worries going into this and I'm not sure why,even tho I have issues. The worst that can happen for me is another surgery which I hope not! But my sleeve was worth it already I think !
5'6" 44 yrs old Heighest Weight Ever - 295 (Pregnancy)
SW-270 lbs Pre-Op -242 lbs CW -224 lbs Goal Weight- 147lbs
I've read a few studies that link super low fat intake with gallbladder issues. So I steer clear of low-fat products and keep healthy data in my diet. Knock on wood, no issues yet!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
I guess I lost weight too fast. I'm down 150lbs so far. I didn't have any gallbladder problems before, but I did ask the surgeon before he did the sleeve if he could go ahead and take it out because I feared that this would happen. He said only if it looked like mine was sickly lol. But apparently it was fine back then, go figure. :P
