Is it common to have gallbladder problems post gastric bypass?

I’m a pre op gastric bypass patient and I was just wondering if it is very common to have problems with gallbladder issues after the surgery if you have never had problems prior to surgery?

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2 Responses to Is it common to have gallbladder problems post gastric bypass?

  1. The mom says:

    About 30% of the patients do develop gallstones postoperatively. This may be due to rapid changes in weight and diet after surgery, or may have been a work in progress before surgery happened and just becomes symptomatic later on. Gallbladder problems are more common when you are overweight, so that is a possibility. In some cases doctors prescribe a medication for the first six months or so after a gastric bypass to reduce the chance of stones forming, and in some cases where you already have a few problems with gallstones they will remove the gallbladder at the same time the gastric bypass is done. There are also some doctors who recommend removal of the gallbladder at the time of surgery, whether or not you are having problems. In some ways it makes sense, since you are in the area already and it prevents the problem from ever happening. If you develop gallstones after the surgery, it can lead to needing a second surgery to remove the gallbladder. On the other hand, you would be removing an otherwise healthy organ. Some doctors will have you sign a consent prior to the gastric surgery that will allow them to inspect the gallbladder during surgery and remove it if there are stones present and detectable. It’s just something you need to discuss with your doctor before your surgery is done. If you aren’t having problems with it, and an ultrasound doesn’t detect stones, then it’s just a matter for you to call. But if it’s already made a few rumbles for you, it would make good sense to have it removed at the time of the gastric bypass. You would also want to consider your family history, and if you have a large number of family members who have developed gallstones, it might be another factor for consideration. I can’t honestly tell you a lot that will help you decide on this, I’m sorry. 30% sounds pretty high, but then again, there are 70% who don’t have the problem. Unfortunately, if you end up in the 30 percent bracket, it means another surgery which can be a challenge for the post bypass patient to recouperate from. The only advice I can give is to talk over the risks and benefits peculiar to your case with your doctor, and then decide.

  2. Jennifer says:

    Yes it can be common! A lot of surgeons go ahead and remove the gall bladder during the bypass because most patients tend to have problems with them eventually!

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