Question:
Does not having a gall bladder mean no surgery is possible?
I am 24, had my GB out over a year ago. I am in the process of "looking into" surgery. Can I still have surgery if I don't have my GB? If I can, are there any complications that not having will cause post-op? Wheew, so much soul searching in deciding whether or not to do this surgery! — Jennifer F. (posted on January 16, 2002)
January 15, 2002
I had my gallbladder out 5 years ago and had an open rny 3 months ago.
Having your gallbladder out should not make any difference as to whether
you can have surgery or not. Since most doctors take the gallbladder out at
the same time they do surgery it is probably better not to have it.
— blank first name B.
January 15, 2002
— Denise W.
January 16, 2002
They took my gallbladder out During my surgery, so it already being gone
shouldn't be an issue. In-fact I saw a stat that said 30% of patients end
up getting thier gallbladder out post-op anyway. If it still concerns you
if/when you have a consult, talk to the doctor about it. Good Luck making
the choice that is right for you!
— Angela B.
January 16, 2002
My gallbladder was removed over 20 years ago. It had no impact at all on
having my Open RNY other than giving my surgeon one less job to do. One
happy bonus for me was that since having my GB out, I've suffered almost
daily from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Since having my WLS, I've been symptom
free! That alone makes WLS worthwhile!
— Donna L.
January 17, 2002
Actually having no gall bladder is a good thing for this surgery!!!! There
has been documented cases.. many actually.. where people who have had this
surgery and still had their GB developed GB problems later like stones etc.
I had mine removed 10 years ago when I had the VBG... and having the
revision RNY last November was no problem. I did have to have an open RNY
due to having had the previous surgery, but I think if it had only been a
GB surgery I could have had a lap. good luck in your quest....
— Pamela W.
January 17, 2002
Thanks so much everyone.
Donna L!!! Since my GB removal I have had the IBS like crazy, I am glad to
hear that this surgery can help some of those symptoms. They are a major
pain in the butt. Literally! :o)
— Jennifer F.
January 20, 2002
I am not a doc but I dont think weight loss surgery will be a problem if
you don't have a gallbladder. I had mine removed ten years ago and I had
open RNY on 8-27-01. However, previous gallbladder sugery may result in
scar tissue which could make LAP procedure more difficult. That would
depend on surgeon's comfort level! Good luck
— Beth F.
June 7, 2005
I went to a WLS seminar with Dr. White from Toledo Hospital just last night
and I had the same question. I had my GB removed in 1997 and Dr. White
said that there should be no problems other than some scar tissue that
might have to be worked around. And that alot of times durring his
surgeries he removes them anyways because of the high rate of stones after
the surgery. That way he won't have to go back in within 3 to 6 months
just to remove the GB.
— Rocquetta T.
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