Has anyone had these problems

I've got my first appointment to meet Dr. Allen in Louisville on Fri. My problem is I've been having gallbladder problems for a few weeks now. I know I want the lap band, but I was wondering if maybe he can do them both at the same time and also if this would put a rush on it since I have Humana/Medicare. If anyone can give me an answer to this, I'd sure appreciate it. I've waited so long for the lap band, I don't want this to mess it up. thanks Lydia

Hey Lydia, I am speaking from my own experience but my doctor said it was better to take the GB out before I had my RNY. So June 8, 06 I had a gallbladder removal then July 25th I had my RNY. Every doctor is different and when I really think about it, I don't see why they can't take it out with your lap band. This probably didn't help too much I'm sure Dr. Allen will give you more information about your options with this. I had Medicaid and started the whole process in April and had my surgery in July. I'm not sure of the process with Medicare but I'm sure it's similar. Good Luck, Katrina

I just had my gallbladder taken out a week and a half ago and my surgeon told me it wouldn't have mattered if we had found the gall-stones before my lap-band surgery because he wouldn't have removed the gallbladder at the same time. The reason is because the bile from the gallbladder can cause an infection when your surgeon is going to go do your WLS. I personally am fine with that. I would rather have 2 surgeries than complications from 1 big one. Hope that helps! Good luck! Sara

thanks Sara. I go to my home town doc tomorrow, or rather the nurse in the office but she is just as good as the docs. and can make the decisions for tests and drugs. So I hope to find out something in a a day or two what is going on with my gallbladder. But I am with you, I would rather have 2 surgeries than complications with my lap band. Thank you for the advice and I will know what Dr. Allen says Fri. But either way this gallbladder is getting worse and something is gonna have to be done soon.. Thanks again. Lydia

thanks, I get my results about the gallbladder from tests on Mon. or Tues. I take the Tests on Mon, and the doctor told them to do an ultra sound and if it didn't show anything that they are to do another test and find out what my gallbladder is doing. So maybe Mon, I will know the answers to something, and I go to see Dr. allen tomorrow and will discuss it with him also. Will fill everyone on this thread in on the latest tomorrow. Lid

Can explain the signs and symptoms of your Gallbladder Trouble.

Lydia, the way I would handle it is to perform your gallbladder surgery first since you are having symptoms from that. I too, would not perform gallbladder and lap-band surgery at the same operation for fear of infection. David Geller, MD Bariatric Surgeons of Kentuckiana Medical Director Norton Suburban Bariatric Surgery Program 4001 Dutchmans Lane, 1E Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 893-7151