Gall Stones - Do you use Actigall (Ursodiol)?

I have gall stones but have never had an attack. I asked the Dr. if he can just take out the gall bladder during VSG and he said no. He says he is not convinced the Actigall (Ursodiol) works to break down the stones and does not recommend it, he is not against, just doesn't recommend. My friend is having VSG done in another state and Actigall is part of her Docs plan. It is interesting how the Docs differ on some things. So....have you guys used it? Thoughts?

Many docs prescribe Actigall after surgery, for maybe the first 6 months. Like yours, my surgeon said there is no evidence it helps, and doesn't prescribe it -- or even offer it as an option.

Most surgeons say that they examine the gallbladder during WLS and remove it if it is looking iffy. A few take it out as a matter of course, even if it looks fine. I'm surprised yours won't take it out.

Thanks - maybe it will look really bad and he will change his mind.

My doc is one who would have removed it had he felt any stones in it, though with his DS patients he takes it out routinely as there is a different cost/benefit calculus in that procedure (mostly the risk of some other surgeon getting lost in the altered anatomy in that region.) He didn't prescribe the Actigall nor did I have any problems as a result.

Thanks!

My surgeon did have me on Actigal for 6 months. I had no side effects or anything while taking it.

Interesting how some Drs. prescribe and some don't - glad you are having no problems!

I'm also taking the generic version. Three more months and I'm done. My GB looked fine during surgery.

Thanks!

I was prescribed it and it made me violently ill. I could feel my stomach moving at was in the bathroom for hours. My doctors told me to stop taking it immediately. Only took 2 pills ever and never had any issues with gallstones.