I had my gallbladder out a month ago. I had 2 very painfull attacks of pancreatitis caused by the gallbladder before I had it removed. (Also a hysterectomy and my hernia fixed 2 wks ago) I'm back in the hospital again, I had another attack of pancreatitis because they left a large stone in my duct near my liver. My liver enzimes were way up and I am scheduled to have the stone removed tomorrow. The literature the hospital gave me says if I don't have it removed it can ruin my liver and eventually I would most likely need a liver transplant. I had a perfectly healthy gallbladder, liver and pancreas before I lost weight but the body has trouble processing all the lost fat. I accept that beause I very badly want rid of my excess fat.
If you have the opportunity to have your surgeon remove your gallbadder while he is doing the weight loss surgery, I would take it because so many of us have had to have it removed after surgery. Just a suggestion.
Good luck!!
Cheyenne
Cheyenne,
I am sorry you have been through the wringer.
Gallbladder disease is NOT nor does it have a direct correlation nor is it solely related to WLS.. There is a recipe for each case that involves several factors.
Biliary duct obstruction is not uncommon at all when it comes to gallbladder disease with gallstones... The fact that your doctors did not remove your gallbladder sooner has apparently lead to the issues with your bouts with pancreatitis which in my personal opinion is a bad on both you and your Dr's part.
Some people develop gallstones and others have sludge. As we can see stones have their own issues such as obstruction.
I remember reading that you have had long term and ongoing issues with your gallbladder which was apparently in my personal opinion was not handled and addressed soon enough for whatever reasons.
I have a very dear friend who purposely put off having their gallbladder removed for almost 18 months after being told it needed to be done.
As a result this friend was hospitalized several time for pancreatitis before being stable enough top have the gallbladder removed.
Post removal was a bear due to a stone being stuck in the biliary duct which resulted in another, this time 3 week hospitalization due to pancreatitis.. Now that the stone was removed and the pancreatitis treated, this friend has not had any further issues and is back up and running.
"Risk Factors in Women
Women are much more likely than men to develop gallstones. Gallstones occur in nearly 25% of women in the U.S. by age 60, and as many as 50% by age 75. In most cases, they have no symptoms. In general, women are probably at increased risk because estrogen stimulates the liver to remove more cholesterol from blood and divert it into the bile.
Source: Gallstones and gallbladder disease University of Maryland Medical Center "
I suggest reading the information at the following link as it addresses many gallbladder related issues such as genetics, diet, weight loss, WLS, male vs female, age related and so forth.
I am linking an excellent read on various types of gall bladder issues, duct obstruction, causes, symptoms, treatments, types and diagnosis..
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease