Gall Bladder Problems??

[CindyK]

I have heard that other doctors doing weight loss surgeries recommend removing the gall bladder at the same time if you are prone to attacks or possible problems.

Does Dr. Ortiz do this? if so, has anyone had it done at the same time as their banding?

Has anyone had (or is having) any problems with their gall bladders after surgery?

Thanks....my banding is set for June 9th!

[Darrin S.]

My wife went through a banding procedure in the late 80s... When I heard her talk to Dr. Ortiz, he referred to it as a "vertical" band something or another. Now while it did great things for my wife, since her gall bladder was removed she's had problems with digestion.

Now I will admit I know NOTHING about medical stuff (I have to do a lot of research) but I've been told that the gall bladder is responsible for generating an enzyme which helps the digestion process. Since my wife doesn't have her gall bladder then this creates issues for her.

She claims that I won't have the same problems with purging that she does, since I still have my gall bladder. Do you have gall bladder issues? And like many other health problems, might it go away with the loss of weight?

Just my 2 cents.

Darrin

Age 40, 320lbs, BMI 46

Surgery Date June 23, 2006

[Dreamer]

I have heard that other doctors doing weight loss surgeries recommend removing the gall bladder at the same time if you are prone to attacks or possible problems.

Does Dr. Ortiz do this? if so, has anyone had it done at the same time as their banding?

Has anyone had (or is having) any problems with their gall bladders after surgery?

Thanks....my banding is set for June 9th!

Hi Cindi,

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on April 18, 2006. I have not experienced any problems with my gallbladder at all. My two daughters were banded on the same day as I. We are all doing great! And to answer your question, yes Dr. Ortiz does perform the gallbladder removal at the same time as banding if he feels that it is justified.

My daughter's and I found his book " LAP-BAND FOR LIFE" an invaluable tool for questions and concerns such as yours. It is available at many leading book stores and always at Amazon. I highly recommend it and I assure you that it has become my "Life Line"...lol The girls' and I each have our own copy and we refer to it often! We're talking about a world reknown surgeon here Cindy who is at his patients disposal! How lucky is that?? lol

Good luck with your surgery on June 9, it's a breeze! My daughter's and I were walking an hour after surgery and we went shopping the afternoon we were released. You'll do fine sweetie!!

Keep us posted on your progress...... Dreamer