gallstones..how long to wait for surgery? - ThinnerTimes

jodiebug95 · 11-29-2006, 02:02 PM

I don't post on here often, but enjoy reading and learning from all of you!! But I'm a little stressed out and need some support!!

I had Lap RNY on 6/9/06. I developed pain in the middle of my back and on my right side within about the last 1-2 weeks. Long story short, I went and had an ultrasound and sure enough, I have a large gallstone and a "small" gallbladder. I am not in alot of pain ( pains off and on that tylenol helps with) so I am relieved about that. However, I leave in one week to go on a 2 week cruise vacation. I was just wondering how long people waited between finding out they had gallbladder stones and having the surgery. I am not scheduled to see my surgeon until the day after I return from vacation, so I plan to take my ultrasound report with me and I'm sure gallbladder surgery will be in my future!! Also, I had my 6 month bloodwork completed and it was all completely normal except for an elevated bilirubin. Any input appreciated!!!

Cinerbelle · 11-29-2006, 02:07 PM

I was diagnosed with gallstones on Dec. 15th 1999 and I had my surgery at the end of Jan. 2000. The ER Dr. gave me vicadin for any flare ups during the wait for the surgery. Have fun on your vacation!!

WantToRun · 11-29-2006, 05:02 PM

My mom went to the ER for gallstone attack in May and told them that she couldnt possibly have surgery until her summer semester was over at school... she didnt have her surgery until Sept 7th. She didnt have any issues at all in the interm.

momronda2k · 11-29-2006, 05:22 PM

my first gallstone attack was in Jan 2001, 2 weeks before my wedding. They thought I had an ectopic pregnancy so didn't find out about the gallstones until I had several more attacks and had one on the freeway and passed out on the side of the freeway. When I came too, I was literally looking at the hospital right off the freeway. It was Scripps and we had Kaiser insurance so I called my husband to call Kaiser to see if I could go there. I walked into the ER barely able to stand and just collapsed on the ER registration desk. They hooked me up to an IV and got me a CAT scan that came back with the gallstones. When they got my insurance card and realized I had Kaiser they took me by ambulance down to Kaiser in San Diego only to let me go and scheduled my surgery for about 2 weeks later. There was a problem with the IV that Scripps put in, and instead of having to go through the trouble of redoing the IV, I guess they thought it was ok enough to wait. They gave me meds for pain and stuff, and the surgery went well. It was actually a laproscopic procedure and it was an outpatient procedure. I was out of work for a week, but other than that it was ok.

Rachel · 11-29-2006, 09:22 PM

I waited probably 6-9 months to have surgery. I was pregnant and kept thinking I was getting food poisoning turns out is was gall stones. So I waited until I had the baby and then 3-4 months after that I had the surgery.

I think that the only reason to "rush" into surgery is to eliminate the pain that they cause. So if you aren't in a whole lot of pain then you should be fine. Have fun on the cruise!