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Is gallbladder removal scheduled for next week premature?

Digestive Health | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (37)
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@sablegirl

I would cancel the op and take some time to research it. God doesn't give us spare parts. The gallbladder has a purpose so don't listen to the docs who say you don't need it. You do need it. If you have no gallbladder, there is nowhere for the bile to be stored and so it will drip 24/7 into your stomach, which can cause cancer. You will have to take bile salts for life because eating any fats will have you running to the bathroom, multiple times a day. The only reason to take a gallbladder out is if it turns porcelain or goes gangrene. Then take it out but I would not do so right now if I were you. They wanted to take mine but I decided to wait and see and change my diet and I still have it many years now.

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Replies to "I would cancel the op and take some time to research it. God doesn't give us..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 14 6:14pm

Hmm, I am not sure of the source of your information about bile salts and cholycystectomy, but my daughter and I have never used them after our surgeries several years ago.
Our gallbladders were both removed due to HIDA scans showing efficiency under 25%, and pathology showed evidence of chronic inflammation and necrosis - in other words, even without gallstones, they needed to come out or there would have been bigger issues "down the road."
It took about a year for my body to adjust to living without a gall bladder, but I am doing fine now. I understand there may be a higher risk of some cancers, but without surgery, untreated gallstones or chronic inflammation carries its own risk of cancer. Here is an article discussing known and potential risks:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9099388/

So, @wisewoman10 as with every procedure, there are risks and benefits. As far as I know, gallstones do not "go away" by themselves, carry risks of bile duct blockage, pancreatitis, rupture, and major surgery.

You do have time to decide, and to seek a second (medical) opinion. My surgeon recommended surgery based on symptoms and scan, but left the decision up to me and even offered the opportunity to consult someone else. I relied on his excellent reputation in our clinical care system, and opted for surgery (after 3 ER visits for pain & symptoms. Surgery relieved four years of intermittent pain and misery - I wish I had known about the HIDA scan earlier!

Have you decided what you might do?
Sue

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