Gall Stones after Weight Loss

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Hi all
Thought I would start up a new thread on gall stones as it seems to be a not uncommon occurance in people who have lost weight quite rapidly whether that be from Gastric Sleeving, or lapband or dieting alone.
Anyway as some of you may know, I had my first gall stone attack on Sunday morning, probably triggered by a bit too much alcohol the night before (and don't get me wrong I don't usually drink much, just had a rough week). Was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced, worse than child birth I would say and at least in child birth the pains come and go, but not gall stones, just constant pain. After a morning at Royal Perth, the staff for which were absolutely wonderful and would you believe I went straight in no wait at all, which was great, I was sent home with a letter to GP. They basically treated me with Panadol Forte, which did seem to work, although was quite woosy and nauseous for the rest of the day.
Anyway, I am heading off to GP tomorrow to organise a scan and referral. I found out my lovely weight loss surgeon also does gall bladder removal, and was quoted a gap fee of $500 if I have full private health insurance (which I do now) and hospital should be fully covered.
I am not sure if this is a good price or not, so any thoughts out there on local Perth specialists who have no gap may be useful. Although I will probably go with the surgeon that I know and trust already.

That's good that you have the diagnosis. Do you think you could request the op to be done on a Friday? I had my gall bladder out a few years ago and only had an overnight stay in hospital. I don't recall any long term effects, was able to carry on as normal after a day or so. At least you may have the weekend to recover. Hope they can schedule you soon.

Well girls, I've had the scan and yes definitely gall stones, apparently there are lots of little ones (which usually cause the problems because they can easily get stuck in the bile duck) a couple of big ones and a polyp as well. Looks like I will be visiting Dr P (mum and dad going to cover the gap for me) shortly. Only problem is that I have no sick leave or annual leave until the new year, so hopefully no attacks between now and then fingers crossed. Will have to be very careful what I eat/drink from now on (not that I wasn't anyway) especially fattier foods (not sure I can totally give up the chocolate though).

Good luck - and look after yourself!

thanks Lib. btw the kidneys are located towards the middle of your back, just above the top of your pelvis.

Good luck this afternoon, I hope they can find out whats causing your pain!

Hey Lib, pretty sure it's gall stones as the pain was in the upper right quadrant, right where the liver is and was quite tender to touch. The gall bladder is located within the liver, just next to the bile duct and as the liver breaks down alcohol, then alcohol could be a trigger. The liver was working overtime which may have dislodged a stone whick gets caught in the bile duct, hence the pain. But fatty foods are also a trigger, given the liver's role in breaking down and using fat stores. I have my scan this afternoon so will find out for sure then I guess.

Hi Lynette

I have the same view as BG - always good to go with a Surgeon you know and trust but if money is the issue you could try and see if there is a Surgeon with no gap and then research him or her.
I would get the operation done asap if I were you as you wouldn't want another attack and with Xmas coming (the richer foods we indugle ourselves with) you wouldn't want another attack. I hear what your saying about the pain - its horrendous.
Good luck and keep us posted.
hugs
Jilly

It wouldn't be water for me - because I'm getting 2-3 litres of fluid a day in - different things, not all water, but definitely fluid. Green tea etc.

I was afraid of that - must keep an eye on it.

Kidneys I think Caz, thats where my pain is too. I wonder if its cause I drink next to no water.

I've had some non-specific pain in my back - not sure if it is muscular or something else - sort of just above the waist on both sides. My anatomy knowledge is crap so no idea what is there.

Anyone know?

Are you sure its gall stones and not kidney stones?

I usually found it was fatty food that set off a gall stone attack, but I wouldn't think alcohol would do it. Where was the pain?

I have been having trouble with kidney stones pot op, but I don't have a gall bladder so I guess that helps :P

In my opinion, even if it cost more than $500 I'd go with a surgeon I knew and trusted, especially as the gall bladder is in the same area as the previous surgery. At least you know what you are getting surgeon wise. However if the money is an absolute problem, I'd see what I could find out. They may even let you do a payment plan, as its not "planned" surgery, and just something that needs doing asap. worth asking if they can work out something for you. Good luck!

Hi all
Thought I would start up a new thread on gall stones as it seems to be a not uncommon occurance in people who have lost weight quite rapidly whether that be from Gastric Sleeving, or lapband or dieting alone.
Anyway as some of you may know, I had my first gall stone attack on Sunday morning, probably triggered by a bit too much alcohol the night before (and don't get me wrong I don't usually drink much, just had a rough week). Was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced, worse than child birth I would say and at least in child birth the pains come and go, but not gall stones, just constant pain. After a morning at Royal Perth, the staff for which were absolutely wonderful and would you believe I went straight in no wait at all, which was great, I was sent home with a letter to GP. They basically treated me with Panadol Forte, which did seem to work, although was quite woosy and nauseous for the rest of the day.
Anyway, I am heading off to GP tomorrow to organise a scan and referral. I found out my lovely weight loss surgeon also does gall bladder removal, and was quoted a gap fee of $500 if I have full private health insurance (which I do now) and hospital should be fully covered.
I am not sure if this is a good price or not, so any thoughts out there on local Perth specialists who have no gap may be useful. Although I will probably go with the surgeon that I know and trust already.