Does having gallstones prevent me from getting approved for the sleeve surgery?

Question

Is it safe to do both simultaneously? I’m interested in getting the Sleeve surgery for weight loss and am currently going through the steps it takes to get approved by insurance. I'm a 22 year old female, 5’3 and weigh approx. 221 lbs (no other health issues). After a recent trip to the hospital I found out I have gallstones and will need a cholecystectomy. Doctors told me the pain/discomfort I was feeling was likely due to my gallbladder being full of stones. I’m wondering what the proper way/timing to go about doing these surgeries.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Having gallstones does not necessarily prevent you from getting approved for gastric sleeve surgery, but it does affect the timing and approach to your procedures. Since your gallbladder is already causing symptoms, many surgeons recommend removing it before or during the sleeve surgery to prevent future complications.
One option is to have the gallbladder removed first and then proceed with the sleeve surgery after a recovery period of about four to six weeks. This is often the preferred approach if you are experiencing severe pain or complications such as inflammation or infection. Another option is to have both surgeries performed at the same time. If your surgeon and insurance allow it, this can be a convenient choice since it minimizes overall downtime and avoids two separate recoveries. However, some surgeons may be cautious about this approach due to a slightly increased risk of complications.
Some patients also choose to have the gastric sleeve first and deal with gallbladder removal later if needed. However, since rapid weight loss after surgery can increase the risk of gallbladder attacks, this could lead to emergency gallbladder removal in the future. Given that you are already experiencing discomfort from gallstones, it may be safest to remove your gallbladder first or do both procedures together.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. It is very possible, in fact common, to have both a cholecystectomy and gastric sleeve performed at the sametime. Additionally, bariatric patients usually end up needing cholecystectmy following a bariatric surgery, as they increase the risk for gallstone formation. Hope this answer was useful. Do not hesitate to contact us if other quesions come up.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally I recommend you have the gallbladder issue resolved and allow healing before weight loss surgery, that way your gallbladder/gallstone issues don't become an urgent situation!  For an uncomplicated, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, you can generally have sleeve surgery about 8 weeks after.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have both Cholecystectomy and Weight loss surgery at the same time. 
But if your Gallstone bothers you and you are not ready for the Bariatric Surgey, then you should remove tur gallbladder now and get the weight loss surgery later.
Alternatively if you have no symptoms, you can do the Cholecystectomy in a later date!

Does having gallstones prevent me from getting approved for the sleeve surgery?

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Does having gallstones prevent me from getting approved for the sleeve surgery?

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Answer: Gallstones

Answer: Gallstones

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Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.