How long would I have I wait after having my gallbladder removed to have weight loss surgery?

Question

I am scheduled for VSG on March 5th but may have to have my gallbladder removed this week. I'm afraid that I'll have to postpone my weight loss surgery.

Hasan Erdem, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thanks for your question,
In the ultrasound performed before bariatric surgery, we recommend that removing the stones in the gallbladder in the same session. Both bariatric surgery and gall bladder removal are done in a single operation; there is no additional risk; only the operation time is extended up to 30 minutes.
I hope this answer helps you
Dr HE

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

If you need to have your gallbladder removed before your scheduled vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), the timing between surgeries depends on how quickly you recover and whether there are any complications. Generally, surgeons recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) before undergoing weight loss surgery. This allows your body to heal fully and reduces the risk of complications during or after the VSG.
The exact timeline may vary based on your overall health, the method of gallbladder removal (laparoscopic or open surgery), and your surgeon’s preferences. If the gallbladder removal is straightforward and you recover quickly, your VSG may proceed as planned or with only a slight delay. However, if there are complications or if your recovery takes longer, your surgeon may suggest postponing it further to ensure your safety.
Speak with your surgeon about your specific case. They will evaluate your recovery and determine when it’s safe to proceed with VSG. In the meantime, focus on your recovery from the gallbladder surgery by following your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, eating a gallbladder-friendly diet, and preparing for your weight loss surgery journey.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Gallstones are a frequent finding in overweight and bariatric surgery. It is very commong to perform both procedures at the same time, which is something you need to discuss with your surgeon. However if you do undergo both procedures separately you would need to postopone your bariatric surgery depending on your recovery time.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend about 8 weeks after a laparoscopic gallbladder removal  to make sure you are fully recovered.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you need to have emergency removal of your gallbladder, that's one thing.  I would wait a few weeks until you are feeling back to normal.  If the gallbladder surgery isn't an emergency, your bariatric surgeon can take care of it at the same time as your VSG.There is no reason for you to have 2 operations under general anesthesia if you could have just one.

How long would I have I wait after having my gallbladder removed to have weight loss surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sleeve after gallbladder removal

Answer: Sleeve after gallbladder removal

Answer: Gallbladder removal and weight loss surgery can be done at the same time.

Answer: Gallbladder removal and weight loss surgery can be done at the same time.

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How long would I have I wait after having my gallbladder removed to have weight loss surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sleeve after gallbladder removal

Answer: Sleeve after gallbladder removal

Answer: Gallbladder removal and weight loss surgery can be done at the same time.

Answer: Gallbladder removal and weight loss surgery can be done at the same time.

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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.