Gallstones and being over weight?

Question

I have had a scan that confirmed that i have lots of Gallstones. I am waiting to see a surgen- the problem is i am extreamly over weight (like massively!) and I have M.E so have struggled for years to loose weight. I am so frightened about my appointment next week as i know he will just turn round and say i am too fat! I feel so down and in so much pain but i am frightened to go to the appointment. Has anyone got any advice. Please dont be horrible- i don't need it!!

Answer 1

I am sure the doctor will understand your situation, and if you are totally honest maybe you could lose some weight?

Answer 2

We often do laparoscopic cholecystectomies (the small incision and camera style removal of the gallbladder) on obese patients. It's actually easier than the traditional open method. The only limiting factor is the weight limit of the OR table and the length of the instruments. If you are bigger around than 70 inches or weigh more than 350 pounds, you may want to go to a hospital that is set up for "bariatric" surgery.

Answer 3

Gall stones are typically formed of cholesterol. In an effort to avoid complications such as gallbladder attack could you increase the consumption of :
Fruits, Legumes, Artichoke, Apple, Radish, Soymilk, Vitamin C and Lecithin supplement

Reduce or Eliminate:
Dairy Products (whole milk, cream and butter)
Sugars
Proteins (particlarly those of animal origin)

Try not to expect the worst from your doctor you just might be supprised he will be very supportive.

Worries doesnt help.

Answer 4

I had my gall bladder and stones removed a few years ago. I am about 3 stones over weight. They say you have to be fair, fat and forty which describes me to a tee. I shouldn't worry about what you weigh, Gall stones are very painful, just think about the relief you will feel when they have gone. surgeons are used to seeing over weight people, the main problem is the anaesthetic. If the anaesthetist is happy with you and your general health, it shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 5

I had gallstones confirmed 27 years ago and still have them, I didn't want an operation, i have to watch my diet - low fat foods, no dairy products or spicy foods and the pain has gone. A friend had the operation several years ago and because they were overweight they couldn't get it by keyhole surgery. Good luck.

Answer 6

Change your eating habits slightly (just a few things to start with, like substituting fruit for healthier snacks) and start a food journal, and take it to the appointment with you.

You won't be able to control what he says. If he does say something like that, just respond with, "I know," and show him your food journal and tell him that you have started working on it. You could also expand on your past struggles and ask him if he has any suggestions on what you could try next?

He might not say anything about your weight, or at least he probably won't be mean about it.

Answer 7

I weigh over 300lbs and had a successfull cholecystecomy (gall bladder removal). Please contact me and let me know how overweight you are. I am also a medical assistant and going to school for pharmacy tech so I have quite a bit of medical background. I will be more than happy to discuss your fears and let you know if you should be afraid or not. Melissar49042 on yahoo

Answer 8

the doctor will come up with a diet plan for you. i went through the same thing. i don't know your weight, but i had "sludge"-gross, right? in my gallbladder. not stones yet, but on the verge. my doctor told me to cut all corn syrup (sugar) from my diet. i lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks. don't be scared. it's better to get this taken care of so you can lose the weight, without pain.

Answer 9

oh i am sorry that you are feeling so down... your Dr should understand your weight problems are a result of your M>S... maybe he can suggest an exercise that you can do with your illness that can also help you lose weight... please keep your appointment other wise you will remain in this pain.... and maybe you should also tell the Dr how u are feeling (depressed)

good luck and let us know how things go

Answer 10

you likely developed the gall stones because of your obesity. Surgeons see this all the time, don't worry, you can still have the surgery, but healing from it is going to be hard because he is going to have to make a large abdominal incision to get past your fat layer to get to the gall bladder.