Most weight loss surgeries are well tolerated by patients, but, as with all surgical procedures, they do come with the risk of complications. One potential complication that patients can experience after any kind of significant weight loss, including gastric sleeve procedures, is gallstones. Before your procedure, your weight loss surgeon will discuss the risk with you and review some things you can do to reduce your chances of developing them. Here is what you need to know.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some gallstones don’t cause any symptoms at all, particularly when they are small. However, when the stones are large enough to block the gallbladder duct, they can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can last for an extended period of time. When this happens, it is usually necessary to remove the gallbladder.
How Can Gallstones Be Prevented?
In some cases, weight loss surgeons prescribe medications to prevent gallstones for at least the first six months post-surgery. Cutting fat from your diet can also reduce the chances of gallstones, so following your post-surgery diet plan will help. If you do notice the symptoms of gallstones, address them with your weight loss surgeon as soon as possible.
Garden State Bariatrics is committed to performing safe and effective gastric sleeve surgery and to helping you succeed in your weight loss journey. If you are interested in finding out if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, contact us today.
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