Could I opt out of surgery for gallbladder stones?

[angie747]

I'm a 34 yr old female diagnosed with gallstones. I've had an twice so far 3 weeks apart. These attacks started shortly after I ate a fatty meal not giving my self time to digest but lying down half hour after. Other times i have eaten throughout the day and never had a problem....these episodes occured only late at night. After consulting with the Dr., I have been told my gallblader needs to come out. I want to get a second opinion. Can the stones be dissolved some how  or passed without the having my whole gallbladder removed? Can the stones soley be removed?

Thanks.

[CalGal]

You could ask your doc if you're a candidate for a medication such as Actigal, but it may or may not work to dissolve the stones. There is a procedure in which the stones can be 'blasted' much as they do kidney stones, but it isn't in use much since docs feels it's easier to remove the gallbladder.

Passing a stone can cause a heck of a lot of problems.

Keep in mind that even if you get the stones you currently have reduced  and 'gone' in some manner you may still produce others.

You could try staying on a low fat diet to see if it's of help and if there was some predisposing factor for producing the stones in the first place (fast loss of weight, pregnancy, etc), it's possible the stones may resolve. But you'll probably always have to remain on a low fat diet.

[didi405]

hi they don't just take the stones out they take the whole thing out. i had mine taken out a week ago i'm watching what i eat. good luck to you. and make sure your comfortable with your doctor.    

[margypops]

Go into your search engine there is a lot of information and gives you lists of foods to avoid and ones that help with the pain. dont eat in the evening, eat early no Dairy no wheat, no coffee or wine,very helpful infromation also a flush you can make with Live oil and lemon,