Gall Bladder Stones

[Monita]

Through I lung scan, I found out that I have Gall Bladder Stones.  My family doctor has suggested that I have the gall bladder removed because I may have problems in the future.  He also mentioned that according to some recent studies, people that have gall bladder stones that go untreated may have a high chance of developing Pancreatic cancer as you get older (I am 51 years old now).  He referred me to a surgeon who, of course, also suggests that I have a surgery, which is done through a Laparoscopy.
My concern is that another doctor, from the same Medical Center as my family doctor, told me that he does not see any medical reason to have a surgery.  He thinks that I should only have a surgery if I start having sympons.  Now I do not know what to do.  
Throughout the years I have had many problems with my stomach - many foods make my stomach very upset.  I cannot tolerate leaves such as spinach, lettuce, etc.  Grains make my stomach bloated so do dairy products.  Red meat gives me diarrhea.  People tell me that these problems are caused by the gall bladder stones, and that all these problems should get better after the surgery.  I just want to have the opinion of a doctor that is not related to me in any way.  His or her opinion will help me make up my mind.  Thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

Well, your problems related to your stomach can be due to gall bladder. Yes, today it is advisable to remove the gall bladder if there are gall stones, as incidence of cancer is increasing. However abdominal symptoms as described by you can also be due to:

Crohn’s disease: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/#diagnosis

Coeliac Disease: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#diagnostic


I know I have introduced something new to you. However it will be advisable to discuss these with your family doctor. Do let me know if there is any thing else you want to know. Take care!

[lincolnlog]

I am not a doctor but was having many of the symptoms that you were having.  It turned out to be my gallbladder.  I did have it laparoscopically removed and after about one week I felt great.  No more upset stomach, pain, nausea, and/or not being able to eat.  I would suggest that you have it done!  You will feel much better after having it out.  Good luck.