Conference rocks::weight_control

    I had Gallstones without being on any weight-loss program at
    the time.  My doctor told me that most of them are made of
    cholesterol (SP?) and it is not always clear why they show
    up, but they do.  
    
    Surgery was NOT a breeze, but not as bad as I had been led
    to believe.  I was in fair physical condition when I went into
    the hospital, and had been on a VERY low fat diet for a month or
    so before the surgery to avoid having a gall-bladder attack.
    
    I was out of work for 6 weeks total, and could have gone back at
    4 weeks if I didn't have a 45 minute drive and didn't work in the
    Mill, with all the stairs and hallways.
    
    If you want to ask any questions, you can contact me via
    mail, SSGV01::Verge, or dTN:  264-1425.
    

    
    
    I work part time at a hospital in the medical records department.
    I review charts and many operative reports.  Gallbladder is a fairly
    common operation and the medical field has a new technique.
    
    It is laparoscopy surgery.  They do not need to make an 8 inch incision 
    in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen but thru microscopic surgery
    can remove stones, drain the gallbladder and remove it all thru a tiny
    hole.  It is much like the procedure woman go thru to have their tubes
    tied.  The great news is - patient stay is 1 to 2 days.  I have even
    reviewed a chart where the person was Same Day Surgery - not even an
    inpatient stay.   The first time the operation was performed at the
    hospital I work, surgery was 5 hours.  But as they improve their skill
    it has been reduced to 1 1/2 to 2...and maybe will further decrease.
    
    One catch - not every one is a candidate for this option.  A patient
    cannot be overweight, the size of the stones and the state of the
    gallbladder determine a non-risk patient.  High risk patients are
    inpatient, surgery technique thru 8 inch incision.
    
    So if anyone is contemplating gallbladder surgery ask your surgeon
    if your a candidate for this technique and if it is performed at
    your hospital.
    
    
    Oh yes  one more thing.  I had my gallbladder removed last April 89
    the old way.  I had been on Optifast for 12 weeks and into my first
    week of refeeding.  There was one major attack - went to the ER and
    2 days later was having semi-urgent surgery.  I was out until the
    first week of June.   Not a fun experience.
    
    

    I also developed gallstones and had surgery in March of 1989.
    I had recently lost 25lbs when I started having gallbladder
    attacks.  The attacks usually came after eating high fat
    foods like beef or overeating.  The 25lbs was lost slowly on
    a very nutritional low-fat diet monitored by a nutritionist.
    I truly believe that the gallstones first developed as result
    of losing weight fast on the Weight Lost Clinic diet that I
    had been on years before.  After much reading about gallstones
    I learned that they can develop and not cause problems for some
    time.  Also the readings suggested that a major change in
    your body weight could bring them on.  
    
    If you would like more information regarding the surgery send
    mail to ATSE::DIONNE.
    
    

    I just started the Opti-Fast program at a local hospital and we
    had to sign a document that said we were aware of the risk of 
    gallbladder problems.  I have only been to one meeting and there
    are ten in our group and one woman had been through the program
    and had to stop early because she had to have her gallbladder out.
    Our group leader (behaviorist) said she has taught for 2 years
    and only had 2 people develop this problem while in the program.
    They are very careful to tell you about all the risks before
    you sign up.
    
    Pat

    I also have a gallstone, but have chosen not to have my gallbladder
    removed at this time.  Obviously the stone I have (one large) is
    not in a place causing me any discomfort.  Occasionally I have a
    bought with gas pains in my upper chest.  I used to confuse these
    symptoms with anxiety,  but now realize they are caused from eating
    the wrong foods for me. I chose not to have surgery because of my
    weight and not wanting an 8 inch incision.  I haven't had any attacks
    and hope I don't have one.  I must stay away from highly fat foods
    including ice cream, and certain vegetables.  I'm interested in
    the new techniques in gallbladder surgery.  I've heard of two other
    techniques being used today: laser and immersion.  Depending on
    the kind of stone in question, an appropriate tenique is chosen.
    To shatter the stones has not been perfected yet, it's too risky
    if the fragments aren't small enough to pass through the ducts.
    Any other info would be appreciated.
    
    My node:  Salem::Ogrady
    
    Thanks,
     Phyllis

    Hi -
    
    I went on Optifast in January of 1989 and by July had finished with
    the weightloss part of the program (and lost 75 lbs.).  The following 
    summer, July of 1990, I had 2 awful attacks which brought me to the 
    emergency room.
    
    My gallbladder was removed the conventional way 4 weeks later.  I was 
    in the hopital for 5 days and out of work for 6 weeks.  I DEFINATELY 
    attribute my ordeal to the Optifast diet...and it happens with a lot
    of people after they are off of the program for some time.
    
    Linda
    p.s.  I'm sad to say I have gained all the weight back and more....
          Certainly not worth the health risk or the money!