Hi, I live in the US but am moving to Scotland in 6 weeks. I just found out I need gallbladder surgery. It will be $4000 here. I am thinking of waiting until I get to the UK and on the NHS, but I would like to get some idea of how long the process of going to a GP, getting referred to a gastroenterologist or surgeon, and then the length of time to actual surgery. Can anyone give me an idea of some kind of average? Thank you!
Hi,
I live in Scotland and if you can wait, then I would. Get registered with a GP asap, and depending on how quickly you need the surgery, you won't wait long. GP's are pretty fast at reffering you. I think it's a 14 week maximum waiting list, but like I said it depends on how quickly you need it. Hope that helps in some way!
Yes that helps! I was afraid it would take a long time for each step, ending up being months and months... I suppose I can bring all my medical test records, maybe that would speed it up a bit. it is really nerve wracking to have this come up so close to moving!!! It's taken them a few months here just to finally diagnose it and recommend surgery.
Yes, bring all you can and I hope it all goes well for you.I'm going through some medical problems and I had an appointment within a week. Please keep me up-dated and warm welcome to Scotand 
After your Primary Care Provider refers you to a surgeon, it could take a month or 2 months because they usually booked. After you see a surgeon, he can schedule your surgery pretty much any time that you are available.
Can I ask you if you experience pain attacks by the Stones? Or you decided to take it out just because there are stones in the gallbladder and better to take it our sooner then later.
You know people do live with stones and never experienced any pain or discomfort.
I am in the us and have finally been diagnosed properly finding stones in Gallbladder.
the process here can be very fast if needed. My primary doctor referred me to a GI specialist who ordered a ultrasound who found stones who referred me to a surgeon who said they could take it out next week. I saw all of these people in 3 days.
problem is if you have an attack and gallbladder is inflamed you should wait 6-8 weeks for surgery or you will run a 20% increase of surgeon needing to open you up instead of laparoscopically removal because it is inflamed.
i am on week 2 of 4 weeks of my scheduled surgery and have no issues because I am eating a very low fat diet. No pain no issues no problems.
No alcohol for 4 weeks either
Hi, thank you for replying! I had two severe attacks in the past few months and have had constant bothersome pain ever since.
Try eating low fat skinless boneless chicken. Eat anything you want under 2-4 grams total fat. No dairy no alcohol.
Get a consultation with a surgeon this way if you had to go o to ER for emergency surgery you would not get s quack you could tell them your surgeon.