Hi Dutchie! I tried to reply twice, but thet didn't go through. First I would like to congratulate you on quitting smoking. I am very impressed that you are still smoke free while stressed out and giving up food to boot! An alarm went off when I read that your doctor wants to cut first and investigate later. How does that jive with you? I'd be running fast! I told my M.D. that I wanted a thorough C.T. scan of my abdomen and pelvis to rule out any other possible disorders before I would even consider surgery. My C.T. results did not show any other abnormalities other than those same three gallstones. Best of luck to you. You are your best health care advocate!