What medication is recommended to prevent cholelithiasis associated with rapid weight loss after surgery?

Ursodeoxycholic acid is recommended to prevent cholelithiasis, or gallstone formation, that can occur with rapid weight loss, especially following bariatric surgery. When individuals lose weight quickly, the liver secretes more cholesterol into the bile, which can supersaturate the bile and lead to the formation of gallstones. Ursodeoxycholic acid works by reducing the cholesterol content of bile, promoting the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones and preventing their formation.

This is particularly important for patients post-surgery, where drastic calorie restriction and rapid weight loss can significantly increase the risk of gallstones. Other options like Orlistat, Metformin, and Phentermine do not offer the same protective effects against gallstone formation that Ursodeoxycholic acid does. Orlistat primarily works by inhibiting fat absorption in the intestines, Metformin is used mainly for managing diabetes, and Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, none of which address the specific risk of gallstones in the context of rapid weight loss. Thus, Ursodeoxycholic acid is the preferred medication for this situation.