While the liver produces bile, the gall bladder only stores it and releases it when extra bile is needed. It is not an uncommon issue as we get older. And, laparoscopic or not, gall bladder surgery is still surgery. I would wait to see what the GI says, and be sure to ask him about all possible options. There is a difference between a gall bladder ceasing to function well ... and being filled with stones or the duct being blocked.