Gallstones are generally not a deadly condition unless the gallbladder becomes infected or a gallstone blocks pancreatic excretion. Most people with gallstones are asymptomatic. About 80% of people will not have any symptoms. Only about 1 to 2% a year will have symptoms requiring emergency gallbladder removal. Gall stone formation is a complex process involving genetic, metabolic, immune, and environmental factors. Unfortunately it is nothing that you can control. About 8 to 10% of the population will have gallstones with a large predominance of females. It is the most common surgery in the United States. Generally, the gallbladder is only removed if it is found to be calcified, if there are large stones within the gallbladder, if you have other significant medical problems, if you were about to have an organ transplant, or if you have repetitive attacks of gallstones or pancreatitis. Otherwise, it is usually watched every 6 to 12 months unless you were having symptoms of gallbladder disease. The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, and fatty food intolerance. Decreasing your cholesterol, fats, and regular exercise and dietary modifications may reduce your incidence of forming gallstones.