Advice on Gall Bladder Sugerry

Hi, C., i had my gall bladder removed almost 3 yrs ago, you will be down a week, and it is painful, but everyone has a pain tolerance, mine is not high so im big baby..but it wasn't bad at all, i know i was not allowed to drive for a week, and limited activities..and everyone recoups differently..but expect a week

I recovered quickly, but the first couple days had back pain. They say it is becuase of the air they have to pump into you. It's not too bad and doesn't take too long, but don't plan on running the house or taking care of the kids for as many days as the doctor says.

I had it done. The doctor made I believe 3 small incisions. Are you having the laprascopy? That is what I had done. The pain was not too bad and I didn't seem to have too much trouble recovering. Good luck.

Just be nice to yourself and take the time you need to heal. Use your pain meds on schedule for the first couple of days and then wean them down as you can tolerate it. You will heal much faster if you give your body the initial down-time rather than doing too much too fast. I think you'll be surprised at how well you feel in just 3 or 4 days!

~L.

Hi C.--I had gall bladder surgery last fall after I started to turn yellow (I had passed a gall stone that was blocking the bile duct)and since I had taken my daily aspirin, had to twiddle my thumbs in the hospital on a liquid diet for 4 days before my protime was low enough to operate. I was able to have the laproscopic procedure (4 small holes) so the incisions were minimal and recovery was quick. I was able to return home within 24 hr. Painwise, I would say is an individual thing, but I don't think you will be wanting the kids getting rough with you for a week or so!

Is it laproscopic? In this kind of surgery, they fill your abdomen with gas; it has to dissipate naturally. Until it does so, it can feel weird and hurt as it travels around your body. Also, they may squirt some bile into your stomach on accident as they remove the gall bladder - if this happens, you could get nauseated and throw up (which hurts pretty bad - try to hold a pillow against your stomach to help support your traumatized abdominal muscles as you heave). I had some digestive issues, too, that lasted for quite a while afterwards - spent a lot of time on the toilet. Other people I know who have had this surgery did not have these problems, though. In fact, my mom had the same surgery about a year after I did and she recovered much faster, in spite of being 30 years older than me and in poorer health in general.

I had mine out after my first baby. I was down for about 2-3 days. I think the pain was less than having another attack! That was 14 yrs ago this July and don't recall what the restrictions were. If they are able to do this laproscopicly, it should be very small in the restrictions and healing time.

Good Luck!

K.

Had the surgery a few years ago, only advice I have for you is don't take on too much too soon. You may be feeling ok but you can't do too much too soon or you will end up regretting it. Pretty minor surgery though, three cuts, feel kinda gassy afterward so may want to get some gas x pills to help with that. Good Luck!

Hi C.,
I feel for you. I had gallstones for years, and know about the intense pain. A few years ago I had an ultrasound or catscan that showed that I had gallstones. This past December I did a kidney/gallbladder cleanse (after another gallbladder attack), and I past between 100-150 gallstones- and I was able to keep my gallbladder. I collected some gallstones to show my doctor, which she confirmed were gallstones. She then ordered another ultrasound, and it showed that I did not have gallstones anymore. I believe that God gave us our organs to keep them and to take care of them. There is a website for natural cures for healing your body- go to www.curezone.com and that is where you will find the kidney/gallbladder cleanse- if you are interested. The cleanse is for 5 days. I have heard that recovery from gallbladder surgery can take up to a couple of weeks for some people.
Good luck, and God bless you in whatever decision you make.
K.

Hi, I had gallbladder surgery in 2000. Since everyone's pain threshold is different is varies. I had the Laprascopy procedure which is a faster recovery than the conventional route. My biggest discomfort was from the gas they pumped into my abdomen in order to see. It isn't the type of gas that can be "passed" so it is lost through sweat and absorbed as waste and excreted. I was sore for a couple of weeks and I noticed greater fatigue than normal. You must be careful not to lift too much weight. Ask your Surgeon how much you are allowed. If you have been sick from your ailing gallbladder you'll feel a lot better. I was really sick prior to surgery and felt better in the recovery room! I hope eveything goes well and just remember to not do too much. If you can get help with the baby for a few days that would help out alot. Denise.

Hi C.!
I had my gall bladder removed approximately 4 years ago. I had been scheduled for the laproscopic surgery and the surgeon had to make an emergency incision to remove the 'super' large gall stones as well. That being said, my recovery was still fairly quick. I was up and about after about 2 or 3 days. Don't get me wrong....for the first 2 days it hurt like a b**ch! But, it's a fast moving pain. Hang in there and you'll do great!! If you have the kind of pain normally associated with gall bladder problems, you will be so relieved that it's gone!!!!
Good luck to you! Take it easy and enjoy your recovery time! I loved just being able to stay in bed and read magazines for a while!!
I can't remember any restrictions after the surgery ~ it was pretty easy...as far as surgery goes.
All the best!
M.

No worries. I had my surgery 3 weeks after my daughter was born. It was strange, but I didn't really hurt too much after the surgery. What did hurt was my left shoulder. I had to have ice packs on it in the hospital and that is what I needed the pain medication for in the hospital. Like the other mother who had back pain, mine was from the air pumped in. I had laparoscopic surgery and it went just fine. It took awhile for my digestive system to get back to normal. Keep in mind, this could take 6 months or more for it to fully recover. Pay attention to what upsets your stomach so that you can avoid it for awhile and slowly introduce it back to your system. Also, cinnamon and garlic upset my system after the surgery. My mom had the procedure done in the 80's and she said that she had problems with cinnamon and garlic and she had heard of other people having issues with that as well. I'm okay with them now but I use it sparingly just to be safe. I just want to prepare you for that aspect. No one really tells you about that part. I acutally bought a big box of imodium to keep in my purse at all times.

Just take it easy afterwards. No heavy lifting for a couple of weeks and definately no greasy food for awhile too. If you hurt, take your pain meds. I only took one vicodin when I got home and then was able to just use extra strength Tylenol for the next day or two. It just depends on your how fast your body recovers and what your pain is like. I actually had one day at home without the kids too. I just gave myself that one day of relaxing at home without worring about the kids. If you are able to have someone watch them overnight when you get home, I would recommend it. Plus, you're going to be tired and will want to sleep anyway.

Anyway, good luck. Everything will be fine. God Bless!

I had mine out summer before last...after 2 kids I quickly lost 60 pounds, and they told me my gall bladder was going to have to come out, so I opted to do it right away, before it became an emergency situation. surgery went fine they did the lap. and I was up and walking at home that afternoon. No lifting kids of course...BUT LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!!!!!! The second day I woke up in excrushiating pain...like active laborish only in my lower right side...I was thinking apendix, went to the emergency room, and they found that I had a bile leak from the surgery, and the pain was from the bile eating at my insides...I don't want you to be scared, it only happens to about 2% of people that have the surgery...I just want you to know that it can happen, and to listen to your body, it knows when something is wrong. I would do the surgery again if I was posed with the question. And after a week of hell in the hospital, they fixed it, and put in a stint, and told me I'd probablly not be able to have any more children because my fallopian tubes would scar from the bile bath, but six weeks later when I went to get the stint out, they told me I was pregnant...so I got a happy ending, and a miracle baby, although I gained all the weight back having her, I must say with no gall bladder, I am having a hard time losing the weight this time around. Some people I know that have had theirs out say they can't eat certain foods now, like popcorn, or bananas, but I haven't had anything that I can't eat. Good luck to you, I'm sure your surgery will be a breeze. Just listen to your body as far as recovery time, and it will tell you if something is wrong...make sure you listen!

I had mine out back in 2002. It was an out patient, had the surgery in the morning and was home later that evening. Mine was done by scope so I only had 3 small incisions.

The meds made me sick and I almost popped a stitch when I threw up shortly after surgery- I had to learn to hold a pillow over my tummy to cough or sneeze.

I found it easier to sleep sitting up in our lazy boy. I was not given any diet restrictions, but had to just take it easy the first few days with a bland diet.

I did not have children at the time, but I can imagine the first 48 hours would probably be the toughest- you probably won't be allowed to lift the kids.

wasnt bad at all I was sick to my tummy and got sick after the surgery but other than that it wasnt bad.Your stomach will just feel kinda"bruised" but its not bad youll only have a couple tiny slits on your stomach..good luck I was so relieved after my surgery all my old pains were gone!!

Thanks for the posting! I am having my gall bladder removed next Wednesday and thanks to your post, I was able to have alot of questions answered.

Good luck with your surgery!

I had the surgery by laprascope. I felt so much better after the surgery that the recovery seemed like a breeze compared to the pain from the stones.

I would not have them butcher on me. Take something natural and have the gallstones remove themselves. Surgery is increasing the medical professionals pocket. Try www.yflcenter.com a good holistic nurse practioner that could help you.

Hi there. I had gall bladder surgery about 6 to 7 years ago. It was a laproscopic procedure and very un-invasive. I was a little sore the next day but other than that it was honestly no big deal. I didn't even take the pain meds. I do have a little "smiley" mouth scar right below my belly button. That is the only reminder of the surgery. Hope this helps a bit!

As long as you can have it lapriscopic you probably won't have ANY pain. I could have left the hospital 5 minutes after I woke up. 3 little incisions.....it's amazing and you'll feel alot better with it out. It was my first surgury ever and I was 58. Piece of Cake for me! I didn't take any medication....didn't need any. Good Luck.

Dear C. T.,

I had this surgery many years ago but _do_ do exactly as the doctor/nurse tells you to. I had mine just before Christmas the year it was done and walked too much right out of the hospital and cried in severe pain that night. Don't walk too much and rest as much as they say to. DO NOT vacuum or sweep until you receive permission as this is very h*** o* abdominal muscles and they cut through some abdominal muscles to perform the surgery.
Get a good night's sleep the night before and don't worry. They have improved things so much since I had mine that people heal more quickly than they did back then. You will be sore but you will be fine in 4 - 6 weeks.
Good fortune to you.

L. C.
Zeeland, MI

I had my gall bladder removed about 8 years ago. If you have it done labroscopically it should be outpatient surgery. You will just end up with three small scars. I had a complication with a hole in my abdominal wall that was caused/made worse by the vicaden. Just be careful after the surgery, you should not be in too much pain, but don't do anything strenuous.

Have had the surgery. Good luck. It doesn't seam like there were many restrictions, but it will affect how your body breaks down food. As the gall bladder aids in digestion and works with the liver, I have begun taking dietary supplements that are isotonic (don't have to be digested and can be drank). Let me know if you need details. I'm pretty sure that I am right on this...it's been quite a while!

S.
____@____.com

My mom had the surgery when she was about 50 years old and I think she was playing golf the next week! After suffering with gall bladder attacks for years, it was a relief for her. Also, the new techniques for the procedure make is very non-invasive and a quick recovery. Good luck!

I had the laproscopic surgery 12 years ago. It wasn't too bad, but I definitely was not back to work right away as I was led to believe. I am overweight and that may have contributed to my slow recovery in addition to being a bit of a wimp. Your little ones will make you move faster than I did.

I am glad I had the surgery because I have had no problems since then. I suffered periodically for years before I was diagnosed and was quite relieved to be uncomfortable and tired for just a few weeks. I hope you'll have help with your family because your energy level may be low for awhile. I wish you well!

Hi there! Had mine out about 3 years ago. Most people can get it done on Friday and be back to work on Monday. I work in the hospital, so I wos out for 2 weeks, which is long... The worst part is the shoulder pain the first day. :) It is just referred pain from air under your diaphragm, but every time you shift/change positions, it will get your attention. It isn't really that bad at all, if you have had kids!! :)

Hi C.,

Good Luck on Friday. I had some surgery about 5 years ago and had no children at the time. I was laid up for about a good week. Pretty sore for a good two weeks and I would say full recovered in a 3-4 weeks. Make sure you have some loose fitting jogging pants or shorts. The worst I remember was not being able to sleep in bed (since I was sore from the small incisions). I slept on the recliner for about a week and half...then slowly started back in bed. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and just follow the dr. orders! Take advange of your time to recover!

K.

My mom just had her gallbladder removed and she was in a decent amount of pain the next two days. However she is really skinny and the doctor said that skinny people hurt more since there is less fat to buffer any moving around inside that they do with their probes and moving your other organs around. After a couple of days she was just sore and about a week and 1/2 later she was fine.

On this note - I would highly recommend you read "fell's guide to health and wellness" and look up his section on the gallbladder and about people who have it removed. I just read it a couple of days ago and gave it to my mom to read. It's a very good read and will help you with some guidelines for after it's removed.

If you don't mind my asking, why are you getting it removed?

My husband had emergency gall bladder surgery when our youngest daughter was just 2 weeks old. He has a high pain tolerance but was able to manage the pain with the prescription that they gave him. He had surgery on Friday, by Monday he was up to little trips to places (and even went to my dads for the day on Sunday). However, he was not even able to lift our daughter out of her car seat. He could hold either of the girls but they had to be gently placed on them (the oldest could walk up to him, but we made sure she didn't sit on the little incisions). I think by the end of the week though he was able to do light lifting. I think the hospital stay was the worse - he hates hospitals and had to be in for 3 days, with no food only the IV, before they could get him in the OR, fortunately he met the criteria to go home within 90 minutes of getting back to his room although they did want to keep him.

IT is a pretty easy surgery. I was out of work for 2 weeks, but that was because I was very, very sick for quite a long time before the surgery. It wasn't pain that kept me out it was feelign weak from not being able to eat for so long. They go in laproscopically (sp?) and you are sore for a couple of days, I think all I could have for the first 24 hours was clear fluids. Also remember when you can start eationg again to have something to eat every couple of hours, just something small. It takes a while for your body to learn how to regulate itself after the surgery. I found that eating every couple of hours kelp me from getting diahrrah from the increased bile going into my stomach. If you need to talk to someone feel free to pm me, I will try and help in any way I can. Good Luck, I hope you feel better soon!

I had my gall bladder out lapriscopically (sp). They kept me overnight and discharged me the following day. Told me to rest and take it easy. Discharged me with some pain pills but the only restirctions I had were t not lift more than 10 pounds for first week and no driving (due to the pain pills being a narcotic). They indicated I was free to return to work. Felt sore a few days after but was up and moving.

Walking is ok a little and dont do too much .Three or four days later than you can do more.

I had mine removed and never have been happier to have a part taken out og me. the gall bladder attaks came on so sudden and with really bad timing ( once on vacation, where I thought I would soon be dead as it wasn't diagnosed yet ) and once I was rushed to the hospital and kept there right before guests avvrived for my daughters birthday party. Get it done and enjoy, the surgery isn't NEAR as painfull as the attacks!!!

J., mom to 2, ages 16 and 9.

I had my gall bladder out last August. I was in some pain for about two weeks but I had no restrictions after the first week. My surgery was emergency, though. I was in the hospital for almost a week because I got pancreatitis after the surgery (I guess it's pretty common). BUt most people have it done outpatient. Be careful what you eat, though. My body was doing fine with digesting food but about two months ago I started having horrible bowel problems with anything I ate! I'm still having problems and my doctor says the body can take up to a year to regulate itself after having this type of surgery done. Good luck!!

C. don't let everybody else's experiences scare you. I had mine out 12 years ago and had issues with the gas but no real pain from the surgery. My best friend had hers out 5 weeks ago and had no issues with the gas and never took a pain pill after being released from the hospital. Every person's body reacts differently and keep in mind surgical techniques keep improving all the time which makes a difference in how people recover. Just follow your doctor's orders/restrictions afterwards. Good luck to you!