Gall Bladder Surgery- What to Expect

I just recently had mine removed three weeks ago. The hospital stay is very minimal they released me
the day after surgery. Sometimes the release u that day if you have it done laproscopically. The pain wasn't too bad either, much better than the actual gallbladder attacks to me. They told me three days however, and it did take longer. About a week and a half I was feeling myself again. Expect to have digestion difficulties, my body is still tryin to get used to not having a gallbladder. Any other questions please feel free
to email me ____@____.com luck! It's so worth it!

I had my gallbladder removed in Feb. of this year after having severe Gall Bladder attacks for months. I was in and out the same day. It was painful to move around like getting up, or bending, but I managed it with Vicodin which really helped. After 2-3 days I felt like nothing had even happened. The recovery was fairly quick, but you need to follow the restrictions like what to eat and no lifting. You don't want to put strain on the areas inside and out that are healing. After about 3 weeks I did start getting the same back pain that I experienced with the pre-surgery Gall Bladder attacks, which no doctor could figure out why after lots of tests. But about a month later they went away and I have been great ever since. My surgeon did say that some people after surgery may have some food that could still bother them, so be mindful and then avoid that particular food. Hope all goes well.

Hi, I had mine removed in 2008. I had it done out patient and I was really pretty sore for 2-3 days. But after that, I healed quickly and I know that I realized that I was doing all of my usual activities 10 days after the surgery. I had a 5 year old and a 6 month old at the time. Good Luck!

There was a similar question about a week ago, so do a search for some good replies.

You'll probably go home the same day. The first 24 hours will be difficult. They fill your body with gas, so in addition to the soreness, you'll feel really bloated. Walk very slowly as often as possible. You will not be able to care for you baby during this time. After about 3 days, you should feel almost normal, but lifting will be a problem.

It'll be about 2 weeks before you'll be able to lift your 1 year old.

I posted the same question last week. I have also been in pain for a few months, several attacks. Went to the ER last weekend and found out I have gallstones and am having my surgery the 17th of June. My doctor said that I should not hold my 11 month old for at least two weeks!! He recommended that I stay in the hospital overnight since I have little kids at home. I was told that I should not drive for one week. He said that after three or four days I should feel much better. Also, for the first two weeks I should eat a low fat diet. After that I can eat whatever I want. Since I found out what the problem is, I have been really watching what I eat and have not had any more attacks. I have been eating NOTHING with fat and that has helped tons. I can not wait to get the surgery over so my life can get back to normal!! Good luck!!

It depends how they do it. I had my gallbladder removed in 2002. they did it with a scope, 4 small incesions in my tummy. I was in the hospital a few hours and then went home! It took a few weeks for my stomache to heal and to be able to return to normal behavior. I was told not to eat foods that were really gassy and I was able to control the pain with prescription strenght Ibprofuen. I do remember that my first bm afterwards was not very comfy! Good luck!

Usually, gall bladder removal is done as a day surgery and you will be groggy for at least a day. You will probably be told not to lift anything over 5 lbs for a few weeks. I got back to normal activities in about two weeks but I think they told me six weeks is about the norm. Good Luck and I hope you feel better.

At least you made it until your baby was a year old. I had to have my gall bladder out 6 weeeks after my baby was born and that was just because they wouldn't do it until I was that far post-baby. I was in the hospital in between the baby and the surrgery and that was not fun. Back to your question, It should be an out-patient surgery ( I had to stay 1 night in the hospital) but that is rare. The pain the first night was pretty bad but after that what they will give you will cover the pain. I only had to take the prescription painkillers for a couple of days and I only took them 2 times a day instead of the 3 or 4 that you can. After that advil did the job. For picking stuff up they just told me not to do it if it hurt. So if it didn't hurt it was OK. So if you slowly pick up your child you should be good. I was carrying around my baby and her carrier after 3 days. I just wouldn't do any actual exercise for awhile. I walked starting an hour after I got into my recovery room. Just don't overdo it. I hope this helps and good luck to you.

I had mine done in 2003. My husband worked wierd hours and couldn't be with me for th 24hours after surgery. I arranged to stay with my family for 3 days, and my son stayed with my inlaws for 3 days.

As for 'stay away from foods' everyone is different. I can't eat fatty foods or lettuce, but my MIL just has to stay away from REALLY fatty foods.

M.

I had this done two years ago. I actually went septic before they figured out what was going on. But I still have a problem with diarrhea. It started about 2 months before the surgery. It is way better but certain foods or pop can cause problems in this area. It was bad right after the surgery...I was afraid to leave the house for fear I'd have an accident. But it is way better now. I know if I have Mcdonald's I'll probably pay later. So keeping an eye on your diet is really important. Just wanted to give you a heads up, when talking to others I found this is pretty common.Good Luck!