Gallbladder removal

michelleaxo

I have to have an ultrasound on Monday to confirm, but my doc says I have all the classic gallbladder symptoms and will most likely need it removed. Have any of you gone through this? What should I expect?

angelaggie

My SIL just had hers out about a weeks or two ago.  It's a very minor surgery, but yes it is still surgery.  They did it microscopically, so just 3 little tiny holes. 

She was on a liquid diet the first several days, anything strong than chicken broth would make her vomit.  She's lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks due to lack of appetite.  She was very weak the first few days.  That's about all I know.

 

smb29

I haven't, but my bff did when we were in college.  My memory is a little hazy because that was long time ago, but I do remember she had only a couple of teeny tiny cuts, and one was in her belly button, nothing noticeable at all.  She had to take meds occaisionally for a few years to help with digestion (greasy foods were a killer) but has no issues now.  One of my sisters was born without one, but only discovered it in the last few years due to another issue and obviously not having one wasn't a huge issue since she never even realized it.

MrsAJL

Me!

I had mine removed in Feb 2010.  It was a piece of cake. My surgeon did it laparoscopically. I have two little scars on my right side and a scar coming from my belly button to about .5 inch below.

It was a day surgery procedure. I think the whole thing took about 5 hours from check-in to discharge. The procedure itself is only about 30-40 minutes.

My recovery was easy-peasy. I had some abdominal soreness and was really wiped out for the first 48 hours.  But by the third day I was feeling so much better. It's still surgery so some people can just feel tired for up to four weeks, but most people are 100% back to feeling like themselves by their 2 weeks post-op check.

I was not restricted on any foods after the surgery. It was recommended that I didn't over do it with greasy, fatty food and stayed with more bland, easy to eat foods (i.e. plain mashed potatoes, Jello, brothy soups, etc.)

All in all, it was not a big deal.

mrslaquinta

My sister had hers removed a few years back, and ditto MrsAJL - it was a pretty easy outpatient procedure, and her relief afterward was incredible! 

michelleaxo

angelaggie:

She's lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks due to lack of appetite. 

Yes, then there is a silver lining to all of this! Thanks gals!

dNoodle

I had mine out on my 2nd anniversary!

It is pretty minor surgery, like PP have said, but I was expecting it to be SO easy from what everyone said, I was taken aback that I felt kind of out of it and not able to lift anything for a few weeks.

Also, I had an uncommon side effect called bile salt diarrhea, which is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds, but that went away.

I'm soooooo much happier now that it's gone! Second best surgery I ever had! Do you need a surgeon rec? I loved my guy.

AustinMimi

My surgeon FIL does these all the time and says it's a pretty easy recovery. I guess a lot of doctors are removing them through the belly button now, so there are even fewer scars. Good luck!!

dNoodle

AustinMimi:

My surgeon FIL does these all the time and says it's a pretty easy recovery. I guess a lot of doctors are removing them through the belly button now, so there are even fewer scars. Good luck!!

I have a friend in Chicago who is doing natural orifice removal (like through the vagina)! He explained it to me - sounds interesting and...weird.

carlinlp

I debated whether or not to share but here goes....I am presently battling some health issues, gallbladder included. I am doing everything I can to try and keep mine. I believe in whole health and that my gallbladder issues aren't the core problem but merely a symptom. I am bound and determined to figure out the root cause before facing something as serious as organ removal/surgery.

romigu

I agree - it's a quick surgery usually not lasting more than 45 min from open to close. There are some surgeons in Austin that can do single incision laparoscopic removal so the scar is in your belly button. It's good to get it out before you get a stone lodged and need to have it taken out emergently. Good luck!