Gallbladder surgery anyone??

Heavncentt · February 2010

I just found out today that my doctor is referring me to a surgeon for my gallbladder. She said my ultrasound showed multiple small gallstones. I am so freaked out, I have never ever had surgery or been in the hospital before (we adopted our LO).

Anyone been through this, can you walk me through what to expect?

soontobemrs.S · February 2010

Going in for it as a scheduled surgery is the way to go. I waited until mine had gotten so bad, two ER trips later, that the morphine didn't touch the pain and my gallbladder was swollen and filled with fluid and to boot I was in the hospital 3 days. For a routine removal though you are usually in and out as a day stay procedure. Expect to do no heavy lifting for a week and to be sore. It took me a week to feel good and two to feel great. I had four incisions, most common is 3. I had a 14 month old at the time and needed someone here to help me the first week. Some people have diarrhea as a side effect to the removal but I thankfully have not had that issue. Not sure what else you want to know, good luck and feel better! Oh and I do know a few people that have been able to avoid surgery by watching what they eat and knowing their triggers. Mine was a result of pregnancy so it was a little different.

MrsRebecca · February 2010

I had mine out when I was 23 weeks pregnant.

The surgery itself was pretty quick- about an hour. It was done laparoscopically and I have three small incisions on my upper abdomen and one in my belly button (they sucked it out through the BB).

Recovery was painful, although it would probably be easier without an expanding belly and a baby kicking you where you're still pretty tender

The worst part of recovery is the gas leaving your body. They use Co2 to inflate your abdomen and it takes a few days to totally go away. Taking 10 deep breaths in a row and exhaling slowly helps a lot.

I'd say I felt totally fine within two weeks.

Heavncentt · February 2010

How long was the surgery? Were there any diet restrictions after having it taken out? How major or difficult of a procedure is this?

I don't really know what to ask, I just know I am scared to death and shocked that this is happening. I have never had any problems, until last Thurs and once after that where it felt like someone was sitting on me. My regular doctor ran bloodwork and did an ultrasound and like I said above the nurse called today and said the ultrasound showed multiple small stones. I haven't had any problems for over a week now, I am hoping I don't have any more.

ChloeFH · February 2010

I'm recovering from mine right now - it's really common during pregnancy apparently!

You definitely want to get it dealt with before you have issues! I was scheduled to have mine out and ended up having a nasty gallbladder attack. The stone stuck in my bile duct and had to be surgically removed (it's called an ERCP). The stone irritated my liver and I ended up in the hospital for 5 days.

At 7 days into my recovery from surgery I can lift my son again (I was told no lifting over 10lbs) and am feeling almost back to normal. I've got four little scars and almost no pain.

Just remember to take your painkillers regularly after surgery - it really helps to stay on top of the pain.

Good luck - it will be such a load off your mind :-)

getawaybride · February 2010

I had mine removed when I was 15. It is considered a very common procedure and laproscopically is the way to go. It is very rare today for anyone to have it done any other way. I think it took about a week or two to recover, but I was in a wedding the very next weekend so you can get around, but slowly. Just take it easy.

MrsRebecca · February 2010

Heavncentt:
How long was the surgery? Were there any diet restrictions after having it taken out? How major or difficult of a procedure is this?

I don't really know what to ask, I just know I am scared to death and shocked that this is happening. I have never had any problems, until last Thurs and once after that where it felt like someone was sitting on me. My regular doctor ran bloodwork and did an ultrasound and like I said above the nurse called today and said the ultrasound showed multiple small stones. I haven't had any problems for over a week now, I am hoping I don't have any more.

I was on clear liquids for a couple of days (don't remember how many) and then I could eat things like plain rice and mashed potatoes for a day or two and then low-fat for two weeks. I went about three weeks between diagnosis and surgery and in that time I was on a low fat diet so it wasn't too hard to follow.

It's really a routine procedure. Mine was diagnosed through ultrasound as well.

Heavncentt · February 2010

Girls, THANK YOU! It has helped to have others to talk about it with tonight who have been through it. If you think of anything else I should know or tips to make it easier, let me know. Thank you all!

MrsWalker81608 · February 2010

I know it sounds scary, but it is really routine. I had mine removed when I was 18. The actual surgery wasn't that bad. I was in and out of the hospital within 8 hours. I would have been out sooner but it takes me forever to wake up when I'm put out. I took no pain killers other than Advil for the first 3 days, but then the gas started escaping. It comes out your shoulders and was the most painful thing that I've ever experienced. I took the good stuff for that. I think that took about 2 days and then got better. I have 3 small scars that aren't really noticable anymore. I followed the same diet that I had been on before my gallbladder was removed for a couple of days (clear liquids and small amounts of easy to digest stuff) and was eating normal food by the end of the week. I was one of those people who's body had to adjust to digesting food again so I spent a lot of time in the bathroom for a couple of weeks. It slowly got better and now very rarely have any issues.

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