Wellness

[RUTheresa]

I'm having gallbladder surgery for removal on Thursday. Anyone have this done? How long was recovery? Any diet restrictions? Discomfort? anything I should know? I appreciate all responses. - Thank you!!!

[birkin baby]

Wanted to wish you well and hope you have a quick surgery and recovery.I know nothing about this surgery first but have friends who had good results. As with any surgery,do take no chances with recovery and diet. Good luck!!

[sophiamaria2]

good luck also from me...I have a friend getting hers removed today and the doctor said it could take almost a month for her taste to come back... interesting. I believe she has to be off work for a week and then 1/2 days the 2nd week..

[teainlondon]

My DH had this surgery a year ago. It was so easy that it could have been out patient; one doctor could have done it all in a few minutes; however, it was done in two parts so two doctors and the hospital could make more money. The first day one specialist cleared the tubes of the gall stones. The second day the other specialist removed the gall bladder.

DH has never had any problems with anything related to the removal. He eats what he wants and does what he wants. He had no pain after, and he was ready to get out sooner than they released him.

tea

[ChicagoHeather]

Good luck with your surgery. I had it as an out patient two years ago and it was fine. Took a couple of Tylenol that day, but was running around grocery shopping, and walking up and down the three flights of stairs to my condo by the next day. It felt like I had done a ton of sit-ups, but, otherwise, fine. I kept my feet up when I wasn't doing something. I eat pretty healthy so didn't worry about my diet.

[TeezNu]

I had this surgery about 8 years ago, and it was no big deal at all. Think I was in the hospital 1-2 nights. Of course there was some discomfort in the skin area that was accessed for the surgery. As I recall, the biggest deal was regaining the strength that was zapped from having major surgery, but even that was relatively quick, and I was back at work within a week and functioning just fine. As for diet restrictions, I think you are supposed to eliminate high fat foods, and I did for awhile, but it wasn't long before I completely forgot about it and eat whatever I want, which is healthy anyway. Think I noticed, and read from others, that you can often need to go to the bathroom (#2) shortly after eating, but that has not been a long term after effect. Good luck to you. This should be a very routine surgery, and should in no way effect your quality of life.

[paShar]

I had the surgery in 1998 and it really was no big deal. It was done laparoscopacally (sp?) and I was home the same day. I really had no discomfort other than some pain in one shoulder which, at the time, was common due to the shifting of the gas they use to inflate the abdomen.

Good Luck!

[fromthebronx]

I had mine removed in 1995. I had a number of complications which has made my case different from most people's. I would recommend, if you have pain in the abdominal area resulting from the stretching of the muscles (which results from all the gas they use), make sure you have a soft pillow at hand to press into your side. Really helps.

[pattypeep]

I had it done the laparoscopic method about 12 years ago. Out patient. Minimum discomfort. Took Tylenol only since I can't seem to tolerate prescription pain pills. No problems at all.

[PalmTree11]

Had mine removed laparoscopically almost 6 mos. ago. No big deal. Discomfort, and swelling of the belly button area. Do have issues with food afterward. Was on a strict very low fat, bland diet afterwards. Slowly reintroduced foods. I still don't eat red meat, trying to determine if I am gluten intolerant. Do have issues with having to run to the bathroom a lot, but much better than right after surgery.