I am having my gallbladder out on Aug 22. What can I expect in the way of pain and recovery time. It will be done laproscopically (sp?).

Thank for the input.

Hi Phyllis,

I had this done the same way March of 2006. I went in that morning at 6am, surgery at 7:45, about 45 minutes ot an hour, recovery about an 30 to 60 minutes then a room til I could eat and drink without feeling nauseous. Pain was minimal. Where they went in was the belly button area and three other small areas just below middle part of rib cage and then about 2 inches toward the right side and then another 2 inches. I was up and around doing whatever. They say to just rest but I am active and not good at staying still. They usually give you pain meds to take. I just had back surgery 5 weeks ago now and the same thing, stay down, don't do anything. That doesn't work and I told the doctor that. I walk and do what I can with the restrictions I have. I do push to the limit, but always have. If you have any more questions just ask, send email or pm me. I will be more than happy to answers your questions the best I can for you.

I agree with Lisa. Of all the surgeries I've had, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (that's a mouthful!) was the easiest.

I did take a couple of "couch days" but I didn't need bed rest. I think I even went out to dinner the night of the surgery (husband doesn't cook; I didn't want to).

I didn't take the pain meds except for the first day.

Good luck and get well soon!

Dear Phyllis,
Celiac got your gallbladder too, eh? I just celebrated my four-year anniversary July 28th!
The surgery could not have come a moment too soon! Mine almost ruptured! What was worse, nothing showed up in the tests!

Thank God for intuition! Anyway, after the surgery, I was in a lot of pain from gas for the first three days. I was never so happy to fart in my life! Your surgery may be different. The scars are nothing at all, really! I did not take pain meds, but could have.

That is up to you. I do not tolerate medication in general. So, I decided to just tough out the pain. After the first three days, it was not so bad. One thing you need to keep in mind is to stay on a low-fat diet. After it is removed, processing fat is difficult. I still get sick if something I eat is too fattening. Applesauce, lunchmeat, rice crackers, and gluten-free cookies should help you during recovery. Just stay on the sofa or in bed and watch t.v. or movies.

Sincerely,
NoGluGirl

Thanks for the information. It really helps.

Dear Phyllis,
You are welcome! I know how nervous you probably are. The operation really was not near as bad as I expected! It also gives you a great excuse to be lazy! I do not think many people know this, but you can develop stones that get stuck in your bile duct even after the gallbladder is removed. That is why being careful about your fat intake is very important, too.

Sincerely,
NoGluGirl
P.S. Let us know how it goes, and feel free to ask any questions that come to mind!