Gallbladder surgery

About five years ago for me. Had surgery on a Wednesday, they kept me in the hospital a couple days and was back to full time work the following Tuesday. A bit sore, but that was it.

Following the surgery refused prescription pain killers then finally caved that night, otherwise just took Advil. Think avoiding pain killers helped me recover faster.

Do not recall the gas pain, some digestive issues. As others stated, everyone has a different experience, but mine was not too difficult.

My gallbladder surgery was the best surgery I had! I was sore (felt like I did 1,000 situps!) but no real pain. I didn't take any pain meds at all after it. went in at 7am for surgery and was home at Noon, walking around outside eating a hot dog from the grill! I had it done on a Thurday and went back to work on Tuesday, only because Monday was a holiday. I have never had any digestive/intestinal issues since.

Dh has his out last May.

There are some foods that still make him ill.

Take the time to rest. He was quite happy that he could walk to the car after but overdid it the next day by going for a haircut and walking home. Ended up exhausted and realizing he needed to rest.

He had the surgery on a Friday. By Monday I drove him to work in the afternoon. By Tuesday he drove himself (much to my dismay). By Wednesday he did the full day but was tired. On Thursday and Friday he was able to work from home and then he felt back to normal.

He had a lot of stomach upset while his body got used to the change.

Yes gas pains can be bad. My whole system was such a mess before surgery and I had a lot of continuing food issues for a few months. Walking and drinking lots of water and GasX. A heating pad for your shoulder is helpful as well.

I’m 3 weeks post op today. It hasn’t been horrible but I wasn’t up and back to normal in a day either. I have 4 incision sites. The one that bothers me the most is the one right above where my liver is as that was the site they took it from. I didn’t have gas pain but I did have a ton of tummy gurgling for several days. I took the narcotics the first 24 hrs but switched to just the ibuprofen for a few days.

One thing that helped me was sleeping with a pillow behind me. That way I wasn’t on my side or flat on my back. I also took it easy on anything strenuous in my core. Still not lifting anything heavy per dr’s orders. Like some have posted, use a pillow if you cough. And for me, sneezes were hell!

So far no issues with food. I took it slow with what I tried eating. So far so good.

I did use a stool softener for the first several days.

I had mine out in 2003. I don't remember much about the recovery, but I definitely had issues with different foods post removal. I was prepared for the fatty foods, but lettuce/greens made me almost immediately ill for years after the removal. I don't have those issues any more but for years I really had to think about what I was eating when I was away from home.

christine58 I’ll keep you in my thoughts! Hopefully it will all go smoothly including a speedy recovery! 

Yes. Even though it was outpatient, it was one of the most difficult recuperations I’ve had, even compared to my inpatient surgeries. Don’t really know why. I would say I typically bounce back quickly. Here’s hoping yours is easier. 😊

My mom needed it done about 11 years ago (she was 77 years old) and she did well with the surgery. Her gallbladder attacks were worse than the surgery, according to her. (This is 1 surgery I have no experience with).

I want to wish you the best of luck and the speediest recovery!! xo