I may be having (did have) gall bladder surgery soon. What should I expect?

[flip]

So, I figure there is experience with almost any medical problem or procedure on this forum. Saturday night I had to go to the hospital for what turned out to be a gall bladder attack. I went back for more tests yesterday and I followed up with my family doctor today. My family doctor thinks my gall bladder should go and is gonna get me set up with a surgeon.

What can I expect immediately after surgery? Is it a quick recovery? Any long term effects or diet changes required?

thanks guys

[nikwax]

my wife had her's out one year ago. In the hospital in the morning, home by mid-afternoon. One day sitting around, walking around the day after.


change in diet: yes indeed. fatty foods will likely be a challange, as bile (stored in the gall bladder) is used to break down fats. Moderate fat intake. You'll figure it out.

[jackson]

Had my removed last April.  If you don't experience any complications, you'll be home within a day or so.  I was instructed to watch the foods that I ate so I took it slowly.  Fortunately, I haven't found anything that I can't eat that I enjoyed before my GB was removed.

[80CX100]

I'm no doctor, but you might want to try to keep your gallbladder by cleansing it,, ie, fresh pressed apple cider fasts,,,apple cider vinegar etc and gallbladder/liver flushes,,, lots of info online about it,,, obviously if it's infected or causing serious issues upstream, ie pancreas you might want to take it out,, at the end of the day whatever you decide to do,, run it by your doctor,jmho

[ohiorider]

Mine was a piece o' cake!  Removed at 5pm on Day One.  Small incisions.  Arthroscopic, I think it's called.  Out late the next day.  Wonderful thing .... I no longer have gallbladder attacks that damned near brought me to my knees on occasion.

Good luck.

Bob

[Triple Jim]

My Mother in Law had hers removed just a couple weeks ago.  If they can to yours laparoscopically like they did hers,  it'll be like the posts above say, and you'll just be sore for a while and may have some temporary side effects like nausea.  If they have to do it the old fashioned way, which they sometime have to, it'll be more like any other surgery.

[Waltr]

I'm no doctor, but you might want to try to keep your gallbladder by cleansing it,, ie, fresh pressed apple cider fasts,,,apple cider vinegar etc and gallbladder/liver flushes,,, lots of info online about it,,, obviously if it's infected or causing serious issues upstream, ie pancreas you might want to take it out,, at the end of the day whatever you decide to do,, run it by your doctor,jmho

I echo the above.  We have a gall bladder for a reason.  There is a book Alkalize or Die, that outlines the body's response to long term bad dietary habits and how your body responds to the food we eat.

[flip]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info.

[wrbix]

I'm no doctor, but you might want to try to keep your gallbladder by cleansing it,, ie, fresh pressed apple cider fasts,,,apple cider vinegar etc and gallbladder/liver flushes,,, lots of info online about it,,, obviously if it's infected or causing serious issues upstream, ie pancreas you might want to take it out,, at the end of the day whatever you decide to do,, run it by your doctor,jmho

Nope.
I am, and the complication rate of cholecystectomy done emergently in the event of obstructive/infected cholecystitis far outweighs the advantage of trying to "wait it out" or "cleanse it"  ::)  - if you've got gall stones, get that gall bladder out now.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2407388

[flip]

Nope.
I am, and the complication rate of cholecystectomy done emergently in the event of obstructive/infected cholecystitis far outweighs the advantage of trying to "wait it out" or "cleanse it"  ::)  - if you've got gall stones, get that gall bladder out now.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2407388

The ultrasound did show gall stones. 

Thanks

After being away from my normal assigned duties at work for right at 13 months due to knee injuries and resulting surgeries and rehab, I managed to start back at work last week and worked for 2 days before I had to take time off for this flare up and pain meds. Grrrrrrrrr

So for now I will be very careful with what I eat so I can hopefully work while I wait on the surgeon.

[wrbix]

The ultrasound did show gall stones. 

Thanks

After being away from my normal assigned duties at work for right at 13 months due to knee injuries and resulting surgeries and rehab, I managed to start back at work last week and worked for 2 days before I had to take time off for this flare up and pain meds. Grrrrrrrrr

So for now I will be very careful with what I eat so I can hopefully work while I wait on the surgeon.

Just don't wait too long - recurrent symptoms -> get thee to the ED!

[Upstate Mark]

Had mine out 2 years ago.  Eating too much fried or fatty food increased my toilet paper consumption at first. Back to normal within 6 months.

[flip]

Just don't wait too long - recurrent symptoms -> get thee to the ED!

You bet doc and good advice. I'm a wimp and I certainly don't enjoy pain!

[80CX100]

Nope.
I am, and the complication rate of cholecystectomy done emergently in the event of obstructive/infected cholecystitis far outweighs the advantage of trying to "wait it out" or "cleanse it"  ::)  - if you've got gall stones, get that gall bladder out now.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2407388

I thought my response covered all the bases, and was reasonable and open minded,,"obviously if it's infected or causing serious issues upstream, ie pancreas you might want to take it out,, at the end of the day whatever you decide to do,, run it by your doctor,jmho"

It would be refreshing to think that an expert in the medical field would be as open minded with the overall well being of the patient in mind, being the primary concern, but apparently not by your definitive response "Nope"

I'm not going to get into a pi**ing match with statistics and big words, but most people here are intelligent enough to realize that the multi billion dollar gall bladder removal industry has to be influenced by the pressures of modern medicine, which are based to a certain degree on expediency and practioner liability.
We've all heard of minor surgery, horror stories gone wrong, and many studies have shown that, that one of the places most detrimental to one's health can be the hospital.

I would offer this food for thought,,,guzzi content,,lol,, my bike was designed to run with 2 VHB30 carbs,,, one of them is plugged,, the mechanic down the street has built a million dollar industry, removing these single plugged carbs,, and tells me that my bike will still run on one if I'm careful and modify my riding habits.
It must be the red snapping suspender guy in me,,, but I figure with a little knowledge, care and cleaning, I can clean up that plugged carb,, even clean up the 2nd one to boot,, as a preventative measure,,, and my old girl,, will run sweet and fine,, on her perfectly functional, cleaned up old carbs,, just as Luigi intended. fwiw ymmv

I haven't talked to Luigi personally,,or the guy that designed the human body for that matter,, but I'm thinking that 2 VHB30's,, and a gallbladder/liver were part of the original design for a reason.

[Orange Guzzi]

You will be trading one problem for another problem.  Planning your daily life style around toilets.  I did not have mine taken out and have been doing better.  Changed my diet.  From my reading, you will have to take medicine, Colistipol or similar to absorb the bile acid that the gall bladder was reabsorbing.  I know folks that have had theirs removed and are constantly looking for a toilet.  I with other here, doctors are in business to make money.

[wrbix]

For the last two posters:
-it is a tired old argument, that is quite offensive to the Medical community (and to me) BTW, that physicians recommend procedures to line their pockets.
- before the advent of minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy the risk vs benefit of elective cholecystectomy was different and not recommended except in special populations. That has changed when one looks at the minimal risk of operative or postoperative complications vs the possible mortality/morbidity of active infected/obstructive/complicated cholecystectomy in the emergent setting. I'm sorry, those are just the facts. Do your research in scientific, peer reviewed, controlled studies and you'll come to the same conclusions.

I have, and do, make the same scientifically based recommendations to my family members, friends, and loved ones - not financially driven.
Good day.

[jackson]

You will be trading one problem for another problem.  Planning your daily life style around toilets.  I did not have mine taken out and have been doing better.  Changed my diet.  From my reading, you will have to take medicine, Colistipol or similar to absorb the bile acid that the gall bladder was reabsorbing.  I know folks that have had theirs removed and are constantly looking for a toilet.  I with other here, doctors are in business to make money.

I had my gall bladder removed one year ago (in April) and I haven't experienced ANY of those problems.  I also know over a dozen people who have had theirs removed and NONE of them have had these types of problems.  One of them had his removed over 25 years ago.
I think that you've simply read about POSSIBLE problems with having your gall bladder removed; NOT, what most people will experience.

[80CX100]

For a minor gall bladder attack,, I've found relief from a little bit of apple cider vinegar, seems to work best if mixed in warm/hot fresh pressed apple juice.

Just to be clear, I'm not slamming the medical care community as being greedy or immoral,, I just wanted to make the point, that there are things that an individual can do, to help their clogged gb or fatty liver survive intact.

With a fondness for smooth scotch, I look for all the help I can in that area ;~)

[wrbix]

I had my gall bladder removed one year ago (in April) and I haven't experienced ANY of those problems.  I also know over a dozen people who have had theirs removed and NONE of them have had these types of problems.  One of them had his removed over 25 years ago.
I think that you've simply read about POSSIBLE problems with having your gall bladder removed; NOT, what most people will experience.

....and the science to back that up..
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10661820

[nikwax]

  I with other here, doctors are in business to make money.

OK, that may be the most offensive post of the week.


Holy sh*t, can't we discuss anything around here without it becoming a stupid fest? From lubricants to computer viruses to hats to medicine, there's no end. Maybe we could talk about motoring for a while?

[80CX100]

OK, that may be the most offensive post of the week.


Holy sh*t, can't we discuss anything around here without it becoming a stupid fest? From lubricants to computer viruses to hats to medicine, there's no end. Maybe we could talk about motoring for a while?

I can't talk motoring yet,,, I'm just putting lessons learned from KiwiRoy and others into place,, I think I may have solved the mystical electrical tour I've been on, ever since I stripped her down last year and installed the Enduralast alternator and other electrical goodies,,, all testing looks good so far,,, maybe I'm overly optimistic,, but I'm pulling the sump right now, to put in the hose clamp insurance on the oil filter,,, I hoping for a long, vibration filled, riding season,, I don't want any more surprises,,, looking very much forward to hearing her open up with the new K&N's and Lafranconis

safe riding friends

[bigbikerrick]

My Son is scheduled to have his removed the 24th of this month.He has been suffering with symptoms for about 2 years, he should know better being a nurse, but he tried a couple of alternative treatments first, that didnt help. Of course ,bad diet is probably the first thing that needs changed. He will have it removed laparoscopically. A couple of people we know had theirs removed by this small, Oriental, female surgeon in Tucson, that does it i n  about 25 minutes in an outpatient surgical center. 25 minutes is only "OR time" , you are actually there for 4 hours  total. Hopefully his will go smoothly.
Rick.

[youcanrunnaked]

Mine was a piece o' cake!  Removed at 5pm on Day One.  Small incisions.  Arthroscopic, I think it's called.  Out late the next day.  Wonderful thing .... I no longer have gallbladder attacks that damned near brought me to my knees on occasion.

 :+1

Easy peasy routine surgery.  The unfortunate part is that a surgery is required; there is no proven, effective treatment for reversing gallstones.  Once you have them, and are having attacks, the gall bladder has to come out.  Ignoring it or trying to treat the problem with home remedies is inviting sepsis and death.  Not kidding.

You will have some bloating in the days following the surgery, due to the gas that they fill your abdominal cavity with in order to separate your guts so they can see what they are doing with the arthroscopic camera and scalpel.  That will subside.

You will probably be on your feet in a day or two, and back to work within the week.  Avoid large amounts of fat in one sitting, or you may experience some indigestion or diarrhea.  Your body will still produce bile, so you can still digest fats, but with your gall bladder gone, there won't be a storehouse of bile in reserve.  Some people are more sensitive to consumed fats after the surgery than others, and some people have an intolerance for fatty food that subsides over time; by trial-and-error after the surgery, you'll figure out what your body can tolerate.  

[Red07]

Hi Flip,

I've had mine taken out as well.  I had gal stones pretty bad.  They said one was as big around as a 50 cent piece.  The Dr. actually told my wife that he had to make the incision larger because he couldn't pull it out through the original slit. :D

That being said, my bowel habits went to hell.  I went from usually going one time per day (pre surgery), to as many as 8-10 times per day. (Post surgery).  Lots of diarrhea, and when I had to go, I had to go right friggin now!  My body just couldn't adjust.  My Dr. said about 1 in 20 end up like me.  My body had a hard time re-adjusting to no gal bladder.  It made no difference at all what I ate, though certain things made it even worse.

I have gotten much better over the last 3 years since my surgery, almost back to normal.

Good luck

Randy

[Scott DeRoss]

Hi Flip,

I've had mine taken out as well.  I had gal stones pretty bad.  They said one was as big around as a 50 cent piece.  The Dr. actually told my wife that he had to make the incision larger because he couldn't pull it out through the original slit. :D

That being said, my bowel habits went to hell.  I went from usually going one time per day (pre surgery), to as many as 8-10 times per day. (Post surgery).  Lots of diarrhea, and when I had to go, I had to go right friggin now!  My body just couldn't adjust.  My Dr. said about 1 in 20 end up like me.  My body had a hard time re-adjusting to no gal bladder.  It made no difference at all what I ate, though certain things made it even worse.

I have gotten much better over the last 3 years since my surgery, almost back to normal.


Good luck

Randy

Mine was removed 10 years ago and I am one of those that needed a toilet right after surgery asap! after 10 years I still need a toilet within 15 minutes after the initial warning! (gas) and things for me really has not gotten that much better.

[rodekyll]

I with other here, doctors are in business to make money.

OK, that may be the most offensive post of the week.


[snip]

Then he's working at his pay grade.  Don't take him seriously until he grasps the concept of verbs.   :D   ::)

[jhrodd]

I had mine out last month. Thought about waiting a year 'till I would be on Medicare since we have a high deductible HSA but I'm glad I didn't wait. Apparently it was quite inflamed and full of stones. The ER visit in Feb. just about used up my $4000 deductible anyway. Walked into to the Surgery Center at 9:00 am and walked out about 11:30. An hour later I was eating Ziti and meatballs and closing a real estate deal. My GI tract has never worked better. Don't wait.

[Red07]

Mine was removed 10 years ago and I am one of those that needed a toilet right after surgery asap! after 10 years I still need a toilet within 15 minutes after the initial warning! (gas) and things for me really has not gotten that much better.

Sorry to hear that Scott.  It is a miserable problem to deal with.  Makes it hard to go out to eat with family, or family/holiday get-togethers.  The Dr. Had me try some medicine/powder mix that seemed to help, and he also recommended my first colonoscopy to make sure something else wasn't going on.  I consider myself fortunate my situation has improved.

Randy

[flip]

Well, my gall bladder was removed Monday. I felt pretty good that afternoon. I was up and walking around the house. The pain wasn't bad. Maybe a little worse than your ribs/abs feel after a bad cold with lots of coughing.

Last night started getting a bit worse and it hurts like hell today. It kinda feels like somebody stabbed me in the stomach!  ;D Tomorrow should be better.

I haven't had the bloating that I've been warned of, not that I'm complaining about it. I do think I'm having that common side effect from the pain meds. That's gonna hurt when...sorry, too much information.

My discharge papers mentioned that I can't lift more than 25 lbs. for the next 6 weeks. I asked the nurse about that and she said I would be at risk for a hernia. I hadn't thought about it but that seems logical. I wish my surgeon had mentioned that when I met with him. I told him what I do for a living(which can require some heavy lifting) and I asked how long I would be out of work. He told me 1 week and then I could go back to work. That is what I told my boss and what he then planned for. Looks like I have to ask very specific questions as to what I can do when I have my follow up doctor visit.

My wife, daughter and I are supposed go on a flight in a few weeks. My wife wasn't pleased when I told her that she or Emily may have to take care of my luggage because it may be too heavy for me. That should look funny since I'm almost 3 times the size of my wife.

[mtiberio]

my wife had it done last year. do not wait, do not go for quack cures. let them take it out.