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

[wrbix]

Well, my gall bladder was removed Monday.



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.

Done laparoscopically? - risk of incisional hernia much less. Wonder if your discharge papers and RN's instructions were from the olden days of open cholecystectomies? Give your surgeon a call for clarification.
Glad it went well that you proceeded before that GB  got you into trouble.

[dlapierre]

It was day surgery for me. I had stones and those caused a blockage. To wait was to threaten the pancreas. It was done laproscopically.

My only issue was that the bladder leaked or burst, or something while being removed, so I had to wear a tube that was stuck somewhere in my guts for a couple of weeks to make sure no infection was developing. The tube drained clear fluid, so there was no problem.

Taking out the tube was a sensation and a half. It felt like my scrotum was being pulled through my belly button.

I've been able to eat normally starting shortly after the healing. It's been about 3 years now. No issues.

[jackson]

It's good to hear that all went well.  Had mine removed the same way exactly a year ago with no subsequent difficulties.  I also had gall stones but didn't know it until I had a persistent fever and wound up in the ER.  They didn't put any restrictions on me lifting anything over 20 some-odd pounds for a couple of weeks.  I'm able to eat anything that I ate before with no problems.  You'll be back to your old self in just a few weeks.

[youcanrunnaked]

Glad to hear that it went well. 

[flip]

Thanks guys. I am glad the doctor could do the job with 4 little holes instead of filleting me open!

[twhitaker]

My mother had hers removed about 50 years ago.  IIRC, she was laid up for quite a while. They've come a long way since then.  ;-T