Anyone had gall bladder removed???

[Jenn (and Bill)]

You guys can move this to Health if you want but I wanted as many people to see as possible. I'm having my gall bladder removed (laproscopically - sp?) at the end of the month and I'm wondering if anyone's been through this.

My mother wants to come take care of me (though my husband would clearly do a better job and would be saner without her) and i'm not sure how long she should stay. I was hoping to have surgery on Friday and be back to work on Tuesday but my aunt says I won't be on my feet for over a week.

Anybody else that can share experiences? I'd be grateful.

[fastlayne224]

I had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago. I had surgery Friday morning, out of the hospital by 1 p.m., went to Kroger to do a little grocery shopping and to get GasX (the gas is by far the worst of the pain, it seemed to settle under my shoulder blades). I was able to go back to work on Monday. I do highly recommend NOT lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for well over a week. I lifted DD who was about 4 at the time and tore a couple stitches loose. I missed 2 days work from that. Hope that helps, if you have any questions, just let me know!

[Katy]

I had mine removed laparoscopically about 1.5 years ago now. I was really only "out of it" for that first day or so. In fact, I think Richard went back to work my second day. Wait, hold on, I forgot, I was in the hospital for two days post surgery (again, mine was an emergency). So I'd say count on your hubby or you mom staying HOME with you for 3 maybe 4 days max - all depending on your pain tolerance and how much you want to be taken care of. I was not myself, and pain free until about a week (not counting twinges when I moved, stretched or when the dog jumped on me - but that's mostly do to the scarring/healing), but I could bathe and feed myself after those first couple days.

[daydreamer]

I had mine out last September. Since I had mine removed on a tuesday, I opted not to go back to work until monday. I didn't have any pain but I was uncomfortable (due to gas). On wednesday, I couldn't bend. It was difficult getting in & out of the bed & chair. I felt like the goodyear blimp. On thurs, alot of the pressure was gone, but then I was sore. On friday, I probably could have gone back to work but my incisions were sensitive to the waistbands of my clothing. Monday, I went to work. For me, it was a very easy recovery. Good luck.
You're love having that thing gone.

[colleenjoy]

i had mine out on fri and was back to work on the next tues. i pushed myself too much though. i wasn't "back up to speed" at work until probably a couple of weeks. It really depends on what you do. For that job I was on my feet all day running around. If you sit at a desk/have a less physical job you should be fine after a couple of days.

my mom came to help me and we ended up going out shopping the day after surgery. I was tired/sore, but nothing was going to keep me from the sales :D

I would plan on having someone with you for a coule of days, but how much you'll actually need them will be variable.

just remember pain meds are your friend :p . i'd wait till i had pain to take meds. big mistake... you will have pain in the firist couple of days after, just make sure you take your meds on the schedule your doc tells you. i wish i had.

Colleen

[KristyK]

I had mine out several years ago. I remember the process of healing for me was slow. But then, I should have had mine out weeks before they did it since I was passing so many huge stones it was stretching the ducts out that pass the fluids. I think that might have something to do with my recovery. I spent one night in the hospital, because they ended up with an emergency car wreck, and they couldn't get to me until about 5pm the night I was originally scheduled to have at 8am. I spent the first 2 nights sleeping in the recliner, with my DH sleeping next to me on the couch (he was so sweet then! :D ). I think I got back into my bed on the 3rd night, but it was hard. I've never been a medicine taker (at least back then I wasn't) and so I hated taking the pain pills too, but I did, and they helped with the pain, but not the stiffness and soreness. Good luck, only you'll know how your body is going to function, and everyone heals differently.

[Southlooper]

DH had is gallbladder removed laprascopicaly (sp?) 3 years ago. He was admitted into the hospital on a Tuesday, had the surgery on Wednesday, discharged on Thursday and was back to work the following Monday.

He had a great surgeon and no complications. He couldn't do any lifting for about a month (he got a roller bag for his laptop/work stuff) and aside from not being able to digest greasy food he is doing well.

[angelraven]

It totally depends on the person. I was really sick when I got mine out, so my recovery took a long time. It was about two weeks before the pain subsided enough to where I felt noticeably better. However, it took almost a month before my energy level was back up.

Sleeping is a tough one, as a pp said. I slept propped up on the couch for days. When I did get in bed finally, I could only sleep on my back, which I hate.

Some tips:
1. GaxX is a great idea. It also settled in my shoulder blade and hurt!
2. Stay away from fatty foods for a while.
3. Hot compresses feel wonderful.
4. Take it slow, you don't want to risk pulling anything.
5. Loose-fitting pants, ie track pants with elastic, feel the best on your tummy.

Good luck. You'll be so glad you did this. Other than the pain from the surgery, I felt SO much better.

[Ohana]

I had mine removed about 5 years ago.

My case is a bit extreme, but I had surgery on a Friday, was discharged on Saturday, and did not go back to work until Tuesday, 10 days post op. I still think I pushed myself too hard and went back to work too soon.

However, I had a reaction to one of the medications they gave me, which is why I refused to be discharged Friday afternoon.

My mom and dad both came out for the surgery and stayed from Thursday night to Tuesday morning. I wish they would have stayed longer, because it took me so long to feel myself again. DH (who was BF at the time) took great care of me, but my mom in particular was fantastic about cooking low fat/no fat food for me, cleaning my house, and fielding the billion phone calls I got.

It was a good 6 weeks before I was back to 100%.

My mom, on the other hand, had her gallbladder removed a few years ago. She was released from the hospital a few hours after surgery and was cooking a thank you lunch for all the folks who took care of her the next day. So there's really no way to know how you'll react to the surgery, or how your recovery will be.

[Katy]

About sleeping...I found it best to sleep with pillows around me. I tend to be a stomach sleeper, so the pillows kept me from rolling over (and kept the dog & cat away), but still made it comfortable. I think sleeping was difficult for nearly a month, but I must just be remembering it that way because I used the pillows to keep the dog & cat away for quite a while.

My only noticable difference now, post-op, is that I can't seem to tolerate things made from a syrup - so flavored sodas, soda fountain sodas, coffee drinks, etc., go RIGHT through me and I'll be in the bathroom within minutes of drinking something.

I react to some foods the same way, but nothing that really jumps out to me. It's funny, I've learned to drink water or iced tea when I'm out in a restaurant, especially if I'm not heading straight home and I've learned that small coffee drinks are fine (just a little discomfort), whereas med/large drinks kill me!

[Jenn (and Bill)]

It's so interesting to see the wide variety of responses. They don't really tell you what to expect. I do have a desk job and they're really cool so if I can't do something, I just wouldn't. My aunt teaches children with special needs so perhaps that's why it was harder for her? Plus, she's in even worse shape than me (if that's possible).

So if anyone has more thoughts or suggestions or opinions, I'm totally open to them. And I'd just like to say: isn't it great that there's a forum like this where you can ask these questions!!!

[polkadot]

Bump Bump Bump.....

I just had the surgery last Friday they did a lap not the real incision. Tomorrow will be a week from the surgery. I am still feeling like crap...not so much the pain or even the gas but i am miserable. I cant eat anything without it going straight through me. Everytime I try to leave the house I have to come back within 45- hour b/c i am exhausted or i need to use the bathroom AGAIN....what did yall do to pass the time till you felt normal again....I still have my little seri strips on over the incisions....anyone know when I can take those off? Or at least soak in the bath tub...i am soooo missing that...

Also, what kinda things did you eat...i am at a lost....thanks...:o :o

[maplekitty]

Don't worry, I was bed-ridden for a good week after my surgery, and then had much pain wlaking for the next wek after that - and I know people who bounced up out of bed a few days later. It's all how your body decides to heal. Just take it easy and listen to what your body needs, if it's rest, then sit down!

Thankfully I havnt had any real food issues since, but I know a friend who, after 4 years, still cannot eat chinese food or anything overly greasy because once the food is in her tummy, it's out two seconds later! (poor her, she misses chinese food!)
I do notice that my bowels are very regular, and quick after most meal (even for me, 6 years later!) I've never had constipation once since having my gallbladder out!

It takes some getting used to, but it just becomes part of life to always have to excuse yourself to the bathroom after eating.

[polkadot]

thanks ....you made me feel better...i knew there had to be more people here with my problem....and oh I hope i can eat chinese food...i love it...

thanks again...:D

[charliezangel]

i was completely exausted for about 2 weeks after my surgery. I couldn't even walk to the bathroom w/o breathing heavy. I just had no energy. After the second week, it started to come back and i felt completely normal by the end of the third week. I had to eat very slow for a while. The first week i lived on matzo ball soup from too jays. it was the only thing that did not make ne nauseas. SAince the surgery, i have had to cut out all dairy products from my diet. I was lactose intolerant before, but now, milk goes right through me. Now we have only soy milk in the house and i eat ice cream and cheeses very rarely, and if i do, i'm paying for it about 2 hours later.

As far as the steri strips, they didn't want me to get them wet for 2 days. I took a shower on the third day after my surgery, and the steri strips started to peel off a bit. The dr said it was fine if they fell off on their own, so i pulled them the rest of the way off after a week because they were just hanging, they weren't really doing anything productive. However, i do NOT suggest doing that, and i know now it was a bad idea. When i went to pull the ones on my belly button off, i was very careful, but the strip caught the top part of the incision and completely opened up. I was in pain and it started bleeding. DH had to clean it off anf put a butterfly bandage and a huge bandaide over my belly button. Now, the scar is a lot wider than it should have been because the skin grew back together weird. So i would say, unless they fall off on their own, leave them on until your post-op appt with the dr.

[SpelKen]

I heard that I'd lose weight after the surgery. Did anyone find this to be true?

I'm concerned about scheduling it because I'm in a wedding near then and I want the dress to fit. Otherwise, I might just wait til after the wedding.

[salysaturn]

I was scheduled to have it removed by laperiscope, on a Friday, but since I had previous surgeries, there was too much scar tissue, and ended up in surgery for about 4 hours, spent 10 days in the hospital, and that was 10 years ago.

OTH, many people at work had it done by laperscope were in and out :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

I had mine removed 12 years ago by laproscope. I had the surgery Tuesday, released Wed and shopping Friday (all be it with my hand on my stomach from the jiggle) The day I was released the doctor said that I could get a shower immediately, just to leave the strips on, but could take the band-aids off (that got me light headed) I was allowed to take the strips off about 5 days after surgery. I only took 1 pain pill following surgery, they said could cause nausea and I sure didn't need to be sick that way, when my stomach hurt. Keep a pillow handy for if you sneeze, press it to your stomach to reduce jiggle. I wore a satin bathrobe so that helped me move easier in bed.

I can eat anything I want, nothing runs through at all. I did loss some weight after I had the surgery, my appetite was just gone and you can't eat anything with fats in it for about 2 weeks.

[polkadot]

wow...this is so much info...I am a week out of surgery. I can eat some things but i am kinda scared to try a lot of things truthfully. I am not sure about the weight loss...I'll let you know when I go back to the doctor for my 2 week checkup...i dont own a scale and for good reason ;)

[bunny nose]

I am having my gall bladder removed 2 weeks from tomorrow. I am nervous, but hopefully it will relieve the pain I get from time to time.

I just wanted to ask a couple of questions- Are there foods that they say you should stay away from? Or is it basically what your body can handle? Also- do I need to get Gas X to have in the house before the surgery so its already here?

I'm sure I will think of more, but those are a start.

Thanks girls!!!

[polkadot]

I would get some gas x ....i used it after about 2 days when I was up to eating again...My doctor told me not to stay away from specific foods...he said to eat what I like and that my body would let me know if there was a problem...I had my surgery a year ago this week...and there is nothing I cant eat except a Krispy Kreme doughnut...they go directly through me...the only single thing I cant eat...Good luck with your surgery.

[Ericka_Jarett]

bunnynose - since you have 2 weeks yet to go, stay away from things that are very greasy to help to control getting an attack. Once you have the surgery my doctor said to just gradually increase any foods that are greasy just for my own comfort. I was told that I could eat anything I wanted and I can eat everyting. I had my surgery about 13 yrs ago now. I didn't have Gas-X, after 2 days of resting I was up and about at the mall, granted I had a hand on my stomach but I was out.

[Boomer]

bunnynose - I had mine out laproscoptically about 8 weeks ago. I had it out on a Monday and was out 2 weeks. I probably could have gone back at 1 week but my Dr. wanted me out 2. Honestly, I am glad I listened to her as I was still tired and sore when I went back at 2 weeks. I can pretty much eat anything now although I have to admit I'm scared to try the chinese hot and sour soup that I think triggered my attack :)

Sleeping was hard as I had to sleep on my back as others noted. My Dr prescribed me some sleeping pills. I'm not big on pills, and have a pretty high pain threshold, but these really help with staying asleep at night for the first couple of days.

I ate pretty light/bland the first couple of weeks and my 'system' did not really get back to normal until about a week ago. I did not have the gas issues other did but prior to surgery I had major shoulder pain for about a year (is a sympton of gallbladder problems believe it or not something about the nerves tied to your diaphram and gallbladder are tied to your shoulder) and that pain went away immediately!

Good luck. All in all, it was a pretty easy surgery for me.

[BTB]

I had my gallbladder removed (emergently, not electively) via the laparoscopic technique on Thanksgiving Eve and hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house on Saturday without much trouble. I was easily back at work on Monday. I never took Gas-X and eat whatever I want now (not true before the cholecystectomy!) It is really a minor operation and the majority of folks are back to normal in a week or less. Good luck!

[smellycatsgirl]

I had my gallbladder removed in 2004. I have to watch what I eat and find that anything greasy/too much fat, tomatoes, and onions now cause me problems. I still have to take Gas-X from time to time and take Nexium, as well.

[bunny nose]

Thanks for all the advice girls. I really appreciate it! I guess I will hold off on buying the Gas-x for now. There are two drug stores within walking distance, so I can send DH if I need.

I guess I will see how it goes after the surgery to see about food. It will frustrating to see what I can and can't keep in. But it is all for the better I know that!

I will be having it done by lap. I am concerned about afterwards because my doc saod no heavy lifting for 6 weeks. I have a 15 month old. Luckily he is a walker already for almost 7 months, but I still have to carry him and pick him up from time to time. Its going to be hard. He doesn't understand why I won't be able to.

Thanks again for all the advice. I'll let you know how it goes when its all over.

[rileyandfredsmom]

In Lap surgery, the surgeon fills you up like a balloon with air so they can move around in you to remove/fix whatever the problem is.....this is the worst part of the entire surgery. When I have Lap surgery, the air always seems to settle in my back and is VERY uncomfortable. The very best way to work the air out of you is to WALK AND WALK, this is the only thing I have found that helps. Also, it will help with your healing. If you lay around and complain that it hurts too much to walk, you will just prolong your suffering....trust me, I've had several lap surgeries and this is the only way to get rid of the air.

I had my gallbladder out 2 years ago on a Thursday, was out shopping on Saturday, back at work on Monday and flew out Tuesday for a site visit for 3 days in Las Vegas. I was a little more tired than normal but had no problems keeping up.

Of course, my surgeon that did my surgery also had done my gastric bypass 6 months earlier and told me that this was a piece of cake compared to that, he was soooo right....so my frame of reference may be off just a bit!

[smellycatsgirl]

rileyandfredsmom - Wow. :eek: I wish I could have been back on my feet that quickly. I was out of commission for about four weeks after mine due to complications.

[Ericka_Jarett]

rileyandfredsmom - that sounds like me. I had surgery on Tuesday, released Wed, rested Thursday and out shopping on Friday. (driving at that) I was sore but felt pretty good otherwise. I went back to work on Monday (I was a nanny to 4 so I was able to relax most of the day, the baby was only 6 months old at the time with the oldest being 4 yrs old)

[rileyandfredsmom]

smellycatsgirl....I was lucky and didn't have any complications. Any time there are complications after a surgery your healing time will be increased. After one of my surgeries, I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic and man, oh man, that was intense!

I'm not trying to sound rude or anything but your physical fitness level will have ALOT to do with how well you recover. When I was obese, it would take me twice as long to feel better after a procedure, now that I am a normal weight and pretty physically fit, I recover sooo much faster, it's amazing.

[smellycatsgirl]

rileyandfredsmom - You're not rude. :) I mainly had problems with vomiting bile up afterward and some esophogus burn after the whole thing due to acid reflux. Funny thing is, that I was actually skinnier back then. It was before I was Dx with PCOS and things got out of hand.

[bunny nose]

Thanks for the added info girls. Its all very helpful!

rileyandfredsmom- I didn't know they blew up your stomach when you had a lap. Thanks for telling me that. I am so glad to know what to expect when I get there. And thanks for the advice on the walking. I will do as much as I can. I never would've thought that was a good thing to do.

[orchid]

I think I might possibly have to have gallbladder surgery soon. I am having stomach pains along with tons of gas and ingigestion for the past few months and it is worse this week .. and have a fmaily history of gall stones. I went to the dr yesterday and tomorrow have an ultrasound.
If they find gall stones - will they rush me to emergency surgery, or do tehy schedule it for a few weeks later? It seems like some of you knew weeks in advance of the surgery. What reasons would they rush me in right away?

[Ericka_Jarett]

orchid - sorry to hear about the pain. They will probably check with the u/s to see just how bad the stone is stuck and the condition of your gall bladder.

With me I had my attack at Christmastime and they said at that time if I had pain again, I would need to have surgery ASAP. My stone was lodged in place, it was not going up or down. Only reason they didn't do surgery right away was Christmas was 2 days away and honestly told me I could go to the hospital and wait for surgery until after Christmas, as most surgeons were on vacation and it would have ruined my holiday to be stuck for a few days in the hospital.

I fasted and waited out the pain and didn't end up having another attack until early February. I knew I was going to have to have surgery as I was tripled over in pain and couldn't stop vomiting, plus they told me I would have to have surgery ASAP if I had another attack. When they went in and got it out the surgeon came in and said it was very irritated and definitely needed to be out right then.

My dad they didn't even realize he needed his out until 2 weeks before he passed away. His was rotting inside and actually going toxic to his body.

[Emilie]

I am 33 weeks pregnant and currently in the hospital because of a gallbladder attack. I was checked in on Saturday morning after the second attack in a week. I don't have any big stones according to the ultrasound, I have sludge. Apparently, that sludge spilled over/backed up and caused me a ton of pain.

The surgeon who saw me said they would wait until 6-8 weeks after the baby is born but if I was not pregnant, I would have had the surgery already. Since they do it via lap - an 8 month pregnant baby belly would get in the way! :cool:

So I guess I am managing it via diet - has anyone had this type of wait between knowing it would come out and having the actual surgery? Is the diet just low/no-fat or can I have some fat along the way? I really don't want to go the last 7 weeks of pregnancy without ice cream! :eek:

[Boomer]

I had about an 8 week wait due to Dr.'s schedule and a planned vacation. I really just watched what I ate but did not really not eat anything. I had 'sludge' too (that sounds so disgusting doesn't it). The pain in my side got worse but I did not have another attack before surgery. The Dr said my gallbladder was worse than she thought so I guess I was lucky.

[bunny nose]

I had my gall bladder removed Friday. I am still in some pain but getting around OK. I tire easily, but all seems to be ok.

I waited to have mine done for a few reasons. I needed to have it on a Friday since DH is off on Fridays and last weekend we had plans. So this past Friday was the day. But if I had had another really bad attack before that we were told to head to ER right away and I would have been done then.

I took motrin when I had an attack and it seemed to work really well. But being that you are pg, I think Tylenol is better for you. As far as what to eat. I don't think food had anything to do with my attacks. My surgeon asked if I noticed I would have attacks after eating fatty, greasy food. I told to look at me, "I always eat fatty greasy foods." Its the truth, I am overweight and don't really watch what I eat. I'm not proud of it, but it happens. Watching what you eat may have not have an effect with the gall bladder. PG hormones trigger it. There is nothing you can do about that.

Just try to hang in there. Its hard having to deal with this so far into your pregnancy, but you'll get through it!!!!

Let us know how it goes!!!

[Ericka_Jarett]

For me the dr said to just try to reduce the amount of fat in the diet and that would help with the attacks. The night before I had my major attack I had stuffed cabbage, the hospital said that the stuffed cabbage is what caused it to come back so severe.

Another person I know noticed with certain foods she would have an attack come on. I believe she finally had her surgery.

Could be everyone is different in what causes their attacks, mine came on from a certain food though.

[Emilie]

Anyone have any ideas what the parameters are as far as how much fat I can have a day? I mean I could eat only no fat foods but that would seriously suck and cannot be healthy. I just went grocery shopping and I had no real idea if it really makes a huge difference if the bread I have is 1 gram of fat versus 2.

I have a message into my nutritionist so hopefully she can answer too but I figured I would ask here too.

[Ericka_Jarett]

sorry Emilie, no idea how much fat you could have. I don't think the bread makes a difference honestly in the fat count.

The Counterattack - A Low Fat Diet

Although cholesterol is most commonly known to cause heart disease, it has been found that the bile of obese people is super-saturated with cholesterol, leading to the growth of gallstones and predisposing them to gall bladder illness. Diabetes and low-functioning thyroid have also been found to cause the formation of gallstones. The latest research points to a link between excessive and sudden weight loss and the onset of symptoms.

So what should be YOUR major counterattack in dealing with gall bladder disease?

* Avoid fatty or fried foods and red meat. On salads, substitute commercial dressings with vinegar - and olive oil - a 'good' fat.
* Instead of large meals, eat small amounts of food during the day, and especially avoid any large meals at bedtime.
* Avoid carbonated drinks, which can trigger the movement of the stones causing even more pain.
* Don't go on binge and purge diets. Slow, steady weight loss—or maintaining a healthy body mass index to begin with—is the best news for every organ in your body... including your gall bladder!

Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements

* Many experts recommend that you start with a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.
* Vitamin E - best known as a general healer and aid in circulation. (If you are currently taking an anticoagulant you should not take vitamin E.)
* Fish Oil Capsules - Omega 3 oils are known to block cholesterol formation in bile.

From the Kitchen Cabinet

* Tumeric - enhances the flow of bile.
* Ginger - aids in digestion of fats.
* Eat more fiber! - in the form of vegetables, fruit and grains, but be mindful of of beans, oranges, onions, corn and nuts - which may initiate an attack in some people with allergies to these foods.

from: http://www.chiff.com/a/gallbladder-diet.htm

[Emilie]

Thanks Erica!

I spoke to the nutritionist at the hospital and she wants me to stay between 40 and 60 grams of fat a day so about 15 grams a meal plus a few snacks - WAY more than I thought I could have. The reason it is so high even on a "low fat" diet is because they do not want me to lose any weight while I am still pregnant. I lost 4 lbs in the hospital because I was on a clear liquid diet for 2 full days.

That kind of limit makes eating much easier that I had anticipated - really I just need to avoid fast food and fried things and I should be okay. Of course, if I have any problems I am supposed to dial that down. I had about 10 grams last night at dinner and had no problems so that was a huge relief!

[BTB]

So I guess I am managing it via diet - has anyone had this type of wait between knowing it would come out and having the actual surgery?

I went 14 months between my first attack and having it out - but I don't recommend that. For me, it was eggs that would kill me every time. Sometimes, fatty foods were a problem, other times they were okay, with no rhyme or reason. And when I say "fatty", I mean like cheesecake. :cool:

[bunny nose]

My problem was that I had no idea what would bring it on. I wish I knew so I would have been able to control my diet and hopefully have no attacks until surgery. My mom's attacks were brought on by her period. 2 days before AF she would have an attack until her bladder came out.

[eb23sheree]

Hi everyone,

I'm supposed to have my gall bladder removed next Wednesday. Needless to say I've been putting it off because I've read so many scary things about the after affects, like weight gain and chronic diahrea, which is my worst nightmare!

I just had a baby 3 months ago and have lost over 50 lbs since then. I'll be sooooooo upset if this causes me bloating and weight gain. As of now, I've never felt healthier except for the occasional attack which is usually from high fat or oils. I've had 4 attacks in the last 4 months.

Please for those of you who have had this done, can you tell me that you're doing okay now and eating normally? do you have to run to the bathroom after going out to eat? Did you gain weight afterwards?

[eb23sheree]

Hi ladies,

I've been losing sleep lately because I'm going to have my gall bladder removed this coming Wednesday. I've had several attacks over the last few months since having my baby in August. After the ultrasound showed that I have "multiple stones" and I've had BAD symptoms of uncontrollable pain the surgeon recommended removal.

The nurse told me I won't be able to breastfeed my baby for 2-3 days!! That's scaring me because I only have enough milk pumped for a little over a day and I don't want this to interfere with continuing to breastfeed.

I'm just soooooooooo scared because I've read of people having chronic diahhrea lasting sometimes for years afterwards, or people running to the restroom after going out to eat, or people having excessive weight gain that was not able to be controlled by diet and excercise.

Have any of you had your gall bladders removed? I'm so nervous. I've read about all of the people who have had problems. I just want to know that there are people out there who ended up normal afterwards! I posted this on the health forum too.

[Lizard]

I was just going to post that there was a large thread on this... and here it is. :)

I had my gallbladder out in 2002, I think it was. My story is a little different in that I'd been having digestion issues for YEARS that doctors couldn't pinpoint. I was also have intermittent abdominal pain, one time so bad that it landed me in the ER. After far too many tests it was finally determined that my gallbladder was completely non-functioning. I didn't have gallstones or anything, it just didn't work. I suspect it hadn't worked since I was a child, or maybe ever, because I've had these issues since I was a little kid.

It was removed, and my life has been GREAT. I eat whatever I want, I don't have bowel issues, and I haven't had a single pain since. Previously I would eat something hard to digest, like an apple, and it would literally sit in my stomach for 24 hours and I'd get super bloated and full. Now, nothing!

As far as 2-3 days of not nursing... you might want to get a second opinion on that from an LC. If you don't need pain meds after surgery (I didn't), you might only have to worry about pump & dump for 24 hours. But hopefully someone more knowledgeable on that will be able to help.

[bunny nose]

I had mine out in July. It really wasn't bad at all. I left the hospital 2 hours after waking up and felt great.

I can't help you with the breast feeding, but as for the others- I had none of it. No weight gain, no diahrrea, nothing that you listed. I am so glad I had it removed, no more pain.

The only downside was that I was told no heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Yeah sure- with a 1 1/2 year old running around. I was picking him up about a week later.

Good luck and try not to be too scared.

[eb23sheree]

Thanks so much for responding. Yeah, my infant weighs almost 16 lbs now and my 3 year old is pushing 40 lbs so hopefully they don't define heavy lifting as over 15 lbs!

Its good to hear from someone who hasn't had any of the negative side effects afterwards. I'm really trying to hope for the best.

[eb23sheree]

Thanks! I've read on kellymom that breastfeeding usually can resume shortly after the surgery which is why I wasn't sure why the nurse said 2-3 days for pumping and dumping. I mean no anesthesia stays in you that long! I'm sure too that they can prescribe some safe pain meds because when I had my c-section I was on pain meds and breastfed just fine. I just hope I don't have to have 2-3 days of milk saved up because that's a lot right now with working!

I'm glad that you're felt great since your surgery!

[Southlooper]

DH had GB surgery 5 years ago. He was admitted on a Tuesday, operated on Wednesday evening, discharged Thursday, back to work the following Tuesday. The only times he feels side effects is when he eats fatty foods (the GB processes fats.) He's doing really well and there was minimal scarring.

I'm, sure your baby will be able to tolerate not being breastfed for a couple of days.

Good Luck!

[usafwife]

I haven't personally had my gallbladder removed but I did have a laproscopic surgery last month. I was told no heavy lifting. My son wasn't but around 19 lbs and it was a struggle to lift him up due to the pain and small incisions I had.

My mom had her gallbladder removed several years ago and had no problems. You're always going to come across someone who had a bad recovery or had other problems develop. I came across it before I had my surgery done. I haven't had any problems during my recovery.

[red_canuck]

I had my gallbladder removed when DS was 8 weeks old. The nurse told you was bull for nursing. As soon as you wake up from the anesthetic, you can nurse. Find out exactly what they are giving you, and check it out per Dr. Hale if you have any worries. I had surgery at 5pm on a saturday night, and nursed my son at noon the next day. I would have earlier but Didn't want to have DH bring him to the hospital when I'd be home at noon anyways.

It's really nothing to worry about. The surgery is so easy when they do it laproscopically! I never took any pain meds afterwards, and the relief knowing I wouldn't be having any more attacks was wonderful. I had family stay with me for 5 days afterwards to help with DS, but I was never told about any lifting restrictions. I did alot of his main care.

I would avoid any long-term delay to nursing. My son went through nipple preferrence even with me being gone less than 24 hours. I can't imagine how much more of a struggle it would have been to get him back to the breast if I had waited!! SO please, don't trust the nurse to give you up to date med info - get the med names and look them up in Dr. Hale!! I kno Marisa has a copy and can answer for you, you can also look them up on amazon.com. Dr. Hale's book is called "medication and mother's milk" I believe.

[bluebunny]

I know someone who had GB surgery recently and she said it wasn't a big deal. She had to take it easy for awhile but she recovered pretty quickly (and has two young kids, too!)

I agree that you should double-check to see if your medications would interfere with breastfeeding. IME, most doctors will warn you not to breastfeed when they really have no clue of whether or not the meds will be harmful in breastmilk (better to be safe than sorry, I guess). Dr. Hale's is a good resource.

[eb23sheree]

Thanks everyone!

Hey RedCanuck, I remember you from Wedding Channel! Small world on the interenet isn't it :)

Yeah I couldn't figure out why they said 2-3 days. I mean anesthesia isn't in you for THAT long and usually they can give drugs that will be okay for nursing.

I'm feeling a little better about it now. Thanks ladies :)

[erin16nj]

I had Gall Bladder surgey a year ago May. I was home two hours after waking up. I had no diahhrea ,weight gain, or side effects when I eat. Its so awesome never to have attacks again because they were horrible.
One strange thing that lasted a day or so when I woke up I had bad pain in my neck shoulder area....I took the pain pills for this and they helped. The Dr. said it had something to do with the gas rising in your body.... I wasn't expecting it and it was bad for the first 24 hours. Not lifting my 16 month old was the hardest part!

[BTB]

I had my gallbladder out a year ago - was hospitalized Monday (I had a complicated presentation), had it out Wednesday, went home Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), hosted Thanksgiving dinner for 8 at my house all day Saturday with no problems.

I know they say "minor surgery" is whatever they're doing to the other guy, but really, this operation is unbelievably common. I was back at work Monday, and have had zero problems since - unless you consider it a problem not to have any more gallbladder attacks. :)

DD was a year and a half at the time, and I really didn't lift her for two weeks after the surgery - that's when I was told I could lift her again, and I waited. It was hard, but I didn't want an incisional hernia! I just bent down to hug her and play with her, she crawled in and out of my lap herself for books, and DH carried her if she needed it.

[red_canuck]

*waves* hi eb23sheree! I thought it might be you :) small world!

[rileyandfredsmom]

I had mine out 2 years ago and it was absolutely NOTHING. I was diagnosed on a Monday and had it out on Thursday. I went home about 2 hours after waking up, was on the elliptical machine Saturday morning (albeit slowly) and out shopping that afternoon. Tuesday morning I left for a 3 day site visit in Las Vegas and had no problems keeping up. It was unbelievably easy!

[beachlvr]

I had mine out in June. Better out than in, I say.

I get diarrhea, but only if I have more than 2 slices of pizza. I think it's the greasy cheese. Otherwise, I've been fine. I wasn't allowed to drive for a few days, but I didn't really feel like driving either. I went on vacation a week afte surgery and was fine.

[Pineknot]

I've known two people who have had it out. Both men. One man, late 40s, average health, did perfectly fine. He's not an exerciser and carries a couple of extra pounds. He's not a healthy eater, but he's not bad, either. Average, I suppose.

Other man, late 30s, was all kind of messed up. He's not in good shape and has a very unhealthy, heavy animal products, (dairy, meats, etc) diet. He has bouts of diarrhea from time to time. He has terrible bouts of gas as well. When he was hospitalized for an injury, he had dietary restrictions in the hospital. The first and last time he has ever been healthy, with no side effects from the GB operation. It really seems to have everything to do with the diet.

You'll be fine. Quit worrying! :)

[Mentul77]

I had mine out umm 3.5 years ago? Something like that anyway. I was home the evening of the surgery, I probably could have been home that afternoon but they won't release you until you pee and well I just couldn't! (It has to do with making sure you don't have a UTI or something, I think you are catheterized while you're asleep?). I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back in class on Monday. I don't think I had classes on Friday but that day was needed to relax anyway because I was tired after the surgery.

As far as the digestive problems (running to the bathroom, etc.) after about the first year that gets tons better. Not everyone has a problem with it to begin with but if your attacks were triggered by certain foods you may have difficulty with those same foods at least for a little while until your body learns to digest them again. I still get attacks now, BUT I also have IBS so the combination is probably what sets me off.

The foods that you may have trouble with are fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods high in fiber (especially raw salads!). Those are the foods that your gallbladder helped to digest. Your stomach will learn to process them on its own but it does take time.

I was scared to death going into the surgery but everything went well and the recovery is super easy. Make sure you have some stretchy pants to wear until your belly button heals up, jeans are not comfortable when you have an incision right there.

Also, someone above mentioned the shoulder pain. That can happen because when they are doing the surgery they actually use air to blow up the area they are working in. Some of the air can get trapped in there and will go up toward your shoulder and be painful but within a couple of days all of the air will be gone and you will be fine.

I hope this helps and good luck!

[salysaturn]

I had mine done in 1996, and it was the old fashinoed way because I had too much scar tissue to do it by laperscope. I spent 6 days in the hospital? I know I went in Friday, surgery lasted over 6 hours (they were CONVINCED they could do it by laperscope), then ended up havong a full surgery. I didn't have any of the symptoms you mentioned, and actually did fine after my surgery. I didn't gain weight, I am still about the same size as I then.

[Boomer]

Had mine out in May. Spent the night in the hospital (more my DR than any issues). Went home, no pain meds and was fine in a week. No lingering side effects for me either. Don't worry, it's an easy surgery.

[TracieB]

*bump*

I have been having some serious pain under my right rib cage. It feels like if I could just lift my rib cage and massage under it, it would feel amazing, but alas, that can't be done. ;)

This has been an on and off thing for many years, and I attributed it to side stitches from running. I am finally going to get it checked out because I am in more pain than I ever have been. I've been doing some research and all my symptoms point to gallbladder problems. I haven't been vomiting, but I do get nauseous from time to time. I also don't get pain in my right shoulder, but do in my left. I don't know if that's a symptom or not.

I go to the doctor tomorrow, but for some reason, clamp up when I see doctors. Should I suggest an ultrasound? I tend to downplay my concerns (I'm weird), which bites me in the end. My aunt had her gallbladder out, so I guess I could say there is a family history (??) of gallbladder problems. I just want to know what the pain is; it's driving me crazy!!!

[Boomer]

I never had many of the 'normal' symptoms. Believe it or not what first made me have it checked out was one day I had 102 degree fever and was constantly burping - like all.the.time. After 3 days of it, they finally diagnosed what was wrong with a sonogram/ultrasound. After they diagnosed me, I looked back and I really did have some of the symptoms. No need for detail here :)

But the other one that I had, and had no idea it was related to gallbladder, was the right shoulder pain. I had been having issues with that for about a year and just lived with it attributing it to sitting in front of a computer all day.

Regardless of what it is, you should really have it checked out. Let us know what the Dr say. The surgery really is a piece of cake.

[mrselle]

I never had the classic symptoms either. I would feel very full after eating just half of my meal. My doctor gave me some medicine for heartburn and that worked for a few months, but then that full, uncomfortable feeling kept coming back. This went on for a year before I was finally referred to a gastroentorologist. I had a hydascan (I think that's the name) and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed I had some "sludge" (that's the word the nurse used) in my gallbladder, while the hydascan revealed that my gallbladder was only functioning at 22%, so I had it removed.

The surgery and recovery was pretty easy and quick. I had it removed laparoscopically. I think the surgeon said it took him about 25 minutes from start to finish, plus he did some poking around in there too. He took a look at my bile ducts to make sure they were ok. I stayed in the hospital overnight, but only because my surgery was in the afternoon. I went home the next day feeling fine, but I wasn't able to bend over. I had the surgery on a Tuesday, came home Wednesday morning. My husband worked from home for the remainder of the week. I could have gone back to work a week later, but my doctor recommended that I take two weeks off. It was the first time I'd ever had surgery and I didn't know what to expect so I took the entire two weeks off.

[Boomer]

mrselle - I had 'sludge' too. You would think they could come up with a better term but that is actually what the Drs. call it. Sounds gross :)

[petdoc08]

bump. I have been having attacks that my midwives at 95% sure are being caused by gallstones. I am having an u/s done later today to verify. I am in a panic because my DD is only 3 weeks old and EBF. Plus, I am still dealing with all the normal postpartum crapola. Ugh.

[bunny nose]

UGH! So sorry you are having these pains so soon after having the baby. Mine didn't start until 7 months PP. But the recovery is really quick and no more pain from it is awesome. I didn't BF so can't help you with that. I only needed pain meds for a day or two. Maybe you can pump a good supply and freeze before you would have surgery. Not really sure how all that goes, so I know I'm not much help there. But good luck- hope it all goes well!