gallbladder surgery

[ROXYBOARD15]

I had mine done at Calvert. The doc was worried he would have to do the big incision's because I had so many stones and my duct was blocked but I ended up with the little incisions- they said it was close.

I went in at 6 in the morning for pre-op and was home by 3 pm. I was in recovery a little longer than normal b/c I had an allergic reaction to the topical iodine. Other than that... it was minor.

[Lilypad]

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal does not require the abdominal muscles to be cut, resulting in less pain, quicker healing, improved cosmetic results, and fewer complications such as infection and adhesions. Most patients can be discharged on the same or following day as the surgery, and can return to any type of occupation in about a week.

Sometimes it is not possible to remove the gallbladder using a laparoscope. In this case, the surgery will be changed to an open gallbladder removal. Other reasons for this surgery may be:bleeding problems, lung disease, obesity, pancreatitis, pregnancy (3rd trimester), severe liver problems
or the patient has had many surgeries in this part of their belly in the past.

I had my gallbladder removed a number of years via laparoscopically; I was up and at 'em in 4 full days. Good luck to your friend.

[Radiant1]

One thing I have observed with myself and many others through transcribing medical reports, reflux seems to be a common and chronic occurance afterward. More or less a side-effect of having no gallbladder.

[somdfunguy]

Originally Posted by Radiant1

One thing I have observed with myself and many others through transcribing medical reports, reflux seems to be a common and chronic occurance afterward. More or less a side-effect of having no gallbladder.

Ugh

[Radiant1]

Originally Posted by somdfunguy

Ugh

It gets a little better once your body adjusts. I've learned to manage mine. No OJ on an empty stomach. Soda over ice instead of out of a can or bottle. No chocolate after a full meal. Things like that. Better than avoiding fatty foods to the T to avoid a gallbladder attack.

[homedepot20]

Originally Posted by somdfunguy

Who has had to deal with this themselves or someone else close. What is recovery time, pain level after, unexpected benefits or pitfalls?

7 to 10 days recovery time for me . Had pain attacks 3 hours after, twice then none . MAIN pitfall is you GAIN weight from having no gall bladder to break down fatty foods

[Moved_south]

The momma had hers out last year. Surgery and recovery were not bad at all. She found it helpful to keep a food diary after as far as what kinds of foods set her stomach off. She did have a period of time where she had a lot of nausea after the surgery. Even water made her want to vomit. Anti nausea meds helped. She is doing great now. Wish your friend the best.

[BadGirl (Premo)]

Originally Posted by somdfunguy

Luckily it is not me who needs it but unlucky it is someone close.