i was just wondering if anyone has recently had gall bladder surgery.  what was the recovery like.  can you go back to eating normal again, how long after?  thank you
202444
I had gall bladder surgery 3 years ago. They did it laporscopically which means they went through my belly button and mad 3 small incisions in my stomach. Since it is in the stomach region, they do consider it major surgery, however, after having it I really don't think it is that bad. I stayed in the hospital overnight and then went home the next day. I did have a little pain at the hospital in my back and shoulders because when they pump your abdomen when air so they can work easily around the organs, it leaves tiny air bubbles inside you when they take the air out, so that was uncomfortable but I didn't feel it anymore after 2 or 3 days. My abdomen was really sore and when I walked around it would have a few sharp pains if it jiggled or something but I had some pretty good medicenes that helped me out. The recovery was pretty easy acctually. After a week I was doing really well. I still had pain but not as bad at all. I could start doing things at 2 weeks like going places. And I had to stay on a really low fat diet for about 6 weeks because the gall bladder helps digest fat and since I didn't have that anymore, fat runs through me faster and could make me sick. So after 6 weeks, my body was used to this change and could go back to eating reguarly. Not to say that fatty foods are okay to eat even after the 6 week mark because sometimes I get really bad diarea still (after 3 yrs) because my body doesnt have the gall bladder. All in all I am pretty normal still. I don't even notice a change really. I eat a normal diet so everything is fine. Good luck and don't be scared. It goes smoothly and quickly and you'll be fine.
247056
I had this surgery Aug. 2004 and have lost 115 lbs.  I also had United Health care.  I started my search for a doctor in March, did the required siminars for education; had to have an upper GI, a stress test, see a psychiatrist and lots of bloodwork.  So, totally, it took me 5 months to get all of prerequisits done.  Then, I interviewed with the doctor and he did everything he could to discourage me.  I wasn't discouraged but I was anxious.  I think this a psychological thing to see if you REALLY want this surgery.  It took approx another month for his office to get United to pay for my Rouyn-Y and they paid 100% because I met the criteria.  I did not consider the lap-band because alot of the lap-bands become overgrown with tissue and you require another surgery.  Also you have a saline catheter on your stomach where the doc will increase the fluid in your band and this can get infected.  I know alot of docs that have stopped doing this proceedure because of these problems.  If you have any pre-existing conditions such as back pain, high blood pressure or diabetes you have a better chance of getting the surgery.  You have to be at least 100 lbs. overweight.  Also they will want proof that you tried to lose weight in a "normal" fashion for an extended time.  Like, your Weight Watchers notes or menus; or whatever other thing you tried and how successful you were.  it's a pain in the butt getting everything together, I can tell you that.  But it was worth every minute.  The surgery for me was laproscopic; 5 small punctures that healed very quickly; I was walking the next day alone in the hallway and went home the second day.  They will check for leakages (you drink a fluid and get an exray) and I had none.  AFter that, it was a matter of following a clear fluid diet for a few days, graduating to protein drinks for a couple of weeks and then going to "baby food", ground up protiens in small amounts supplemented by protein shakes and alot of water.  There really wasn't much to my surgery; it was very easy for me.  It's not an easy thing to do or maintain as so many people think.  You use it as a tool to teach yourself how to eat properly. You will feel full with 4-5 bites.  Eventually, you will level out.  I did not feel deprived at all of food. Now I can say that it was one of the BEST things I ever did for myself!!!  I'm very happy with my results and with myself.  My diabetes is under control and I no longer have to take insulin.  My 3-month A1C test was 6.6 last time and it's never been that low.  My blood pressure meds were reduced by half.  I had my knee replaced and I'm walking great by not carrying all of that weight around.  it was really tremendous!  check it out thoroughly and satisfy yourself first.  I made myself sick for nothing preparing for the surgery and it was a breeze.  Good Luck and God Bless...:)
583074
just to clear it up...there is a type of gallbladder removal surgery that enlarges the stomach. its called laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. its becoming the most common way to remove one. they make four small incisions instead of one really big one. they inflate your stomach with gas so that they have room to get in there and work. i had mine removed in the end of 2003. i do still have a problem with a bloated stomach but its not constant. it has to do with what i eat or how much (or lack there of). if your stomach is constantly swollen i would definitely go back to the doc. i really don't think that would be a side effect. and when it comes to the stomach/digestive areas, you don't wanna play around. it really could be any number of things. and anyone out there that is dealing with digestive problems since their surgery, take my advice. do something about it. i couldn't find a doc to listen to me about mine until a few months ago. now i'm sitting here with a number of peptic ulcers that were caused by the excess acid that my stomach now has to take on itself. and trust me, this hurts! don't play when it comes to your stomach...go to the doc!!!
133870
Hi,\n\nI understand the agony you are going through. Even, I had hernia and have got operated successfully. It has been three years now and I am perfectly alright. I am running, playing cricket, basketball, workout in gym, swimming and much more than I ever thought during post-operation period.\n\nSo, just get operated. The earlier you get operated, the better it is for you to recuperate. In the post-operation period, just concentrate on a little slow and firm walking stride and make sure pain doesnot hamper your walk for many days. If you experience pain during walking for more than 7 days, then consult your physician.\n\nJust relax, stop lifting weights for atleast 1 or 1.5 yrs and then start off the way you want to. But, in a slow way.\n\nHope my experience would help you gain some confidence to regain back your original senses.\n\nAll the best!!\n\nRegards,\nSubbu
556551
kidney stones can be removed by passing them yourself, or by using ultra-sound to shatter them--yet gallstones in the gall bladder can only be removed by taking out the gall bladder to my knowledge- my wife had it done a few months ago--they do it by laporoscopy- just a small incision near the belly button- not major invasive surgery anymore-- maybe i week recovery- just to rest and catch up- any ??-holler back at me- your friend should be fine -don't worry--today- it's only day surgery-after they wake up from the anesthesia- they send them home--not bad at all-really!! don't worry !!!!
334549
My daughter just had spinal surgery for Scoliosis (March 15th) and she felt the same way.  She cried, started staying in her room, didn't want to eat.  But we kept talking her through it.  I don't know what kind you're having, but if it's the same kind, she's now happier about how she looks, as she kinda looked chubby before-- but it turned out it was her spine pushing things in directions they weren't supposed to go.  She's taller now.  She doesn't hurt as much (she had a severe curve).  She's wearing different clothes because she's proud of herself, some now.  Just remember that if it won't make you better, they wouldn't be wanting to do it.  They only do back surgery if it's warranted.  It also doesn't take as long to heal as it used to, so you will be up and around ASAP.  It's scary, but in the hands of good doctors, you'll be better than before, so look forward to it and keep your chin up.  Talk to your family and ask for a hug when you need one.  If you can't sleep, find out who you can talk to when you need some one on one in the night or maybe even ask your doctor for some meds to help, if possible.  Good luck and blessings!
639588
my mother and sister have both had gastric bypass surgery. in the surgery the dr will remove part (most) of your stomach - so that there is enough left to hold a couple ounces. they also cut the small intestine then attach it to the new stomach pouch. alot of drs are doing the surgery laproscopically so that you don't have to be cut all the way open. this just involves a couple very small incisions. after the surgery, for the first few weeks, they want you to eat just a little bit - we're talking like an ounce of jello - things like that. then you can proceed on to pureed foods - then finally to "normal" foods again. you just can't eat as much as you did prior to the surgery. they also recommend that you eat several small meals a day rather than  a couple large meals. i know with my sister - she found that she couldn't drink very much with her meals because the fluids filled her up so much - so you might have to drink in between meals. but you need to keep your body nourished well - since the stomach is so much smaller - the food doesn't stay in your body as long - and doesn't have as much time to absorb all the nutrients the body needs. drs recommend taking vitamins after the surgery to help with this. if your really considering this - make an appointment with your family physician. once he agrees that this is a good choice for you - he will give you a referral to a surgeon. once you visit with the surgeon and discuss the surgery with them, they most likely will have you go for a psych test(don't worry - this is pretty standard) - they just want to check your emotional state, and make sure that you want the surgery for the right reasons. If you are really serious about losing the weight, this could be a great option - but you have to be completely devoted to the new lifestyle. i wish you all the best and good luck with your decision.
290551
Not a bad idea  for me Olivia sinc e I love to eat.  Have  not heard of anyone  doing that type of  surgery but I imagime that it  would be a  extreme risk to do sucha   thing what with all the HCL acids and stuff.
537119
I have had gallbladder surgery.  I had several problems with mine.  The bloating that you are feeling is most likely caused from the gas that they use to help keep the stomache area inflated while they perform the surgery.  If this is the case, make sure that you do plenty of walking around.  This will help the gas be absorbed into the body and regulate the pressure that was once in the cavaty.  Another possibility is that the swelling and bloating that you are feeling right now if it is not due to the gas is the inflammation of the surgery.  Make sure that you don't over do it and with time it should go away.  However, if you notice that you stomach area is becoming black looking or the blackness that you may already have seems to be spreading consult a dr immediately.  Hopefully this helps to releave some of the tension that you might be experiencing.  Just remember that when in doubt see your doctor.
499748
Dlan - have you had gastric bypass yourself or are you close friends with someone who has had it? It is absolutely NOT ok to have small bites of the fatty goods after the GB surgery because your body can no longer process fats and sugars the way they used to, it can cause you to "dump" - basically being really really sick to your stomach. \n\nJan, how long has it been since you have had your surgery? Also, have you tried joining an online GB support group? I would first suggest sticking to your diet and drinking lots of water (with lemon if you have trouble keeping it down.) Are you doing your protien shakes? If not, that might be a good way to curb your cravings, you can get them in all sorts of flavors too.
131156
I would recommend getting another ultrasound from another doctor.  This same thing happened to my wife when we were in college.  We saw several doctors until finally one thought they saw stones on the ultrasound.  She was scheduled for surgery and when they got in there they found a lot of necrosis around the gall bladder and the gall bladder itself was severely damaged.  I know this sounds weird but the next time you have a bowel movement check your stool and see if there is a mucous like (snot) substance in it.  The gall bladder is used to store bile that is made in the liver.  It is the bile that is released from the gall bladder that allows us to break down fats from our diet.  If the duct is blocked or the gall bladder is working improperly then you will see fat in your stool because your body is unable to break it down and use it for energy.  Hope this helps.
3532
Gall Bladder surgery IS a nessecary thing.  I had mine removed about 6 months ago, as a medical emergency.  My gall bladder contained over 100 stones, and was so full of bile, it almost killed me.  I didn't even think there was anything wrong with me.  One night I started throwing up violently, so I was taken to the ER.  After several tests, it was determined that I had Pancreatitis, caused by my overflowing, and inactive Gall Bladder.  Since I've had it out, I have felt great, and had NO complications.
434070
That's exactly what my gall bladder attack felt like.  I went to the ER and was told I had a kidney stone.  They sent me home and 4 days later when I was still hurting, I asked my husband to rub my back.  When he started mashing on the right side of my back, the pain immediately moved to the front and I was doubled over in pain. I went back to the ER and found out they were going to have to remove my gall bladder laproscopically.  However, because I went so long without treatment, it turns out they had to do open gall bladder surgery.  You didn't say, is the pain more on your right side?  If so, its a big possibility that it is your gall bladder.  I know from experience that the doctors can misdiagnose the problem at first.  If you are still hurting, go back and have them check it. You want to catch it before it becomes too infected and inflamed. Open gall bladder surgery is very painful and you'll want to aviod it if possible.\n\nHope that was of some help to you.   Good Luck and take care!
84299
Weight loss does occur in some people after any surgery, but this is incidental (except after gastric bypass and the like).  Removal of the gall bladder in and of itself has no such intended effect.  One of the common sympotms of a diseased or obstructed gall bladder is a flare up of discomfort after eating fatty foods.  One may argue, that the removal of the GB may actualy allow a person to eat MORE fat!
360831
My father had this surgery after having heart problems caused by the weight. I have done a lot of research on it and have not heard of a clinical link to a post surgical link and would guess it is related to pre surgery health. My cousin who had the surgery has had deteriorarating health since surgery that they thought was heart related only to discover it was caused by severe anemia. Take your vitamins and b-12 as directed and I doubt it was the surgery but look out for other side effects.
638948
I had my two bottom wisdom teeth pulled a while back and if your not in a lot of pain now, its only going to get better. They gave you some Vicodin right? just take that until you feel like you can be OK without them. After like three days you should be able to eat normal food again. If you have any concerns about it, all you have to do is call up your dentist and ask them about it. they will gladly help ya.
367764
I just got mine removed and boy am I sore.  I am not sure about the liver flushing but my surgeon said that the liver is ok without the gallbladder and the tube that connects to it adapts and get a little bigger to release what the gallbladder did so there should not be any problems with having it out.  I will be asking my doctor about this though when I go back for my checkup.  Thanks..