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I Had My Gallbladder Removed

New Member Need Help With Questions - Having Surgery Next Week!

By: deban22
Written on May 18th, 2010

I won't go through all the phases I've had with my gallbladder, but I did realize it had a problem in February.  It took about another month to get in for tesst and go through several idiot Drs who knew less abaout it than I. (I'm a determined reader of medical articles and research on every problem I have).  Finally they admitted I have many stones.  Yesterday I finally saw a Dr who seems very intelligent and experienced, and I almost hugged him in joy.  He cancelled the surgery they had pushed forward to three months away, and now is going to do it next week since I have constant pain and am afraid of a rupture and/or infection.

 

So I will see him again tomorrow and get some test results,but I have other questions some of you may answer even better, since he's a  busy surgeon and doesn't give me a lot of time. If you know the answer to any of these questions, please write back:

 

1.  Since I had laporoscopic surgery (major) already two years ago in my stomach, and there were 5 incisions for that surgery, will they likely do my gallbladder with an open surgery?

2. If I get laporoscopic surgery, how long will the surgery last?

3. Wil I be put on a special diet? Liquids?  I know it will be no fat,  but it's very hard to avoid it when you eat out!

4. How soon can I go swimming?

 

5.  Have you experienced problems with diarrhea after the surgery?  DId you get meds for it?  When/How do you deal with that?

By: deban22
Age: 61-65
971 people have read this story

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3 responses
  • neverbroken21
    neverbroken21

    I just had this surgery 3 days ago and I am sore but feeling pretty well. My surgery itself only lasted 35 min and I was home in 6 hrs. It was not nearly as bad as I thought. The first day I was all liquid however the second night I had a small steak dinner in celebration. I have been having trouble using the restroom so far, but no problems with diarrhea. It takes a while for your digestive system to wake back up from the anesthesia. Idk if any of that helps but good luck. It will be much easier than you think.

    May 20, 2012
    1 like
  • JD01
    JD01

    Hello,

    I just had my gallbladder removed last Wednesday (laparoscopic cholecystectomy).

    Have they done a sonogram to confirm the stones???



    Here are some answers to your questions:



    1. Since I had laporoscopic surgery (major) already two years ago in my stomach, and there were 5 incisions for that surgery, will they likely do my gallbladder with an open surgery?

    NOT SURE OF THIS ANSWER BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LAPARSCOPIC



    2. If I get laporoscopic surgery, how long will the surgery last?

    THEY SAY 45 MINUTES IS THE AVERAGE. BUT WITH ALL OF THE PRE AND POST OPERATIVE PROCEDURES, IT TOOK ME 4 HOURS BEFORE I WAS RETURNED TO MY HOSPITAL ROOM.



    3. Wil I be put on a special diet? Liquids? I know it will be no fat, but it's very hard to avoid it when you eat out!

    YOU WILL BE ON A LIQUID DIET FOR THE FIRST DAY, AFTER THAT - SOFT MECHANICAL FOODS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS. I HAVE CONTINUED TO EAT SOFT FOR THE SAKE OF MY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM! THERE IS NO SPECIFIC DIET. I THINK YOU WILL NEED TO EXPERIMENT AND SEE WHAT EFFECTS YOU PERSONALLY AFTER THAT.



    4. How soon can I go swimming?

    I WOULD THINK 2 -4 WEEKS. THEY SAY 4 WEEKS TO RETURN TO SPORT ACTIVITIES.



    5. Have you experienced problems with diarrhea after the surgery? DId you get meds for it? When/How do you deal with that?

    I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE MY SURGERY. EVEN WITH TAKING A MILD LAXATIVE DAILY, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY RUSH-TO-THE-BATHROOM EXPERIENCES. IT DID HOWEVER TAKE A FEW DAYS TO HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT POST OP.



    Hope this helps!

    Nov 11, 2010
    1 like
  • Suzie0156
    Suzie0156

    Hi



    Just read your story and wondering how you are doing? I hope all is well with you. I had mine removed 18 days ago and am doing ok but I am scared and nervous and have read far too many horror stories. I am hoping to connect with people who have had positive experiences. Would love to hear how you are doing and maybe you can calm me down. lol



    Blessings!



    Suzie

    Oct 19, 2010
    1 like