Gallbladder Surgery
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| Thu, 12-02-2004 - 11:08am |
Two months ago I found a lump in my right arm pit. It grew to the size of a lemon. I went to see a surgion, we decided to try antibiotics. It decreased in size and now he wants to take it out, do a biopsy. In the meantime, I had severe abdominal pain and went to the ER. They found I had gallstones, lots of tiny stones. The surgion said the stones were very small and they could pass to me pancrease and if I wait too long it could kill me. So I am having my gallbladder taken out as well and the lymphnode under my arm, December 6th at 7am. I see now that I had all the symptoms of gallbladder stones. My question is, after gallbladder surgery, what can I expect? Pain level, weight los? Weight Gain? weakness? If anyone has been through this please let me know what you went through. I am also worried that this lymphnode could be breast cancer. I wont know until that take it out and biopsy it while I'm still under. Any help is appreciated.
Signed: 35 and falling apart.

Hi and Welcome
Hi - I'm so sorry to hear that you have to do thru so much - and all at once. Yikes
My question is, after gallbladder surgery, what can I expect? Pain level, weight los? Weight Gain? weakness?
I had my gb removed laproscopically Feb/04. It was done on a Thursday and I was back at work (office job) on the following Monday (4 days post-op). I was bloated and could only wear elastic band pants for about 10 days. Then I could squish into my 'fat pants' and it was about 3 weeks post op when I could fit into regular pants.
I was in a great deal of pain for 2 days after surgery - but had lots of Tylenol 3 on hand that I don't think made the pain much less - but they make me sleep and not care so much about it. For acute problems "don't say not to pain killers" is my motto ;)
I think I was told not to lift anything more than 10 lbs for 2 weeks - and had to put my belly dancing class on hold for 6 weeks. Walking and yoga were fine.
Lots of people eat what ever they want after surgery and have no problems. I'm not in that category. I changed my eating habits pre-op and have stuck with that. I rarely eat processed foods, don't eat meat and my dairy intake is limited to a latte
Jo, and everyone that posted!
I had surgery Monday Dec 6th. I was very sore after and spent 3 days in the hospital. I'm home now and feeling a little better everyday. I am very sore and having trouble getting up and down, sleeping a lot, and keeping the pain killers close at hand. The Doctor said my gallbladder was diseased and full of stones. I'm glad it out now! I am out of work for 3 weeks, but hope to get back sooner. I'm eating about what I want but before and after meals I feel sickly. I also am having this unbeleveable like raking scratching feeling in my stomach or maybe even lower after I eat anything. I am not eating any spicy foods (which I love), and am not eating anything fatty, that causes terrible pain after I eat. I also had a lymphnode removed and have a huge cut in my armpit that is left my arm from middle of my upper arm onto my chest mid-axilary completely numb to touch. I hope that goes away as well. Anyway, The gallbladder is out, and the lymph-node was not Cancer! Seems I've made it through the worst and come out clean! Again Thank you for all the posts and support. I am very greatful to have found this site and you ladies! Take care-DaphneJo
Our prayers are going your way.