Gallbladder surgery

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2005
Gallbladder surgery
6
Sat, 01-15-2005 - 5:34pm
My sister is about to have gallbladder surgery and I'm wondering what she will be dealing with? What will the recovery be like? Will she be in a great deal of pain? Are there medications that you have to take after the surgery since you no longer have a gallbladder?
Just wondering as I will be involved in her care after the surgery...
Thanks for your help!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Sat, 01-15-2005 - 7:02pm

Hi and Welcome cstayler

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 01-15-2005 - 11:21pm

Hy cstayler - I had my gb removed laproscopically (?spelling) Feb/04. It was done on a Thursday and I was back to work at my desk job the following Monday. Looking back - if I had medical insurance that paid me when I missed work due to illness I likely would have taken that week off as I was moving slow, bloated (had to wear elastic waist pants) and just slugish. But I don't get paid when I miss work - so that did make a difference. Some people take longer than others - so the recovery process may be very different for your sister.


I still have to eat a low fat diet and avoid commercial foods. I really think that because I went on a really healthy diet for the 8 months prior to my surgery that my system just can't cope with processed foods now. Everyone is different. My co-worker had her GB removed and was eating hamburgers the next week.


I think I was told not to lift anything greater than 10 lbs for 2 weeks and avoid twisting, bending or vigours excercise for 2 wks.


Wishing her all the best of luck,


Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-10-2005
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 2:12pm

Hi,

I also had my gallbladder removed in September (lapro) on a Thursday. I was back on work on Monday, but I felt very good. I was only tired a bit on Monday, but by Tuesday I was fine. They gave me an antibiotic and oxycontin for the pain. VERY IMPORTANT -- the best advice I received -- make sure she says on the pain killer for a few days until the bloat passes. Even if she feels like she doesn't need it. From what I understand, if you remove yourself from the pain medicine too early the pain could be excruciating, but this only from the excess gas in your body. I took my last pain pill on Sunday and was glad I was given this info prior. A friend of a friend took herself off the pain meds and ended up back in the hospital because of the extreme pain. After the surgery I felt wonderful. I've since had a problem in December, see my other post, but I am still glad I had the gallbladder removed. She will need someone close by, it helps greatly to relax in bed for the next day or two. But also, if she is able, let her get up and walk a bit. This helps the gas move around and it will make her feel better. But don't let her get overtired. And feed her simple foods. Don't let her lift anything. I stayed away from lifting laundry, groceries, etc. for a month. I hope it works out, she'll feel much better after it's all over.

Good luck!

Regina

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 7:31pm

Hi and Welcome aboard!


Jo and Regina have given you some good info to share with your sister.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 8:38pm

Excellent point about pain meds Regina!

I'm not one to go running for the medicine cabinet at the sign of a head ache - but before my surgery one of the nurses told me that it was so important to take pain meds as recomended. After the first few days 'as needed' ment at the *first* sign of pain. The reason is that for post-op pain when you feel it coming on it only gets worse (it won't go away like sometimes a headache does). Once it gets bad it is more difficult to control.

Another tip - drink lots of water. Some pain meds can be constipating - and she doesn't need that on top of being bloated.

Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2005
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 3:32pm

Thank you for the information, I will print your responses and give them to her!
Thanks again!