Gallbladder Surgery-What to expect

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2005
Gallbladder Surgery-What to expect
4
Tue, 01-02-2007 - 5:04pm

I found out that I need to have my gallbladder removed. It's been a total circus trying to get into see a surgeon due to the holidays. I'm seeing someone this week, but I still have some questions that hopeuflly y'all can answer for me.

1. I've seen online that the surgery could be outpatient, or a 1 or 2 night hospital stay. Do you know if it just depends on the patient and how well they are doing pain wise?

2. How long is a reasonalbe amount of time to wait? I feel really crummy, I've lost 10 pounds since Thanksgiving...and that's A LOT for me...I'm a very little person and I can't afford to keep loosing weight. I don't believe I have stones, just low function...not too sure of the %.

3. What's recovery like?

I think that's all for now! Thanks in advance!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 01-02-2007 - 6:58pm

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Welcome kcr914! Is there another name I can use for you?


I will try to answer your questions in general, but of course we all will have a unique experience with any surgery.


1. I've seen online that the surgery could be outpatient, or a 1 or 2 night hospital stay. Do you know if it just depends on the patient and how well they are doing pain wise?


I believe the major deciding factor would depend on the type of surgery. If it is done with a

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 01-02-2007 - 7:21pm

Hi kcr - my answers are based on my own experience - and as previously mentioned everyones surgery will be different.





1. I've seen online that the surgery could be outpatient, or a 1 or 2 night hospital stay. Do you know if it just depends on the patient and how well they are doing pain wise?


Mine was done laproscopically. I had surgery at 11am and was home by 6pm. They made me stay till I was able to pass urine - then they sent me on my way with a good supply of T3s.





2. How long is a reasonalbe amount of time to wait? I feel really crummy, I've lost 10 pounds since Thanksgiving...and that's A LOT for me...I'm a very little person and I can't afford to keep loosing weight. I don't believe I have stones, just low function...not too sure of the %.


If you have the option of doing it sooner than later - pick sooner. Things don't improve on their own.





3. What's recovery like?


I felt awful for 2 days - like I was run over by a large truck. I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back at my office job the following Monday - so I had 3 good days of bed rest. For the first few weeks I was really drained and if I had sick benefits I would have taken a week off just to get my energy level back. I was also bloated for a few weeks and had to wear elastic pants for the first week. I'm also a small person - so a bloated belly looked like a 6-month baby-bump!


Wishing you all the best - and please let us know how things go for you,


Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2005
Wed, 01-03-2007 - 5:44pm

Thank you both for your replies.

Re: your comments about getting the surgery done as soon as possible...I totally agree! I feel like it's the doctors that are dragging their feet. I was ready to have this bad boy out of me last week.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Thu, 01-04-2007 - 9:19pm

I am glad we could help allay your concerns. Sometimes the red tape and paperwork are the worst part of getting a procedure done. Please keep us updated on when you finally are scheduled and of course, keep us updated after the surgery is done too!

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