Need gallbladder surgery
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Need gallbladder surgery
| Fri, 02-23-2007 - 5:44pm |
I am so glad I found this board! I have been reading what I can about other's experiences with the gb and surgery.
I had the ultra-sound on Tuesday and they called me within a few hours to let me know I had gallstones. I was actually surprised by the quick response. I have an appt with a surgeon on Monday. I am getting nervous though...
I go back and forth...I think about the pain of the attacks and want to say, "Get this thing out of me!" THEN I think about actual surgery...and the pain...and missing work and I hesitate. Everything I have read said that even if I put it off, I will eventually need the gallbladder removed.
Ok...questions...
I assume the recovery period varies?
I don't want to miss more then a week of work, but I would hope I am up and moving in 2 weeks. My sister ended up with 10 weeks off when she had her gb removed. But she had the surgery just weeks after giving birth, so I think it was a combination of both and knocked her off her feet!
I read that someone said to take stool softners?
It makes sense I guess...
As for weight gain...
I have a friend that actually lost a lot of weight in the year following the surgery. My sister lost her baby weight in the weeks after the surgery, but gained it back after going back to regular food.
I assume it may be weeks or maybe a month before my surgery...I should avoid anything that taste good right?;)
No fatty stuff...
Any questions I should ask the doctor on Monday?
TIA!!!
Michelle
I had the ultra-sound on Tuesday and they called me within a few hours to let me know I had gallstones. I was actually surprised by the quick response. I have an appt with a surgeon on Monday. I am getting nervous though...
I go back and forth...I think about the pain of the attacks and want to say, "Get this thing out of me!" THEN I think about actual surgery...and the pain...and missing work and I hesitate. Everything I have read said that even if I put it off, I will eventually need the gallbladder removed.
Ok...questions...
I assume the recovery period varies?
I don't want to miss more then a week of work, but I would hope I am up and moving in 2 weeks. My sister ended up with 10 weeks off when she had her gb removed. But she had the surgery just weeks after giving birth, so I think it was a combination of both and knocked her off her feet!
I read that someone said to take stool softners?
It makes sense I guess...
As for weight gain...
I have a friend that actually lost a lot of weight in the year following the surgery. My sister lost her baby weight in the weeks after the surgery, but gained it back after going back to regular food.
I assume it may be weeks or maybe a month before my surgery...I should avoid anything that taste good right?;)
No fatty stuff...
Any questions I should ask the doctor on Monday?
TIA!!!
Michelle

Sorry you had to find us Michelle, but I think we can relieve your fears and concerns here. Here is an excellent link to a lot of great info about GB surgery and other related stuff...
http://digestive.health.ivillage.com/liverpancreasbiliary/gallbladdersurgery.cfm
Now to answer your questions...
Ok...questions...
I assume the recovery period varies?
I don't want to miss more then a week of work, but I would hope I am up and moving in 2 weeks. My sister ended up with 10 weeks off when she had her gb removed. But she had the surgery just weeks after giving birth, so I think it was a combination of both and knocked her off her feet!
The recovery period does vary. If you are in relatively good health and the lap surgery is done, your recovery will be lessened. Your sister really had a double whammy by giving birth and then needing GB surgery so soon afterward. Think about it, she was lifting a newborn, not getting enough sleep, etc. No wonder her recovery was so prolonged.
I read that someone said to take stool softners?
It makes sense I guess...
Stool softeners can help in 2 ways...you won't want to be doing any extra 'straining' because that will make the surgical site strain and hurt, plus most pain meds have a constipating effect and you'll need the extra help.
As for weight gain...
I have a friend that actually lost a lot of weight in the year following the surgery. My sister lost her baby weight in the weeks after the surgery, but gained it back after going back to regular food.
I assume it may be weeks or maybe a month before my surgery...I should avoid anything that taste good right?;)
No fatty stuff...
Any questions I should ask the doctor on Monday?
These are all good questions to ask the doctor on Monday, all of them. We've had many members that have had GB surgery recently, so please return often and check to see who visits to add their comments here too!
Please feel free to ask any questions that you can think of...the only dumb questions are those that were never asked. Knowledge helps us understand the process and can ease some of the anxiety!
CL of

<Thanks for the link. I actually copied the questions to take with me today for my appt. My surgery is Friday @ 1pm. I had no idea I would get in so soon. But it is a blessing, that way I can get this whole thing over!
I told my husband that I didn't feel "sick enough" to be planning a surgery. Before I could even say anything to the doctor he told me that I needed to have the surgery before I REALLY got sick. So I set it up right away.
Thanks Again!
Michelle
Sending you some extra hugs to keep with you, for the day of surgery.
I totally agree that getting your GB removed now, before the symptoms progress is a good idea. A GB attack can be extremely painful and you do NOT want to wait. Your recovery will be much easier, if you aren't feeling poorly beforehand.
Will your surgery be done outpatient?
Get yourself a small, firm pillow; the type used as a lumbar support is a good size. A pillow this size will become your best friend after surgery, to hold firmly over the incision(s) as you walk, cough, sneeze, etc. The extra support in the area really does help a lot and I speak from experience.

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