Concerned about gallbladder operation

[Thisismeme]

I am due to have my gallbladder removed tomorrow after an infection and they are worried about it impacting my pancreas. I am so worried about life after removal and whether I’ll be able to eat normally afterwards. Any experiences of what happens after?

I had my gallbladder removed and literally have never noticed a difference. I don't have a particularly fatty diet though which perhaps helps? Try not to worry, likely you will be fine.

Chances are slim. I did end up with a pancreas disease following gallstones, but not due to the surgery itself, but due to a gallstone permanently damaging my pancreatic duct (later had a whipple surgery which has helped a lot). Having the surgery sooner may have prevented that, so getting it removed is good. Gallbladder removal doesn’t tend to kick off the pancreas in my experience (i’m in a lot of health groups relating to gallbladder / pancreas). You’ll be fine, of my many surgeries that was definitely the easiest recovery. Good luck, you’ll be fine.

Had my gallbladder out in October, post multiple painful attacks (blue lighted to a&e on a few of those), best decision ever. No more pain. Do get weird twinges on the left side (pancreas) and my digestion is a bit all over the place. From what I have read, far more likely to have serious pancreas issues if you don’t remove the gallbladder as the infection/inflammation spreads / gallstones cause damage.

I had my gallbladder removed twenty years ago, after multiple agonising attacks. I can honestly say I had no after effects at all, just great relief that I would never experience such pain again ( far worse than childbirth!) I had keyhole surgery and was at home next day. My neighbour came round with some home-baked bread and was a bit taken aback to find me out watering my window boxes. Don't worry about the procedure - you'll be grand.

I had mine removed 13 years ago when (at the same time) I also had pancreatitis. Never looked back. I was just so relieved it was out and cracked on with life pretty quickly. I still eat lots of cheese!

I had mine removed about 4 years ago. I was back at work in a fortnight (working from home, desk work), driving after a month, and I've never had a single side effect, and it hasn't affected my diet at all.

I had mine out nearly twenty years ago, and similarly to others, had no lasting effects once I'd recovered from the keyhole surgery. Eating is the same as it's ever been too.

It’s the most commonly performed surgery in the Western world so your surgeon is likely to be highly experienced at it. Ask questions and what if’s in advance if for some reason your particular circumstances make it more risky than it usually is. I’m afraid that surgeons, like any other professional, vary greatly in quality and experience. Remember your right to a second opinion.

I was sore afterwards for a week or two even given that my surgery was keyhole. spectacular bruising but well worth it for relief from the agonising attacks I’d been having pre procedure.

You’ll want to eat very lightly for a while but the overwhelming majority of people can live as normal afterwards - strangely I couldn’t eat pineapple for a couple of years, but that’s it really! I suppose if you are the type of person who routinely eats very high fat foods - chip shop chips, Icecream Mars bars etc, then you’d probably want to minimise or spread out fatty foods rather than consuming en masse, but otherwise should be absolutely fine. I asked but was told it has absolutely no long term effect on your longevity. Very common surgery.

Best of luck.

My husband had his removed in his eighties. A decade later he eats .. and drinks .. everything and anything... with no ill effects.

I can’t eat tomatoes, broccoli or too much fat anymore but it’s so much better than it was!

I had mine removed about 20 years ago.

When I severely over indulge (usually over xmas) I get a slight pain where my gallbladder was, aside from that everything is normal, and I can eat fine.

This is really great to hear. Now I’m just concerned about the wait for an ‘urgent’ operation and I’m getting pain on the other side which is my pancreas I think

You’ll be fine. Life will go on as normal

The answer is no operation is without risks. Be sure to talk to your surgeon about your concerns before the operation. For example, the risks of the operation are wide ranging including damage to bile duct to the liver and long term diarrhoea, but for most these are small risks and must be balanced up against the benefits.

I've had no issues since mine was removed. For a while after all I wanted to eat was fruit and falafels but then I could live on those anyway! I have a normal diet, I do eat healthily but not especially low fat or anything.

I was in hospital a bit longer than expected (couple of days extra) as the gallbladder attack that caused the admission in the first place had caused pancreatitis but I was fine and home 5 days after surgery.

I had mine out nearly 2 years ago. Initially I felt a bit rough if I had a particularly indulgent couple of days, for example we were on holiday and I had a couple of meals that were deep fried etc. Now I can generally eat what I fancy. I very occasionally get a strange little niggle where my gallbladder was, but it's nothing to write home about!

Good luck!

Gallbladder removal is one of the commonest surgeries performed. The vast, vast majority of people have zero issues afterwards. I could totally normally - including all the things I couldn’t eat before the op - literally the day after my surgery.

Years ago my husband had his gallbladder removed in the morning, was force-fed a pie at teatime then discharged. No problems since. Good luck 🙂

I had mine out last April. I couldn't eat anything fatty for a while but now I can just about eat anything although I still try to eat low fat for health reasons.
I was nervous beforehand too, but I had so much pain with my gallbladder attacks that I was just desperate for the op.

Never noticed a difference after mine came out. It improved my life beyond measure, and zero unwelcome consequences.

I had mine out and had ot have a drain inserted and stay in hospital but I felt no pain afterwards for some reasons and could eat totally fine.

Its been 4 years since mine came out and it's been brilliant.

I can eat anything, though I do get a twinge where my gallbladder was if I eat a really fatty meal.

Its life-changing compared to how it's was prior to removal!

I also had pancreatitus during the gallbladder saga, removal didn't affect the pancreas at all.

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I had mine removed in August as I was desperately ill with it. Infected, impacted with stones, adhered and I was borderline septic. Best thing I’ve ever done. I can eat anything I want, but I’m sensible. I can have a slice of cheese on toast, but wouldn’t make a meal of it with 2 full slices. I can eat chips, but wouldn’t do it every day. The main difference has been in bowel movements but it’s far from a“bad” difference, I’m more regular now than I ever was before. Less constipated too. Overall I’m feeling so much better!

I couldn't eat at all for several days afterwards (although that might just be me). No problems whatsoever since. I'd had multiple attacks of pancreatitis prior - was glad to see the back of the damn thing.