Gallbladder removal surgery - any tips

[Cherry889]

I am having my operation on Thursday to have my gallbladder removed.

I’m getting really nervous now so wondered if anyone had any tips either for when at hospital or when I come home.

You will probably be a bit sore after so make sure you have plenty of food in, things you can heat up easily etc.
I hope it goes well for you

Thank you. I have had my covid test today so can’t go out now until I go to hospital but will be sending dh out tomorrow food shopping to make sure we have plenty in.

That’s good to hear!
I am spending a few days with my Dad at the moment to look after him as he had his removed last Wednesday and he lives alone. He finds it hard bending down and moving about but he is doing really well -eating well, sleeping lots etc. He had been ill for a long time (1year) and his op was postponed due to covid so he should have had his out months ago.
How long have you been waiting ?

Peppermint tea was good as you can be a bit uncomfortable from the gas they use during OP but apart from taking it easy after, it was a very straightforward op.

I found wearing a bra very uncomfortable for several weeks after and actually wore a thin cotton camisole underneath my bra which helped prevent rubbing.

Thanks for the tips. I have got a crop top to wear instead of a bra so hoping that will be ok. I’m glad to hear it’s a straightforward op. I’ve not had an operation before so getting worried now.

I’ve been having symptoms since June last year so can’t wait to have it removed.

Please don't worry about the operation. I had never had an operation before mine either. The anxiety before the operation and the actual gallbladder pain is so much worse than the actual pain.

I also suggest some soft jogging/pj bottoms as they make an incision in your belly button which is a bit tender for a few days.

I had 2 weeks off work but I was actually fine after a week, just take it easy and if you're home alone during the day have food and drinks that are pre prepared or don't require much effort.

Good luck!
I'm probably getting done in the summer if I can hold out.
There's a great Facebook group run by an American guy called Buddy Black, I find it really informative and helpful.

I second peppermint tea for pain. If you are having it done keyhole they use a gas to inflate your stomach. This does often cause shoulder pain once awake. It's because of the was the gas gets released/absorbed.
I thought I was having a heart attack when I had no idea why my shoulder and arm hurt more than my stomach.

Thank you all.

All the best for tomorrow!
You’ll be discharged before you know it

Best thing that ever happened to me, wishing you a speedy recovery

I had mine removed, I woke up feeling better than I had in years. I didnt have any pain after either.
Hope yours is the same

Thank you 😊

That gives me some hope that I’ll feel that way as well Jamie. I’m staying in overnight tomorrow which is strange as I’ve only ever stayed in hospital when I had my dd’s.

I’ll update how I get on.

So happy for you. The operation and aftermath is way better than the pain of gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder. The main issue I had was ache in my shoulder and arms caused by the gases given to inflate the abdomen for the surgery. Only lasted a few days and I just took the painkillers prescribed. I healed very quickly and had no further symptoms. Good luck!

All the best @Cherry889 💐

All the best.
I would advise some simple snacks which are easy to digest and things like tinned fruit and prune yogurts to help with any constipation caused by the surgery.

Focus on finding a good series to watch or podcast for your recovery.

Good luck! I'm so happy for you, I know the agony. The worst was the trapped wind for me so agree peppermint tea or rennies. I think I was a bit sore but nothing like a gallbladder attack

Hope all goes well. I would advise taking the paracetamol every 6 hours for the first few days whether in pain or not. It really is quite an effective painkiller taken like that.

Remember its a routine opperation and the DR’s and nurses job is to look after you and explain anything you don’t understand. If you have a mindless game or some social media browsing to do while waiting this may help as there seem to be points with lots of activity then nothing for a while. Deppending where you are on the list ou may have to wait a while to go down.

Really nervous now, thanks for the well wishes and tips.

Leaving home around 10.30 so just getting some jobs done around the house before I leave.

Good luck! Maybe order some heat pads for your shoulders as the gas can get quite uncomfortable! You'll be fine in no time I'm sure

Good luck. I'm sure you will feel great after

I’ve just seen the surgeon and anethestist and will be about 2 hours as another patient is before me. The anethestist said I would be home tomorrow lunch and the surgeon said today so not quite sure?

I’m even more nervous now the surgeon has just read all the risks to me 😦

Do you have any preference on when you go home. Sometimes when it gets late they give you a choice deppending on how you are coping.

Hopefully you will go down soon. I hate the consent forms.

Thanks I’m still waiting. Had a few trips to the toilet with dodgy tummy which I think is nerves or as haven’t eaten at all today.

I’m not sure whether I want to go home or stay, I’m at a private hospital so have room with en-suite, tv etc so would be easy to stay here overnight but also would like to be home. Like you say I guess we don’t know until afterwards.