How long to recover from gall bladder surgery ?

lottie198 · 2023-02-10T21:00:39+00:00

I've got to have my gall bladder removed, it's infected and has stones in. Surgery is in a weeks time after going to the hospital today after having a scan. What can I expect recovery time? I'm due back in work a week after surgery (after maternity leave) , so trying to weigh up in my head how long I'll need off / if any time. How long did it take you to recover anyone who's had this surgery?

KylieKangaroo · 10/02/2023 21:04

I was off for 2 weeks and was totally fine to go back. First few days are uncomfortable but after that it was fine. Good luck 😊

Unicorn34 · 10/02/2023 21:05

Hi. You won't miss it! I had the full 3 weeks off but could've easily gone back after 2. Remember it takes a while for the anaesthetic to leave your body. I felt bruised more where the instruments went in and also my shoulders from where they puff you up with air. Good luck

familyissues12345 · 10/02/2023 22:06

Following with interest, I'm having my gallbladder out in 10 days.

I've been told I'll be signed off for a minimum of 2 weeks, but the surgeon doesn't want me to rush back so has said she'll extend if needed (I do a fairly physical job)

Original poster

lottie198 · 11/02/2023 11:48

familyissues12345 · 10/02/2023 22:06

Following with interest, I'm having my gallbladder out in 10 days.

I've been told I'll be signed off for a minimum of 2 weeks, but the surgeon doesn't want me to rush back so has said she'll extend if needed (I do a fairly physical job)

Yes me too I'm a nurse so very physical , pushing beds and helping patients etc. I'm not going to rush back I'd rather be fully better

OP posts:

FarmersWife2019 · 11/02/2023 12:08

I was on maternity leave when I had my gallbladder removed so I didn’t have to go back to work but I did have a 5mo baby to look after.
I was released from hospital the day after surgery as they thought I had a stone left in a duct (I didn’t in the end). Recovery for me was pretty straightforward and the slight pain felt for the few days post surgery was nothing compared to the attacks. I went on holiday to Cornwall 10 days after although I took time to relax and recover. I don’t miss my gallbladder at all!

Hyppogriff · 11/02/2023 12:11

Hmm I’d say after 2 weeks you’ll be ok provided it all goes smoothly (which it will!) but don’t underestimate that you do need to properly recover and rest afterwards

best thing I ever did!!!

Original poster

lottie198 · 11/02/2023 12:15

FarmersWife2019 · 11/02/2023 12:08

I was on maternity leave when I had my gallbladder removed so I didn’t have to go back to work but I did have a 5mo baby to look after.
I was released from hospital the day after surgery as they thought I had a stone left in a duct (I didn’t in the end). Recovery for me was pretty straightforward and the slight pain felt for the few days post surgery was nothing compared to the attacks. I went on holiday to Cornwall 10 days after although I took time to relax and recover. I don’t miss my gallbladder at all!

Did you have many side effects like loose stools etc afterwards? X

OP posts:

newtb · 11/02/2023 12:33

Had mine removed 10 years ago. Found I was much more comfortable with leggings rather than jeans for a while.
Still eat curries, chillies etc with no problem.

FarmersWife2019 · 11/02/2023 13:01

lottie198 · 11/02/2023 12:15

Did you have many side effects like loose stools etc afterwards? X

Show quote history

I was really concerned about life after surgery. I had negligible side effects to begin with (loose stools after a greasy takeaway pizza / Indian / chilli / cake) but this doesn’t happen anymore (surgery was 6 months ago). I lost a stone in weight pre surgery as towards the end even water or an ice lolly would trigger an attack and since surgery the weight has been put back on and maintained. I read about how removing your gallbladder can lead to weight gain but I think this is because you are finally able to eat the things you couldn’t before.

Original poster

lottie198 · 19/02/2023 06:03

How much discomfort was everyone in after their surgery?
I had it yesterday morning and woke up after the anaesthetic in a lot of pain. Pain eased quite a bit in the day as had morphine and tramadol. Just been having paracetamol from 2pm yesterday but woke up SO SORE. like it's sore to breathe in deep and my shoulder also hurts.
How long did it take for this soreness to heal? X

OP posts:

Kittylickingplate · 19/02/2023 06:23

I was surprised at how much pain I had Post Op. My nurse said 50% of people cruise through, 30% have more pain (me) and 20% shocking pain.
I had a small baby too so maybe that added to it. It took me until day 12 to start feeling like I was mending.
I felt like a complete wuss, all these older ladies were telling me they came home and cooked for shearers and did physical work and I was struggling to hold my baby. Then a friend who is a RN said to remember in the 'old days' people stayed in longer and had stronger meds. I was home the next day on Panadol only. Peppermint tea can help with the gas leaving your system (if you had keyhole) and that awful shoulder pain.
It is totally worth it though. Good luck, feel better soon.

KylieKangaroo · 19/02/2023 08:42

I'd say about 3 or 4 days before the soreness wore off, and then the shoulder pain started! Hope you will soon recover.

uggmum · 19/02/2023 08:47

I had mine out years ago and I had eight weeks off.

I had quite intense internal dragging pain which went on for a while.

I may well have overdone it too soon after surgery as I had 2 young children at the time.

I had also had sepsis prior to surgery and I was also recovering from that.

My dh had his out last year and he was off for 6 weeks as he was still in discomfort.

LaFemmeDamnee · 19/02/2023 08:50

Get some peppermint tea or peppermint capsules for the trapped wind and that will help your shoulder. Make sure you drink loads of water, and keep an eye on your poop. Turns out GA makes me really constipated, which was absolute agony. I buy lactulose before surgeries now.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 19/02/2023 08:55

I was in a lot of pain for the first couple of days, but it actually eased very quickly. I went back to work after a week, but I have a desk job so nothing too physical.

Hope you make a swift recovery, OP.

Original poster

lottie198 · 19/02/2023 12:18

Thanks everyone! Seems like it was pretty rough for a lot of you then. I have a 14 month old baby at home (still breast feeding) so that's gonna be fun. Luckily got lots of help on hand but I know it's not gonna be easy. Due back at work in 2 weeks but think I'll ask for a sick note. Just wasn't prepared to be feeling so battered. I guess they have removed an organ it's going to be swollen/bruised inside as well.

OP posts:

AuntieMarys · 19/02/2023 12:21

Two days to feel OK here...managed a 2 mile walk day 4.
Everything healed well and no issues at all.

Original poster

lottie198 · 19/02/2023 12:49

AuntieMarys · 19/02/2023 12:21

Two days to feel OK here...managed a 2 mile walk day 4.
Everything healed well and no issues at all.

Wow that's incredible. I deffo won't be that quick to recover . Can just about hobble across the room at the moment x

OP posts:

katenutzs · 19/02/2023 13:41

Two weeks mim off work. Avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks as you have internal stistches inside that need to heal.

AuntieMarys · 19/02/2023 13:53

lottie198 · 19/02/2023 12:49

Wow that's incredible. I deffo won't be that quick to recover . Can just about hobble across the room at the moment x

Show quote history

I didn't have a great response to the GA but was home in 4 hours post Op.
First day was shocking but I was trying to do it with no pain relief.
I'm a shit patient 🤣

Danni7297 · 19/02/2023 14:15

I had mine out yesterday. Went into theatre about 11.30 and was in the car on my way home at 3.30. I must admit though I was still out of it. Think that was the fentanyl. Came home and went to bed to sleep it off.
I am up and about now but I am in more pain than I thought I would be. I’ve had 4 sections and the pain across my belly button is similar to that when moving. My husband is due back work Tuesday because I have had a laparoscopy before and breezed it so thought this would be similar but I am wrong. So he will have to stay off.

ive got peppermint tea/full fat coke which I find helps with the shoulder pain gas.
I’ve just taken paracetamol and will take cocodamol this evening to help me sleep.

but the woman in the bed next to me was perfectly fine when she left yesterday, walked straight out the door after only an hour down from recovery. So everyone is different and try not to overdo it xx

Original poster

lottie198 · 19/02/2023 14:36

Danni7297 · 19/02/2023 14:15

I had mine out yesterday. Went into theatre about 11.30 and was in the car on my way home at 3.30. I must admit though I was still out of it. Think that was the fentanyl. Came home and went to bed to sleep it off.
I am up and about now but I am in more pain than I thought I would be. I’ve had 4 sections and the pain across my belly button is similar to that when moving. My husband is due back work Tuesday because I have had a laparoscopy before and breezed it so thought this would be similar but I am wrong. So he will have to stay off.

ive got peppermint tea/full fat coke which I find helps with the shoulder pain gas.
I’ve just taken paracetamol and will take cocodamol this evening to help me sleep.

but the woman in the bed next to me was perfectly fine when she left yesterday, walked straight out the door after only an hour down from recovery. So everyone is different and try not to overdo it xx

You sound similar to me. The shoulder pain is so bad today as well. I really am so sore. Feel so battered. Hope you feel better soon . I've just been discharged now. Xx

OP posts:

DelphiniumBlue · 19/02/2023 14:55

Be careful. Dh had his gall bladder removed, keyhole surgery, and ended up with a hernia which then resulted in several more ops over the next decade.
Pretty sure it's because he felt OK and started doing normal stuff too quickly.
He was told it was OK to go back to work within a few days.. I really think it wasn't. Don't even lift a kettle for the first few weeks, and avoid driving for a bit too. The hernia risk was 2-5%, btw.

Danni7297 · 19/02/2023 15:16

Hopefully you can get home and relax. Hope you feel better soon.

Danni7297 · 19/02/2023 15:17

That sounds awful for you DH Blue,I for one will definitely will take it easy especially after ready that.