Recovery for gallbladder surgery

What is the recovery like after gallbladder surgery. I need mine out, I had 2 attacks since giving birth 4 weeks ago and I feel another coming on.

I am just worried about the recovery. I have a newborn and a 20 month old who is all over the place. How many days will it take me to get back to myself and how many days will DH need to take off to help me out?

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

I was home the same day from the surgery...and was back to normal in about 2 to 3 days...DS was 5 months old at the time. The first two days I didn't pick him up just held him on my lap but by the 3rd day I was doing everything like normal.

My surgery was laproscopic so don't I didn't have any big incisions.

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

You go home the same day as your surgery. I had taken a week off from work to recover but I only spent 1 day in bed. By the 2nd day, I was slowly up and about and by the 4th day, I was almost back to normal.

I was terrified of getting surgery but looking back, it really was nothing. It's as easy surgery with a short recovery. I didn't even use the prescribed painkillers - just some advil or motrin (I dont remember which) on the first day.

As for after the surgery.... I was careful with what I ate for a few weeks but now I can eat anything without a problem

ETA - I was able to chase after DD within a few days. She was 11 months old at the time. Also, if you are looking for a surgeon, I went to Dr. Denoto @ St. Francis. He was amazing! He does single incision laparoscopic surgery and it did not even leave a scar!!

Message edited 4/19/2012 8:54:47 AM.

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

As long as they do it laproscopically- which 99% of the time the do- it isn't that bad at all.

I was home the same day. I was sore, and slow moving, but nothing insane.

The Dr did find a hernia in my belly button when he was doing the surgery so he repaired that as well, and that may be why he told me no lifting anything over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.

That was rough with a newborn- DD was 5 weeks when I had mine out and she weighed just over 10lbs so I couldn't lift her or especially her and the car seat.

But that may be due to the hernia more than the gallbladder recovery.

In one week I felt 100% better and like myself though.
And no diet restrictions! The next night we went out to dinner and I ate anything I wanted!

Message edited 4/19/2012 9:07:10 AM.

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

i had mine taken out when DS was 4 months. i had several attacks and the last one sent me to the ER. i had my surgery at 5pm so they kept me overnight. i was released the next morning.
surgery on sat night, came home on sunday. went back to work on tuesday. i was a little sore, mostely just driving in the car because of the bumps but nothing crazy. i didnt take the prescribed painkillers. i was able to take care of DS no problem, just made sure he didnt kick me in my incisions.
a breeze of a surgery and beyond worth it! i wouldnt wish those attacks on my worst enemy!

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

the peace of mind that comes after having the surgery trumps everything!! Knowing you will NEVER have an attack again

It will be a few days of discomfort and not being able to pick up the kids.

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

Posted by CouponKT

the peace of mind that comes after having the surgery trumps everything!! Knowing you will NEVER have an attack again
.

Re: Recovery for gallbladder surgery

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by CouponKT

the peace of mind that comes after having the surgery trumps everything!! Knowing you will NEVER have an attack again
.

OMG YES!
The second I woke up from the anesthesia I was soooo happy that I would never have to worry about an attack again!
Well worth it!