Gall bladder surgery

This is such a great group - so friendly and informative - and I appreciate the ability to post this request for information here.

I learned that I need to have my gall bladder removed and they are going to be doing this on Monday morning, Oct 19th. 

I started having horrible stomach pains and they did all of the tests and decided surgery was the best course of treatment.  In the meantime, the doctor has also put me on ulcer medication which has seemed to help.  I am debating not going through with the surgery; however, I don't want the problems / symptoms to be exacerbated or to get any worse.

Can anyone tell me what I can really expect?  I'm familiar with the procedure but I would like to know about recovery times and such.  My only experience with this was when my Mother had her gall bladder removed a few years ago and she had extensive complications (ended up in Intensive Care for 20+ days; in the hospital for over 30) so I don't have a good sense of what I can really expect.  I'm afraid that my fear over what she experienced is really clouding my (normally) good judgment. 

Any information would really be helpful and much appreciated!  The good news is that I am already down over 80 pounds  .. And I'm hopeful that nasty gall bladder weighs at least one or two more  ;-)

Thanks so very much!!

I had my gall bladder out almost one year ago (Thanksgiving).  I feel so much better after I got it out.  I was in and out in one day and feeling good.  Once I recovered, It was clear sailing. 

If the scans and blood work and the docs say it needs to come out, take it out!  The pain of my gall bladder made me cranky and once that pain was gone, I was back to my happy happy self.

M

Thanks so much for the info Maureen!  I appreciate that you took the time. 

If it is a one day process I would like to get right back to work the next day - I work from home.  Is that unrealistic to think that is possible?

I had surgery on Monday before Thanksgiving.  I scheduled the rest of the week off (and needed most of it).  It is major surgery but the most realistic is that you need to take time off and heal.  Take a WEEK - you'll need it.  But at the end of the week you should be feeling pretty good.

The last support group meeting I went to the surgeon was the guess speaker.  He said 15% of WLS patients have problems with their gall bladder post op.  I asked him then why don't they take them out at the same time as doing the WLS...He said it is hard to find post op problems if you are looking at several different places around the GI tract.

I had my gallbladder out, not a big deal.  I was in the hospital overnight, slept in a recliner for a couple of nights and went back to work a week later.  My situation was weird, I had no pain but elevated liver enzymes, ultra sounds revealed I was loaded with gallstones.... when knew?

It really was easy peezy.

Hugs,
Barb

I had my RNY April 21st of this year and I had my gall bladder out Aug. 22nd. Gall bladder surgery is a piece of cake compared to the bypass surgery. I went in at about 8:00 am and I was home by 1:00 pm. It only took about two or three days to feel back to normal. Just go easy with what you eat, baby your insides for a couple of days. Everyone is different of course but I'm kind of a cry baby so if I did o.k. I'm sure you'll be fine. I would definately have it out just to avoid any more pain and unexpected problems. I've heard the pain can get pretty  intense if you have a gall bladder "attack". I saw my six foot husband buckled in tears from his. So yah, I'd get it over with. I hope this helps. Good Luck!!!!!

Hey Girl!  I wondered what happened to you!  So sorry to hear of your gall bladder problems...something I have always worried about since both my sister and mom had symptoms and eventual surgery.

I agree with the others...go have it taken out!  My sister had a full blown 'attack'...she was driving and had to pull over...thought she was having a heart attack! 

I assume you are having the surgery done at So Sac Kaiser?  I'll PM my cell...please call me if I can be of any help!  And be sure to let us know when you are home....got you in my prayers for a speedy recovery ^_^
Nancy aka Sunray