GallBaldder Removal Questions

I had ZERO complications after my gallbladder removal.  I was only 7 weeks out of weight loss surgery and was so sick prior to getting it removed that it ended up being a fantastic expereince.  There was some pain, but for me, NOTHING compared to the RNY.  My energy was high about a week after due to being so sick before.  No change in eating other than I could actually EAT !!  It ended up making me weeks behind in my RNY recovery so I did things slower than most.  I was not much past getting back to regular foods so my eating was just like 2 weeks after RNY.  

Normally, gall bladder surgery is 4-5 hours at the hospital with a lap procedure and about a week for recuperation.

However -- just as with gastric bypass or any other surgery -- complications can occur.  And I was one of the ones that thought it wouldn't happen to me because I've never had any kind of complication from any other type of surgery I've had in my life.

But to let you know what happened to me, read my last two blog entries of Mar. 16 and Mar. 26.  The surgeon said what I went through is "extremely rare".  But apparently Murphy's Law had painted a target on my back.    And his aim was dead center both times.

I'm now on the road to recovery, but still fighting like the dickens to regain my strength and energy and the pounds I lost due to all this that I couldn't afford to lose.  It will probably take several months to get back to where I was pre-op, but I'll get there.

WOW!  I read your blog and I am amazed how insensitive these doctors are sometimes and need a class or two for being polite and listening to the patients. I am so sorry for all you have went through.  Certainly I hope things now are looking up for you in a positive way.  

HUGS! 

Thank you.  Things have just started getting better in the past few days, though.

I was able to go back to pulmonary rehab two days this past week and do a mile on the treadmill.  I'm still not up to getting back on the elliptical and the weight machines are still a few weeks' off.  I also went back to my water aerobics class yesterday and at least did the 20 minute group exercise.  Again -- the wall routine and water weights are still in the future, but it's a start on regaining my strength.

I'm now able to do some of the smaller chores around the house and actually felt strong enough to run the vacuum today.    So, I'm finally on the mend, but it will take 2-3 months to get back into my full pre-GB routine.  And my appetite started coming back after I finished the antibiotics at home last Sunday.  The weight is the main concern at this point -- getting back the excess weight I lost through the whole ordeal that I couldn't afford to lose.  But it will come in time.

Just remember that what I went through is "extremely rare", according to my surgeon.  But people also need to know that they CAN happen -- and it sure made a believer out of me that I'm not immune to surgical complications.

I wish you an uneventful surgery and recovery period.  I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

 I had my gall bladder surgery before gastric bypass.   I had my surgery at 11:00 am .  My surgery lasted 45 minutes, i was in recover room until 12.:30 and discharged at 1:45 p.m.  It would have been better to have stayed overnight in the hospital in my opinion---but who listens to the patient?   I had a terrible first night being up all night with gas pains in my shoulders and wired from the adrenaline they gave me to wake me up immediately after surgery and get me out of the hospital so quickly.   I had no significant pain after the first day, went back to work in a week and was at full energy level by two weeks post op.   My surgeon told me that I could eat anything I wanted after surgery, but, i found it took about six month before i could tolerate fatty foods.  I dump now from fat even nine years after RNY.   JK

Thani you for your reply.  it's nice to see everyone is so different in the way they are after surgery.