Gallbladder Surgery

Yesterday I had my gallbladder removed due to stones.  It hurts worse than my RNY and though I have not seen the small cuts, they have a huge band-aid on my belly button.  Tomorrow i am allowed to see it.

But what I want to comment on, is if you think you may have gallstones, that nagging small or large pain in your right side, make sure you run, not walk to your doctor.

Mine hurt occasionally, like when i walked a lot.  So no doubling over in pain or anything like the other ones on here.

BUT..when they pulled mine out, they said it was huge and it would have busted.  Also afterward, i kept throwing up this awful bile.  it tasted positively awful and looked like pee.

So don't wait until you are doubled over in pain to seek out some medical attention.  Mine started in January and slowly every month had a little more pain in it.  I almost waited too and happy I didn't.

The pain is worse than RNY.  I have no clue why, but after RNY I was getting along fine with no pain meds.  Now i have to take pain meds. and the gas coming up through my shoulder is unbearable sometimes.

I'm still pretty much eating what I did before surgery though with no complications or anything.  That was my main concern was my body rejecting my foods and causing diarrhea, but so far, a day after surgery, everything looks good.

I said to my doc that I hear about 30-33% of bariatric patients have to have their gallbladders out.  he said he believed it was way higher than that.  I wonder if there is a study going on about the statistics.

Oh, i went in at 7:30 am and was home by 3:30 pm.  I believe they should keep a person at least overnight so if something happens, but luckily I'm okay.

Anyway, just thought I would share.  On the road to recovery for a second time. 

I'm glad you're doing ok!  I can't believe they sent you home the same day as surgery?  Wow.  I had the RNY, gallbladder removed and hiatal hernia repaired all at the same time.  Glad I had that gallbladder out now though.  I was hurting a good week after surgery and thought I was just a big wimp because lots of people say they had little to no pain after RNY.  Take care and feel better!

I think that is the norm now.  My sister was shocked cause i still was so groggy and out of it.  I believe the should keep one in at least overnight but I hear it depends on the doctor.  they just want you out as fast as they can wheel you out to the car nowadays..lol

You are probably feeling worse after this surgery than the RNY because you were SICK when you had this surgery - and had been unwell for a few months. It does take a toll. And taking out a  huge gallbladder without breaking it no doubt involves a fair bit of manipulation. For your RNY you went in healthy. Or as healthy as we all were as obese people. So - be good to yourself and give yourself a break. As an RN who works in ER - I have to say - we see people coming back after day surgery gallbladder removal - who are really sick. I really don't think it should always be a day surgery procedure for everyone. Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery!

Thank you for your reply.  Hopefully in a few days I'll feel a lot better. I am developing a cough now but did call my doc and he said to take deep breaths.  Uh, okay.

I'm trying to avoid going to the ER. I get up and walk as much as I can to get rid of the gas effects.  I do know that this is what is causing a lot of the pain and hopefully it will get better over the weekend.

Thanks!!