Has anyone had their gall bladder removed?

Question

My dad is having it done, and im really worried. did you have any complications?
thanks very much

Answer 1

I had mine removed in May this year via keyhole surgery. No complications i was out of hospital after 24 hours. But i have still had to be carefull with the amount of fat in my diet as my body has not adjusted to not having a gallbladder so doctor suggested a very low fat diet this sometimes happens after gallbladder removal i am told, but otherwise he will feel sooooooo much better more energy and of course none of that terrible pain. After surgery he will have some pain in the shoulder this is normal due to the nerves they bump on the way. The surgeon will explain that sometimes it is not possible remove via keyhold and they will abandon this method and do a full cut meaning a longer stay in hospital. But most cases even those like mine with a vast amount of gallstones can be taken out via keyhole, so dont worry he'll do just fine :) good luck Oh yes i forgot he will probably have very loose stools for a wee while but this passes with a carefull diet plan

Answer 2

Don't worry, it is a "simple" operation now. Your dad won't even be under for 30-min. The incision will be smaller then his baby finger. They no longer have to "take out the gall bladder" they ZAP! the stones with a "laser" and done! Your dad will be very happy, because the pain associated with a gall bladder attack is similar to giving "child birth" - not quite as painful, but similar, tell your dad that.... and tell him Good Luck.. enjoy all the attention he is going to get..

Answer 3

I had my galbladder removed a year ago. mine was so infected that it got my kidney infected and my liver infected. Hopefully they have caught his before it got so bad.

It is usually a very common surgery that rarely has commplications. If the gal bladder isn't too bad it can be removed laperscopically with is much easier to recover from. It there are lots ot stones then the incision needs to be bigger, then it takes longer to recouperate.


Some people have muscls apasms after surgery and they don't get much pain relief. I asked for valium for tbe spasms and just some pills for the pain, that worked well.

our dad will have to eat lightly and avoid some fats at first. Otherwise he will do very well.

Answer 4

I had mine taken out over 5yrs ago. I had no complications do to the surgery. It's a pretty common thing now, so I wouldn't be too worried.
Another important thing is to rember that you should watch your diet, and what you eat. Most have their gall bladder removed, because of poor eating choices (lots of greasy foods!) So it's important to try to cut out as much of those foods as possibe afterwards as well, or you will have a lot of "bowel" problems!

Answer 5

I had mine out about 20 years ago but because I was so overweight they couldn't do keyhole surgery. I think the surgeon had a bad day because my scar is about a foot long. No real complications as such and the relief from the pain of gallstones made the operation worthwhile.
Times have changed so you shouldn't worry too much but make sure you let him know that you care.

Answer 6

I had mine removed using keyhole surgery about 10 years ago, I went in to the hospital on the Monday evening, had the op done the following morning and was home Wednesday morning, I think the turnaround is quicker than that now, but usually on average it's around 48hrs.

Answer 7

Surgical complications have been reduced tremendously if done laproscopically. Post-surgery is another story. As mentioned by others in this thread, be sure he watches his diet, or he will get fatty oily diarrhea. This is because your body can no longer emulsify the same amount of fats and lipids as before. He will also be deficient in the fat soluble vitamins (D, E, A, and K).

Answer 8

Just had mine out 2 weeks ago tomorrow. Keyhole surgery. It takes a few days for the body to get rid of the carbon dioxide they pump in and you can get a lot of wind with it but thats the only thing. Your dad will be fine. I feel fantastic now and wish mine had been taken out ages ago.

Answer 9

I had mine removed eight years ago. It was done laproscopically and gave me no problems whatsoever. I stayed overnight in the hospital.....sounds like they don't even require that now. I've had more trouble recovering from dental work than what it gave me.
Unless he has complications of some sort, your dad should come through it fine.

Answer 10

Right after the operation your dad should consume minimal amount of fats in his diet. Our gall bladder stores and concentrates bile which emulsifies fats so that it can be broken down easily.