Has anyone had this surgery before. I am just looking for some advise what to expect after surgery tomorrow. A bit worried! Thanks so much! I am 25 stay at home mom of 3 children. They are currently in school from 8-3 though, but will i be able to take care of them? Thanks ALOT!
2006-12-06 03:47:06 · 10 answers · asked by Brook 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
are you having an open procedure or a lap procedure?
This varies among patients. There are no restrictions after laparoscopic gallbladder removal. You will be encouraged to return to normal activities such as showering, driving, walking up stairs, light lifting, and work as soon as you feel comfortable. Some patients can return to work in a few days, while others prefer to wait longer. You should not engage in heavy lifting or straining for six to eight weeks after open surgery. If you are taking narcotic medications for pain, you should not drive.
2006-12-06 03:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by Faith 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had my gallbladder removed. I had developed huge stones that were extremely painful and the surgeon decided they would not go away on their own, so I had it removed. The surgery itself was really not so bad. A small incision was made in the area of my gallbladder and it was removed. These days they "staple" the incision, which heals much cleaner than stitches. Sometimes, if the incision is small enough, they'll just use a surgical tape. My scar is hardly noticeable now. You'll probably feel a bit of discomfort for about 4-7 days after surgery. Take any medications they give you as prescribed. Go back to normal activities as advised by your doc. You can start showering as soon as you feel up to it. However, I wouldn't advise vacuuming, heavy lifting, etc. until at least 7 days after surgery, as this can cause problems from within. Your diet will have to change at first too. Any types of greasy foods should be avoided, until your body acclimates itself to being with your gallbladder. Things such as ribs, pizza are not great for you and will cause you to hit the bathroom almost as quickly as you've eaten them (and I don't mean to vomit). Some people can go back to eating these things, others can't. For me, I have no problem with pizza. Ribs on the other hand are not worth it! Your children should manage just fine, with guidance from you. You may not be able to take them out for long periods of time, and I would advise against driving while on any medications for pain. You won't be able to cook huge meals for them either. If at all possible, plan your menus out before you go for surgery, and make them as simple as possible. You could even make stuff ahead of time, that just needs to be reheated or microwaved for the week after surgery. Hope this helps! Good luck with your surgery.
2006-12-06 04:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by deelberger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had this surgery and I was about your age when I did. You will just need to take it easy. Have someone else take and pick up the kids from school for a couple of days. The surgery is awesome. Your life will change immediately. I guess some people have a problem with eating lettuce, so I would stay away from leafy vegetables for awhile and introduce them slowly back into your diet.
I have never had any problem eating anything post-cholecystectomy. YEAH! Take it easy and relax for a few days. Sounds like you probably need to relax anyway. Its not too painful just a little uncomfortable.
2006-12-06 03:51:59 · answer #3 · answered by momof2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the surgery when i was 20 (8 years ago). The recovery was rough. If I remember correctly someone should be with you for 24 hrs after you get home. Your stomach muscles will be very sore! You'll be very tired. I was told not to be up moving much and not to drive, until the next doc visit. But I was back to work in a week or so. Good Luck!
2006-12-06 03:56:04 · answer #4 · answered by RRSH 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gall bladder surgery isn't as difficult as it once was. Most times they can make 3 small holes in your abdomen, deflate the gall bladder and pull it out. You will have a shorter recovery period than if you had this done several years ago. You will still need to take it easy for a few days. Your doctor can best tell you what to expect in your situation. I don't think you will be able to pick up your children or do any lifting for a week or two.
2006-12-06 03:57:10 · answer #5 · answered by Flyby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This used to be considered major surgery. I`m sure the Doctor explained to you how they do it now and how much easier it is. One of my sons had the same operation at the same age as you . You won`t be in the hospital long, max. 2 days. When you get home you will have to take it a little easy for about a week. You should not have any trouble taking care of the little ones.
2006-12-06 03:55:13 · answer #6 · answered by Hamish 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had it done 10 years ago and it was the easier than getting my wisdom teeth pulled. My stomach muscles were sore for a few days but I never even took any pain med. I was back at work in 4 days (I had a standing all day job too) and I have never felt better since the gallstone attacks have gone away!
Good Luck, you'll do fine!!
2006-12-06 04:01:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jaded 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom had gullbladder surgery a year or so ago and she was up and around like 2 days later she was still a little limited on lifting heavy things but she was pretty much back too normal mom
2006-12-06 04:14:04 · answer #8 · answered by PPB21 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they do it laser now you will be sore but will be ok just no heavy lifting for a bit
2006-12-06 03:50:47 · answer #9 · answered by First L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take it easy, you may be to weak.
2006-12-06 03:50:18 · answer #10 · answered by Apple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋