What is the typical recovery for gallbladder removal surgery?

Question

I had my gall bladder out with the scope. I have 4 incisions that have been stapled shut. I have a total of 12 staples. I was the worse after the surgery, I had a lot of air in me that I couldnt get out. However it seems to be fine now. I used an air machine and it cleared out.

My staples are itchy, the swelling is going down and i feel in occasional pain but feel better if Im walking around or take a mild pain reliever (percocet only 1 a day) Do you think that wallking around will further me from healing?
Im eating normal, and passing normal bowel movements also. No fever or anything.
They also prescribed me prilosoc to take in the morning.

How would I know if I have internal bleeding or anything?

Answer 1

If you would have been my post-operative patient I would have got you up to at least the chair within hours after returning from the recovery room. You would have walked in the hall at least twice prior to being discharged that evening. I am assuming you were an outpatient scope for this procedure. Walking is the only way to get the air from inside out!! It's actually a gas that they put into your stomach to make you appear to look 11 months pregnant while they perform the operation. The air generally seems to get stuck around the shoulder blade area though and the pain is sometimes unbearable. They actually press as much gas out before closing you, but it's pretty much impossible to get it all. Your itching is an excellant sign of healing. You should be off the percocet by now also. Motrin alone should take the discomfort away. Don't use those pain meds unless you really really need them. They are addicting and also will make you VERY constipated! If you had internal bleeding or an infection your body would have reacted with other signs... elevated temps, nausea, excessive pain or drainage. Good Luck and happy healing.

Answer 2

Sounds to me like you're doing great!

Walking around the house is a good idea - I wouldn't venture out yet, especially in bad weather.

It won't be long, though, until you're back to normal. Good luck!