Recovery After Having Gallbladder Removal Surgery: What (and What Not) To Expect

by feedme on September 9, 2010

Every individual experiences a different type of recovery after gallbladder removal surgery.

In fact, many patients find themselves coping with the same discomfort they experienced before their gallbladder procedure.

Medical professionals have a name for this phenomenon. They call it “postcholecystectomy syndrome.” Cholecystectomy is medical terminology for a gallbladder removal procedure.

According to some recent studies, postcholecystectomy syndrome may take place 40 percent of people who have had their gallbladder removed. This is due to the fact that the bile duct is not normally removed in a gallbladder removal operation. The bile duct, which carries bile back and forth from the liver to the gallbladder, continues to accumulate bile.

Here are some things to expect in the days after your gallbladder removal surgery.

You’re going to feel some bruising and swelling. This is not surprising when you think about it.

Shortly after your surgery, you may also feel some discomfort as a result of the air that was inserted into your abdomen during the procedure. The reason your doctor inserts air in this way is to open up space to manipulate his or her instruments. If you’re feeling a lot of discomfort due to this, you can ask your doctor to prescribe some pain relief medication.

Keep in mind that it’s likely to be uncomfortable moving around, especially sitting down or getting up from a sitting position. Using the bathroom isn’t likely to be easy for a few days. Your abdominal muscles will need some time to recover – several days at least.

It’s also likely you’ll have an unusual amount of gas, bloating and some diarrhea in the days after your surgery. This is typical. Some patients get constipation instead of diarrhea. This happens infrequently, so there’s no reason to be concerned if it happens to you. Talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe something.

Keep in mind, it’s completely normal for your digestive system to be somewhat unpredictable. For this reason, it’s a good idea to follow your doctor’s dietary instructions. Low cholesterol foods and cholesterol-free foods are generally considered to be a good idea for a while.

It’s also smart to eat smaller meals instead of larger ones. But make sure you get enough to eat because your body needs the fuel that comes from food to help with post-surgical recovery.

You can experiment with heavier foods. It’s probably best to use a trial-and-error approach.

Exercise can help speed your recovery, but don’t overdo it. If you were an enthusiastic exerciser before your operation, you may be eager to get going again. Be careful. Keep in mind that you have stitches, and exercising too much and soon would not be good for them. Your doctor can give you some on this subject.

Furthermore, be cautious taking baths of showers until your stitches have been taken out. Generally, it’s best to keep stitches dry.

Most of the time, your doctor will want your first follow up appointment to happen in about one week. Your second follow up appointment will probably occur in 4-5 weeks.

Would you like to have additional information on having a gallbladder removal operation and related topics? Click on After You”ve Had A Gallbladder Removal Procedure. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio journalist with a special interest in medical topics. You can read more of his articles at http://www.gallbladderhealth.info.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Peg October 29, 2010 at 12:12 am

I have Habba Syndrome & take Cholestyramine to absorb my bile from the liver “what natural absorbant can I use to replace the Rx and get the same result? Using this Rx for absorption and not as the original use as a Cholestoral blocker,”does it still react with grapefruit?” thanks Peggy

teresa July 5, 2011 at 11:06 pm

my friend had a her gallbladder removed years ago but always runs to the bathroom after she eats. Are there certain foods that you should or shouldn’t eat to maintain relief and to keep from running to the bathroom alot?

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