gallbladder surgery

mrscdobs · March 2010

Hi girls! Haven't been on here in a while but I am freaking out and needed some advice.

Long story short, I landed in the ER yesterday and I have gallstones. 20 small ones to be specific. I'm getting gallbladder surgery next week and I am scaring myself silly reading all the horror stories. I'm getting it done laproroscopically (sp?) - but I am reading all these issues of major weight gain after it, and the inability to digest properly afterwards, leading to a lifetime of being within a 5 foot radius of the bathroom at all times.

HELP! Tell me stories of yourself, or people you know, who have done this and have been fine.

mofe · March 2010

My sister had to get her gull bladder removed after she gave birth (like the next day). She has not had any problems and has actually lost weight. She is eating a better diet which is helping. No bathroom issues for her as well. Good luck and just remember medical technology is always improving. You'll be fine and things will go good.

Leigha12 · March 2010

My dad had his gall bladder out years ago (possibly before I was born, can't remember) when they did it old school. So he sports a 4 inch scar, but not a single other side effect. It didn't effect his weight (old age did, however!) and he has not had any related potty issues. In fact, I've never even heard a horror story related to gall bladder surgery. They wouldn't take it out if you needed it.

jenvalet · March 2010

My mom had it done laproroscopically years ago and she's totally fine.

kaleyandjason · March 2010

A college friend of mine had hers out our sophomore year, and she hasn't had a single problem. She was like you, totally worried about the bathroom and gaining weight. She never gained an ounce, and never worries about the bathroom. She eats a lot healthier because if she doesn't it could cause potty problems.

MrsE20 · March 2010

I had mine out in September 2009. I had no major problems. I was off of work for 2 weeks b/c my stomach was producing to much acid (can't remember the medical term) and I couldn't eat anything. My doctor called in 2 prescripts and was fine the next day. No major problems since then. I have certain foods that I can no longer eat. My bathrooms habits did change after this surgery. I can PM if you want details.

I'm sure everything will be just fine.

mamie329 · March 2010

dobs doesn't have Nest access at work, so I'm C&Ping all your responses to her.

stephriz · March 2010

This surgery is a lot more common than people realize. I've met several women who had their gallbladders out, and they all said they felt remarkably better after the surgery (I think some had had chronic problems).

You'll have to eat differently, though. I think what I heard was that there can't be cheap Mexican food nights anymore.

S2BMrsO · March 2010

Sorry your're dealing with this! It's super common though. My mom had to have hers removed, and her diet had to change a bit because your body can't digest things high in fats without a gallbladder. (Bile is what breaks down the fats in food...) That is what sends a lot of people running to the restroom. You've just got to watch the fats intake for a while. You'll feel so much better after that little bugger is out of there though.

Hope you feel better!!

keb270 · March 2010

Sorry you are going through this! My mom had hers out and didn't have any issues. She actually lost weight afterwards as well.

Good luck! We will all be thinking of you

mrscdobs · March 2010

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate everyone's stories.. I feel a LOT better.

Sorry for posting and running - I have no Nest access at work (lame!)

vhcoleman09 · March 2010

Nothing really to add, but wanted to say I'll be thinking of you next week when you go into surgery and sending lots of T&P.

angelfire0412 · March 2010

I don't have any solid input either, just wanted to say I will be thinking about you and I wish you the best of luck in the surgery and recovery!

xoxo

hopscotch. · March 2010

I talked to you about this yesterday, but after reading responses...I just wanted to throw another one in there - specifically responding to a few things that have been said. I haven't changed my diet at all since I had my gallbladder out about 3 years ago. I still eat cheap Mexican (we live where cheap Mexican restaurants are abundant and we eat there almost once a week) - no problems! I have eaten all fast food with no problems too. I also eat plenty of high fat things at times (hello 5 cheese ziti at Olive Garden!), pizza, cheeseburgers, fries, ice cream, etc and have no problems whatsoever...no bathroom issues, no stomach cramps, nothing.

In fact, having my gallbladder removed made it easier for me to eat these things, because prior to having it removed, I would have pain and nausea when I would eat higher fat things...after it was taken out, I've been great!

gallbladder surgery

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