Gall Bladder Removal

Hi L. - I had my gallbladder out when I was 23, which was odd because I didn't fit any of the profile characteristics the dr. told me about, but regardless, it was emergency surgery as I had gallstones and the gallbladder was inflamed and needed to come out! It's good that you have some foresight that this might be happening soon, making it easier to plan. Anyway, assuming you have laproscopic surgery (when they insert a thin tube in two or three small incisions and basically suck the gallbladder out), recovery time os not bad at all, about 10 days total in my experience. I have three very small incision areas, one on my belly button, one on my side, and one halfway between my chest and belly button. The fact that it wasn't a huge amount of "going under the knife" makes the recovery a lot quicker. It was hard to stand up straight the first few days, and there was some general pain and discomfort in my abdomen, but after about a week I was walking around normally and driving with no issue. I'd give yourself 10 days - 2 weeks or so to go back to work so you can fully chase the toddler you care for and pick her up, etc. I have a 3-year old too and I know how active she can be.

One last thing - I saw that you live in Cambridge. I had my surgery and both my kids at Mt. Auburn. If you are going there, you will be in great hands! Good luck!

I feel for you L.! I had my gall bladder removed almost 7 years ago, just a couple of months after having my second son. I have never felt more relieved than I did after I had that surgery -- gall bladder attacks are torture! I had a laproscopic procedure under full anesthesia. It took very little time and the recovery was minimal. I felt as if I had been punched in the stomach for a couple of days afterward, but had no trouble taking care of my babies (then age 2 and newborn). Now I have three tiny scars on my belly and one inside my belly-button. And the best part...no more attacks!!! Good luck!

Hi L.!

I had this surgery done 3 years ago. For me it was very easy, no pain after, no complications. I did feel bad recovering from anesthesia though and I was very weak for a couple of days. If you will have it done by laparoscopy (not a cut, but several little holes) you recovery time should be 10-14 days. If it will be a regular surgery, it will take longer.

Good luck!

This is really a no-big deal surgery, if done laproscopically. I had mine removed when my daughter was 8 months old. It was an outpatient surgery, and when I got home that day, I slept. (I had a girlfriend come over and watch my daughter while I recovered). I really was okay the next day. The incisions are about 1/2 inch wide, and there are three of them. It was quick and painless. I didn't even take the pain meds I was prescribed.
I would probably recommend that you take it easy for a week or two following the surgery, but if your experience is like mine, you'll be in great shape in a couple of days. Much better off than in the midst of the pain those gallstones cause!!!
Good luck!

Hi L.,

I had my gall bladder removed almost 2 months ago. Unlike you, however, I had to have mine removed immediately and didn't have time to contemplate my options. I have two children, the youngest is 1 1/2. I had the surgery performed on a Thursday morning and by Monday, I was back at work (out of the home.) The hardest part was not being allowed to lift anything for at least 10 days (including my daughters.) If you have it done laporoscopiclly (sp???), the incisions are very small and heal fairly quickly. The pain I went through prior to the surgery was much worse. My gall bladder went "suddenly" because I had misdiagnosed or ignored my symptoms until it was almost too late. You are lucky to have time to contemplate your decision. If you do it now, you will most likely have less interruptions in your life than if you wait until you have no choice, like I did.

Good luck! As far as surgeries go, it is one of the most common and the organ is amond the least needed. Keep us posted!