Anyone else had a gallbladder removal (Not via keyhole?) looking for info/tips please...

[Alibee2]

Hi folks - it’s been a while since I’ve posted (though I do read often to see how everyone is doing!) After my hysterectomy I had 6 cycles of Carbo during which I grew a lovely ‘string of pearls’ in my gallbladder! I’ve had cycles of severe pain since Sept (and a few hospital admissions with pink fairy inducing morphine days🤪) and now have a surgery date of 17th Dec. As I have extensive scarring from the cancer surgery they can’t do keyhole. As that is the common way to do it these days, I’ve found no-one and no info about having it done open and I’ve only seen the surgeon for 5 mins (when I was high on morphine) and won’t see her again until I’m on the table. Has anyone had this done? Can anyone tell me what to expect, recovery times, eating afterwards etc? Or point me to where I might find someone who knows. I had so much info for the hysterectomy and felt prepared .... now I’m really worried as I’m completely in the dark! Thanks folks xx

[Zannah]

Hi Alibee I had my gall bladder removed last year by open surgery. I had five nights in hospital. I was warned that it was a painful operation but quite honestly it wasn’t that bad. I was given reasonably strong pain control for the first 48 hours but after that was fine on paracetamol. I did need anti-sickness meds for four or five days because I was feeling nauseous rather than being sick. Once out of hospital it’s being careful for three or four weeks - no heavy lifting etc and no driving for about 4 weeks. In terms of eating afterwards I was able to eat normally once I stopped feeling nauseous. I’m sure that you should be home and able to enjoy Christmas - hopefully being waited on!

Best wishes for your surgery Jackie xx

[Alibee2 in reply to Zannah]

Thank you Jackie - that’s very helpful info and allows me to do a bit of planning. I’ve acquired 2 wee dogs since my chemo so I will book a few weeks with a dog walker in. Thanks for your good wishes too! - as long as I’m installed on my sofa @ home for Xmas I will be happy!

One question - I’ve been on a ‘no fats’ diet since Sept - after the op, can you eat a small amount of fat again (just sick of dry toast! 😁 and miss the odd egg, nut or avacado!).

Thanks again Alison x

[Zannah in reply to Alibee2]

Hi Alison,

I am able to eat as normal (not that I have a diet that’s high in fat) but certainly eggs, a bit of butter on toast and nuts. I would introduce things gradually. I still have skimmed milk but that’s choice rather than anything else.

Jackie xx

[delia2]

Hi I had it done 25 years ago and the incision was diagonal at the bottom of my right ribs. I couldn’t eat for 3 days by mouth. It was quite painful. It took 4 weeks to recover. I had complications which I sincerely hope and expect will not happen to you. Good luck!