August 29th, 2010
Here’s What You Can Expect After You’ve Had Having A Gallbladder Removal Operation
Each patient experiences a different type of recovery after having a gallbladder removal operation.
In fact, many people find themselves dealing with the same symptoms they experienced before their gallbladder was removed.
Medical professionals have a name for this phenomenon. They call it “postcholecystectomy syndrome.” Cholecystectomy is medical terminology for gallbladder removal surgery.
Based on recent research done on this subject, it appears that approximately 40 percent of those who have a gallbladder removal operation experience postcholecystectomy syndrome. 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.
There are certain things almost everyone experiences after their gallbladder is taken out, regardless of whether they have postcholecystectomy syndrome or not. These include the following.
The area around the location of the surgery will become somewhat swollen, and bruising will appear. There’s really nothing surprising about this, even if you’ve had laparoscopic surgery (which is much less invasive than a large open incision).
You’re also likely to feel some minor pain from the air that was pumped into your abdomen during the procedure. This is done to give the surgeon more room to work under your skin. If this causes distress after your surgery, you doctor will probably be happy to recommend some pain-killing medications.
Moving around may become somewhat uncomfortable – especially sitting down or getting up. Using the bathroom isn’t likely to be easy for a few days. Muscles in the abdominal area will be pretty sore.
On the subject of bathrooms: be prepared to deal with some bloating, gas and diarrhea temporarily. Some people get constipation. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it happens to enough people after gallbladder removal surgery that you should be aware of it. If bowel movements become somewhat distressing, check with your doctor to see what he or she can recommend to help.
Your digestive system may be unpredictable for a while. This is normal. You’ll probably do well eating low fat or fat-free, light foods only. Low cholesterol foods and cholesterol-free foods are usually recommended.
Most people who have had their gallbladder removed do better if they eat smaller meals for a while. Big meals, especially cholesterol-rich, fatty ones, may be difficult for your digestive system to handle at first. But definitely make sure you eat, because again, your body is recovering from a trauma. It needs fuel to regain its strength.
You can start testing your digestive system with heavier foods. It’s probably best to use a trial-and-error approach.
Exercise may be helpful, but be careful. If you were an enthusiastic exerciser before your operation, you’ll probably want 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. Follow your doctor’s recommendations closely on this.
Talk to your doctor about bathing because stitches need time to heal. It’s not good to wash them too soon.
Most of the time, your doctor will want to do a follow up appointment in about one week. He or she will probably want to see you again 4-5 weeks later.
Would you like additional information on having a gallbladder removal operation and related topics? Click on After You’ve Had Your Gallbladder Removed. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio reporter with a special interest in topics related to kidney health. You can read more of his articles at http://www.gallbladderhealth.info.