subject: Recovering Following Gallbladder Removal Surgery: It's Different For Everyone [print this page] Each individual has their own experience while in recovery after gallbladder removal surgery.
However, it's sad but true that many individuals who have their gallbladder removed feel much the same after their operation as they did before - at least for a while.
When this happens, doctors refer to it as postcholecystectomy syndrome. Cholecystectomy is the medical term for a gallbladder removal operation.
According to some recent studies, postcholecystectomy syndrome may affect 40 percent of patients who have had a cholecystectomy. 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 removed, regardless of whether they have postcholecystectomy syndrome or not. These include the following.
You're going to feel some bruising and swelling. This is not surprising when you think about it.
The air that was pumped into the surgical area during your operation may also cause some slight discomfort. Inserting air into the surgical area is done to open up space for the surgeon to manipulate his or her instruments. If this causes distress after your surgery, you doctor will probably be happy to recommend certain pain relievers.
You're also likely to struggle a bit when moving around, especially when you need to sit down or get up from a sitting position. You probably won't find using the bathroom to be comfortable for several 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 doesn't happen too often, so there's no reason to be concerned if it happens to you. Of course, your doctor may be able to prescribe or recommend something to help with this.
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.
Your physician will probably also want you to eat smaller meals rather than large ones. These pose less of a challenge for your digestive system. But definitely make sure you get enough to eat, because again, your body is recovering from a trauma. It needs good nutrition to regain its strength.
After a week or so, you can start some "trial and error" with your digestive system. Eat some heavier foods and see how it goes.
Getting some exercise is generally good, but be careful. It's important not to overdo it. Remember that you have stitches and you need to be careful not to damage them. Talk to your doctor about this.
Furthermore, be careful 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 to do a follow up appointment in about one week. He or she will probably want to see you a month or so after that.
