How long to recover from lap chole?

[disfanRN]

I am hoping to hear from anyone out there who has had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). I am scheduled to have the surgery on Nov 18- exactly 2 weeks before we leave for WDW on Dec 2nd. Part of me thinks I should just wait till after we get back, the other part of me wants to get it over with, plus then I can be off work and relax before we leave.

I am wondering what you all think- will I be ok to run around the World 2 weeks after the surgery? I am relatively young and in good health otherwise. I am also an RN, and worry about complications.

So if you have had the surgery, and have an opinion, I'd love to hear it! Thanks!

 

[wdwmom2]

I had mine done on a Friday and felt good enough to work by Monday. I had no pain and no problems recovering. I had to be off work for a week though. Hope you do as well as I did!!!!!

 

[Nancy]

My Mom had emergency surgery for her gallbaldder while in WDW! She had the surgery on Wednesday, they released her on Friday and we were pushing her around the parks in a wheelchair on Saturday! (She HAD to go on a few of the tamer rides) We flew home on Sunday and she was back to work on Wednesday (1 week post op) She did have to take it slow, but she recovered very nicely and she is 75!

 

[teacherforhi]

I was back at work a week after I had mine out. The only thing I couldn't do was reach above my head to pull down my overhead screen.

 

[Bashful2]

Are you sure it will be a lap choley or is there any chance that when they try to operate, you'll end up having to have an open choley. If it's definitely a lap choley, you should be fine. An open choley is another story altogether.

 

[disfanRN]

The surgeon and I are planning on a lap, I realize if there is some anatomic weirdity I could have an open. I am getting the surgery for biliary dykenesia, not stones, and it is not acutely inflamed, so best odds are for lap. Thanks to everyone for the very encouraging posts!

 

[dvcmember]

I had a lap chole in 1998 and my boss made me come back to work in 48 hours. Obviously it was crazy but it worked out OK. Barb

 

[triplefigs]

I had one last November on a Friday. I was home Sat am, went to DH's company party on Sunday, and was back taking care of my triplets (age 4 at the time) by myself on Monday (unfortunately DH coudn't miss any work and we have no family locally to help out). By Wednesday I was finally feeling better. If you can take a week off, I would do so. You will likely feel really good after 1 week. Good luck!

 

[jody]

Wow, I feel like wimp after reading how easy this was for so many of you. I had the surgery in April 2004, two weeks after returning from WDW. I think dinner at the Hoop Dee Doo (lots of fried chicken and beer) set off my final string of attacks. I had problems with my gall bladder for years but never knew what it was. I was 43, not overweight and in pretty good shape. I ended up in the ER on a Tuesday night and had surgery on Wednesday morning. My gall bladder was enlarged and inflammed, I don't know if that affected my recovery. The antibiotics they sent home with me made me sick and that didn't help. Sunday following surgery was Easter and I was supposed to have dinner at my house for my family. There was no way I could do that. Also, it was very uncomfortable for me to lay down for days. I slept in a recliner. The following week on about Wednesday I got up early to make the kids' lunches before school and fainted. I went back to work on Monday, 12 days after the surgery.

 

[minnie56]

It was exactly one week before I felt as good as new! Well, really better because I could eat what I wanted

Good Luck!!

 

[musicmama]

Wow, I feel like wimp after reading how easy this was for so many of you. ... I went back to work on Monday, 12 days after the surgery.

I had the op almost 10 years ago due to stones and gravel and I waited almost too long. I was over-inflated and ended up in the hospital for 4 days because I couldn't move. Couldn't bend at the waist, couldn't sit up, much pain - in late 30's and relatively healthy although somewhat heavy. Had a young DD at home who was in daycare while DH at work (he could only get the first 2 days off, which was what we originally expected for op and recovery time). Doctor allowed me back to work on "half days" a week later and I had to take more time off because my idea of a half day was 6.5 hours so I overdid a little. I didn't get back to work full-time for almost 3 weeks.

Good luck - based on my experience, I wouldn't dream of going to Disney 2 weeks after gb removal. But almost everyone else seems to have done far better than I did. If you do go, sounds like having an ECV or wheelchair as a backup might be a good idea.

Good luck no matter when you have the surgery. The long-term benefits (no more pain) are SO worth it!

 

[chell]

Good luck! I'll be having mine taken out this month as well. Just plan on taking it easy in the parks and you should be good to go.

 

[TerryKitten]

I was off work for a week. Took it easy at home. I was fine for the most part after that... except walking into a parking meter. Ouch!

 

[maryliz]

My surgeon signed me out of work for 3 weeks. I went back after 2 1/2 weeks (my choice). I remember seeing my surgeon 1 week post op -- I was still pretty tired, and was taking pain meds at bedtime only. The second week I was off work, I was feeling pretty good for the most part. Mine was very enlarged and inflamed when they operated, so my surgery was a little longer than expected -- can't remember the details. I don't think you'll have any problems at WDW, as long as you remember not to do commando 15 hour park days.

Good luck !

MaryLiz

 

[luvdzny]

I had a lap chole 3 1/2 weeks ago. I was off of work for 1 week. I work part time, 20 hour a week. The week I went back to work I ended up working 41 hours. I did not have any problems at all. I have had a number of abdominal surgeries and I was amazed at how easy this one was.

 

[chell]

I had a lap chole 3 1/2 weeks ago. I was off of work for 1 week. I work part time, 20 hour a week. The week I went back to work I ended up working 41 hours. I did not have any problems at all. I have had a number of abdominal surgeries and I was amazed at how easy this one was.

Really? That is good to hear.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

I had mine out last March. I was off from work for 2 weeks and really didn't feel like going back until then. I would be a bit concerned over traveling just 2 weeks after though - I would worry there would be a complication or something and I wouldn't be near my doctor.However, most people are fine after the surgery so you would probably be okay. I would just take it easy at disney since you will still be recovering. Could they postpone the surgery until when you come back? I don't know how long you are going for but a week or two postponing I wouldn't think would be a big deal (of course, I don't know your medical situation either...). I was suppose to have mine out in Feb., I told the surgeon we had a trip to Disney booked for 2 weeks and asked if we could postpone the surgery until after the trip - she said that was fine and to just watch what I ate during the trip so not to trigger any attacks.
I never had surgery before this, and I found it to be easier and less painful than I expected. I actually felt a lot better after having it out.
Good luck!!

 

[btass]

I had mine out 6 years ago. I had it done on a friday and had the following whole week off of work. By about Thursday of the "week off" I felt fine and wanted to go in but I figured time off is time off and I should enjoy myself!

I had no complications from the surgery either. I do remember the doctor told me that if there where complications it would be two weeks out of work.

Hope that helps.

 

[LindaR]

Wow, what perfect timing for this question! I am having my gallbladder removed THIS Friday! I am actually looking forward to this. I'm also going to enjoy my week off of work!

 

[bcvprincesses]

I had mine out on a Tuesday morning and that night I went and watched volleyball and one week later I was playing. I thought it was very easy surgery. If I were you I would have it and then go to Disney and be able to eat and drink anything you want. Have a great trip