Question about recovery from gallbladder surgery?

[EnchantedPrincess]

It seems that this is a pretty common and routine surgery, and I was wondering for those of you who have had your gallbladder taken out, what is the recovery like? We have a trip to WDW in June, and we leave June 13th for the 16 hour drive...and was wondering if I have the surgery on May 28th, would I be OK with the drive and be able to enjoy the vacation?

THanks!
Jenny

 

[wdwdasiy]

Had this done about 12 years ago after my first child. Very easy recovery. Had it taken out on a Monday and was back at my job the next Monday (teaching kindergarten )
If you have been having a lot of pain with it up until now then you will feel so much better. You may want to stay away from some of the coaster rides but ask your doctor, you never know. Have a great trip!

 

[JoiseyMom]

I think it depends on the person and their surgery. My best friend had this done last week, and she is still taking it easy, under doctors orders. She can drive, but no lifting, and she will be probably be home for a another week.

Can you schedule it any earlier?

 

[jlcd]

I just had this done in Jan. I was out of work for about a week and a half. The biggest thing after that was not pain, but fatigue. It took a couple more weeks before I got all my energy back. You may tire easily walking around the parks. I would plan for afternoon rests each day.

 

[foltzy]

I had it done about a year ago, shortly after my 9 lb 13 oz baby was born, less than a month after he was born. I was up and about pretty much the next day (of course with a new born and a 2 year old I kind of had to be). I had to take it easy though but withing a few days I was feeling like my old self.

 

[scjo68]

I had this surgery this past fall. After two weeks, I would say I was back to normal. After one week, I could pretty much do everything, but I will warn you I was stil having a lot of cramps due to gas (sorry if tmi). The nurse warned me that they actually pump up your abdomen with air to do the surgery laproscopically. So it takes a good week to get that all worked out of your system.

The only concern I might have is that after taking it easy for a week or two, you might not be in shape to commando tour. So you may want to plan on a relaxed trip with lots of breaks.

It was actually shocking to me how easy this surgery was.
You willl do great!

 

[PA Princess]

I assume you are speaking of laproscopic surgery? I had my gallbladder out this way 5 years ago and it really was an easy experience for me. My surgeon did keep me over night (not sure if that is still the norm, but even 5 years ago I was surprised since everything seems to be outpatient...in and out the same day).

For me the recovery was smooth. I was prescribed pain meds and I never needed anything but a few tylenols. I traveled for a wedding 2 weeks after the surgery (from PA to CA - a 5 1/2 hour trip) and my doc gave the okay for the travels.

Hope you have an easy experience as well!

 

[meowmarie]

I had that done in 2001 and I second what everyone else says. I was back at work the next week but was very tired. I'm not sure I would have been up to WDW 2 weeks later but I'm kind of a wimp! lol Just follow docs orders and get off the pain meds as soon as you can.

 

[edit1]

I had this done last year and although everything went quite smoothly, I don't know that I would plan a WDW trip so soon afterwards. But, everyone is different and so if you normally are a quick recoverer this may work, just make sure to give yourself lots of rest breaks during your trip.

Good luck with everything!

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

Thanks everyone. I am glad to hear that the recovery is easy. I am quite scared of the surgery! I think I will reschedule the surgery and have it earlier. I want to be able to enjoy WDW.

Jenny

 

[lastminutemom]

For me and several other people I know, the biggest problem was the adjustment of our digestive system. (It took a while for my stomach to get back to normal.) Otherwise, it was an easy recovery.

I would totally have the surgery earlier.

 

[HeatherAnne]

Hi Jenny,

Ironically I had my gallbladder out about a month before one of our WDW trips. In all it was a great trip - but boy was I exhausted! We stayed at the Coronado and believe it or not - the walk around that lake everyday was a killer! I don't remember being in any pain though - just bloated & tired. It wasn't our typical run around like crazy trip - it was much more relaxing - which was also great too!

The best things about my gallbladder removal was....I wasn't in pain anymore and I could finally EAT! Be careful though....I gained a ton of weight afterward because I could finally eat things I could NEVER eat in the past!

Good luck with your surgery and have a great trip!

HeatherAnne

 

[laceemouse]

Agree about the fatigue.
I had mine out in 2001, the laproscopy made it easy, the incesions are very tiny. I did have pain for the first couple of days from that gas. But the main thing is it took me several weeks to get all of my energy back. I actually wish I would have laid around and taken it easier for longer, of course with 4 little kids that was tough to do.
A couple of weeks after the surgery even just going to the grocery store by myself wore me out!

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

Thank you everyone for the feedback...I really appreciate them. My surgeon could do the surgery on Wednesday...OMG..I am getting nervous - that's only a few days away. That will give me a month and a week before we leave for our trip.

The best things about my gallbladder removal was....I wasn't in pain anymore and I could finally EAT! Be careful though....I gained a ton of weight afterward because I could finally eat things I could NEVER eat in the past!

Good luck with your surgery and have a great trip!

HeatherAnne

Oh no! Weight gain..I can so see that happen to me, and I really do not need anymore weight gain since I am trying to lose them!!

For me and several other people I know, the biggest problem was the adjustment of our digestive system. (It took a while for my stomach to get back to normal.) Otherwise, it was an easy recovery.

I would totally have the surgery earlier.

I have heard that as well, but wondering if there was still food that you have to avoid even after the surgery? My dh's secretary said that after she got her gallbladder taken out, she can't eat lettuce, and other food that is hard on the digestive system.

Jenny

 

[laceemouse]

I asked my surgeon if I needed to avoid any particular foods after surgery and was told most people have no issues at all with anything in particular.
I have since met many, many people who need to avoid certain foods post gall bladder. I sometimes have problems with too much fiber (things like corn, NOT good!) Some people have to avoid greasy or spicy foods.
Somebody said they felt so much better after the surgery. For me it was not like that. It was trial and error for many years, I had a lot of nausea and diarrhea (sp?) One doctor thought I really had irritable bowel but funny I never had it BEFORE the surgery.
Not trying to scare you, you will probably be fine as most people are. Just be aware that you may NOT be able to eat anything and everything.

I did not lose or gain weight due to a bad gall bladder OR after the surgery. Basically I have struggled with my weight all my life and still do (I am about 40 pounds over what I was before having 4 kids in 6 years.) I think being 40+ is a bigger issue than any gall bladder.

 

[Avonlady1001]

I had mine out in 2005, a few months after having my DD by C-section. The first few days after I was in a LOT of pain...my arm hurt like hell too (a result of something..possibly the air?) I have to say it was worse than the recovery from my c-section. LOL But after a few days, it got better. And each day was better the one before it. I think about 2 weeks I was in "pain" then I was sore. Don't remember getting tired easily, but it was a long time ago. I didn't gain any weight, but surprisingly, didn't lose any after the surgery. You'd think that gallbladder had to weigh SOMETHING??? LOL

Haven't had ANY problems since...eat salad & veggies like crazy. I guess everyone's body deals & heals differently.

You'll be fine! The surgery was simple! You're asleep so you don't know what's going on...LOL Take it easy after. Follow your doctor's instructions and you'll do great!

Good luck Wednesday! Let us know how you're doing!!

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

You should have no problems. I had my galbladder out in 2005. My surgery was Thursday and I was back to work on Tuesday. The first couple of days are rough and you will be medicated and sleep a lot. By Sunday I was feeling a lot better and pretty much back to normal by Monday.

 

[jlcd]

Thank you everyone for the feedback...I really appreciate them. My surgeon could do the surgery on Wednesday...OMG..I am getting nervous - that's only a few days away. That will give me a month and a week before we leave for our trip.



I think this is a much better option for you. You will be able to enjoy the trip more without the fatigue. Good luck Wed. It will be over before you know it!

 

[bran1120]

I manage two surgical practices and would definitely recommend having the surgery as soon as possible or after you return from vacation. General recovery time is 4-6wks with allowances for return to light activity at 2wks depending upon the individual. Laparoscopic surgery generally gives you a quicker recovery time. Most people are feeling much better after two weeks but I can't tell you how many people overestimate how soon they can return to normal activity and that doesn't include several days of lots of walking or rides in an amusement park. My surgeons would definitely not recommend WDW sooner than the full 4-6wks due to possible complications.

As for food issues post-surgery, most people do fine. We recommend that the first week or so after surgery to not go crazy but a lot of our patients are able to eat anything soon after. Some people do still have a slight intolerance for spicy, fatty or fried foods which may or may not go away in time. I can't say I've had any complaints about weight gain following surgery. Good luck on your surgery and your vacation!

 

[MarieS]

I am glad I read these posts as I am scheduled for gall bladder surgery later this month. My doctor recommends a very low fat diet for the first two months as the body adjusts. I just saw a dietican last week for ways on making my diet more low in fat. I am very nervous about the surgery and recovery and it's good to hear from so many of you that went through it.
Can I ask if anyone had the surgery due to a poorly functioning gall bladder and not gallstones?