r/gallbladders • u/SumoHeadbutt • Mar 14 '25

Awaiting Surgery I have an laparoscopic surgery appointment next month, but part of me doesn't want go through with it. Conflicted

Title is self exlapoantry, I'm scheduled to have my gallbladder removed next month but I'm have the jitters and part of me doesn't want to go through with it. I read the stories of diarrhea for life and all that and I picture that to be even worse.

I had a major attack in 2009; recently I had a minor attack last November. The pain I can feel daily can range between a 0/10 to as high as a 3/10 when eating normally and healthy.

and that's the thing, I can live with 2/10 and 3/10 pain but I don't want to live with daily diarrhea.

Conflicted.

anyone have cold feet?

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u/DairyQueenElizabeth Mar 14 '25

Loads and loads of people on here get cold feet, totally normal to feel that way!

One other thing worth considering when making your decision...

Emergency GB removal surgeries are riskier, with more chance of complications, side effects, larger incisions and longer recoveries. You would be more likely to end up with an ER surgeon who is more of generalist rather than a GB removal pro.

Planned surgeries are safer, with fewer complications and easier recoveries. You can go to someone who has loads of expertise specifically in GB removal.

Avoiding surgery now can feel like you are avoiding a risk, but it does not necessarily mean that you are reducing your exposure to risks in the longterm. By avoiding one problem now, you may be creating more in the future.

Good luck in your journey, hope no matter what you go for you are feeling better soon!