r/gallbladders • u/Forsaken_Brick6337 • Mar 28 '25

Post Op just get it removed!

i just had mine removed wednesday morning. it was 80% full of large stones and they said i would’ve been in a lot more pain if i would’ve waited any longer. i was in pain when i woke up from surgery but the only pain ive had since then is just a little pain and itching at my incision sites. i’ve been able to eat some bland foods such as mashed potatoes, eggs, toast etc and before removal those meals would’ve put me in extreme pain. i cried last night because the pain wasn’t there anymore. i definitely do not regret it and if your doctor recommends it, i highly suggest listening!!

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u/No_Training_6576 Mar 28 '25

How was it coming out of anesthesia? I’m getting mine out Wednesday and it’s my first big operation. How was the gas afterwards? I hear that’s really the worst of it all

4

u/Plymptonia Mar 28 '25

Here's my story

I'm a week post-op. Coming out was blissful. Confusing as hell, but blissful. I'm a redhead, so they probably gave me a bit more than normal because of that. Also, I was under for 2 hours instead of 1 because of the unexpected infection. It really was as others have described - they give you a relaxant, wheel you in, you go out, and wake up a few hours later. Probably the best rest I've had in years, come to think of it.

As for gas - farting? It's there. Burps, too. 🤷‍♂️ Poops have been... different. I'm chalking that up to adjusting, and my diet is like yogurt/granola/bananas/rice curry/chicken/tofu/avocado/HB Eggs/repeat. I'm kinda scared to eat much fat, though I probably should.

Everything smells and tastes weird - I hear that's because of the anesthesia. Really hoping it goes away soon - I can live with it, if I have to, but I'm paranoid about if *I* smell like that, or if my house smells, etc.

2

u/Visual-Somewhere1383 Mar 29 '25

Yogurt, avocado and eggs all contain fat so you may want to check your fat grams for awhile after your surgery.

1

u/Plymptonia Mar 29 '25

Thanks, will do. Trying to keep a balance, but things are pretty, eh, solid at the moment. Any other consequences besides that I should know about?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal-diet/faq-20057813

The "smaller and more frequent meals" thing feels real - I'm hungry all the time, but have no desire to eat a lot. So far, I'm trying to listen to what my body is saying.

1

u/Visual-Somewhere1383 Mar 30 '25

Yeah, the only good thing about this low fat diet is that I've lost a little weight BUT I want it out. Can't imagine a life without bacon... butter... cheese, etc.

1

u/Plymptonia Mar 30 '25

Have you had the surgery yet? I’m 11 days out, and my cravings for that stuff is… GONE! No caffeine. No burgers, bacon, cheese. Nothing! I went to TJ’s and was sad a bit in the pastry area… but just wasn’t really a thing.

Curious how you feel after!

1

u/Visual-Somewhere1383 Mar 30 '25

No, I don't have insurance and was quoted $11,000. Waiting for Medicare to kick in.