What is the recovery time for having your gallbladder removed?

After open surgery, you'll usually have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days, and your recovery time will be longer. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job. In either case, you'll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.

Is gallbladder surgery a hard recovery?

Recovery after a cholecystectomy can be difficult. The level of difficulty in coping is often linked with the reason for your gallbladder surgery (for example, did you have your gallbladder removed due to cancer, or gallstones) and the time it takes to recover.

How painful is it after gallbladder surgery?

There is usually minimal pain associated with this operation. The abdomen will be sore as well as the small incision sites, and some patients have shoulder pain for the first day or two. The shoulder pain is caused by gas left in your abdomen during the operation. It will disappear on its own.

Is getting your gallbladder removed a major surgery?

Gallbladder removal surgery is known as a cholecystectomy. This isn't a surgery that most doctors will rush into. While it's a common surgery, it's still major surgery with some serious risks and complications. However, in most cases, you'll go home the same day as you've had the surgery.

Do you lose weight after gallbladder surgery?

People who undergo gallbladder removal surgery will often experience changes in their body weight ahead of and following this procedure. Many people will lose weight initially but may see an increase in their BMI in the long term. It is usually possible to manage these weight changes with diet and exercise.

Recovery after Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)

Do and don'ts after gallbladder removal?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

What can't you eat after gallbladder surgery?

Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat foods. Low-fat foods are those with no more than 3 grams of fat a serving.

What are the long term side effects of gallbladder removal?

What are the side effects after removing gallbladder?

Do you gain weight after gallbladder surgery?

The gallbladder forms part of the digestive system, and its removal typically leads to initial weight loss. After gallbladder surgery, you may experience fluctuations in your body weight. However, once the body acclimates to the loss of the gallbladder, weight gain can typically occur.

How much work will I miss after gallbladder surgery?

After open surgery, you'll usually have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days, and your recovery time will be longer. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job.

How long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery?

Your belly will feel bloated for about one week; you may not be able to close your pants. This will pass as the gas in the abdomen is absorbed.

How do you know when your gallbladder needs to be taken out?

How should you sleep after gallbladder surgery?

Sleep on your back or left side, not on your stomach or right side. After gallbladder surgery, your incisions will be on the right side of your belly where your gallbladder is. If you can avoid sleeping directly on your incisions, it may reduce pressure on the area and cause you less discomfort.

Can I drink coffee with no gallbladder?

avoid drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea. avoid foods that make the problems worse, such as spicy or fatty foods. gradually increase your intake of fibre – good sources of fibre include fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain rice, wholewheat pasta and bread, seeds, nuts and oats.

What can I eat for breakfast with no gallbladder?

What should I wear after gallbladder surgery?

Choose garments that stretch and have soft material. Little movements go a long way. Moving around may feel like the last thing that you want to do if you are sore and tired, but actually getting up and moving around every few hours will expedite the healing process and help reduce the build-up of gas in your belly.

Why you shouldn't have your gallbladder removed?

If you feel comfortable managing mild and infrequent gallstone attacks, and if your doctor thinks that you aren't likely to have serious complications, it's okay not to have surgery. Most doctors recommend surgery if you have had repeated attacks.

What brings on gallbladder attacks?

Anything in the stomach causes the gallbladder to squeeze, even a glass of water, but it squeezes harder when there is fat in the stomach. So anything greasy, fried foods, pizza, will stimulate the gallbladder even harder and make it squeeze harder.

How long does a gallbladder operation take?

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes one or two hours. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy isn't appropriate for everyone. In some cases your surgeon may begin with a laparoscopic approach and find it necessary to make a larger incision because of scar tissue from previous operations or complications.

Do you have internal stitches with gallbladder removal?

You will have general anesthesia for your laparoscopic gallbladder removal. This means you are asleep during surgery. When surgery is finished, the surgeon closes your incisions with tiny stitches, staples, surgical tape or glue. These disappear as you heal, so the doctor does not need to remove them later.

When can I go back to work after gallbladder surgery?

In most cases it's usually safe to return to work 10-14 days after the operation. If your employer has an occupational health nurse or doctor they will advise you on this. Alternatively your GP can give you advice.

Why is my stomach big?

There are many reasons why people gain belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Improving nutrition, increasing activity, and making other lifestyle changes can all help. Belly fat refers to fat around the abdomen.

Can I have pizza after gallbladder surgery?

Avoid fatty cuts of meats like bacon, sausage, ground beef, and ribs. While you recover, don't eat junk foods like pizza and potato chips. You don't have to avoid them forever. Allow yourself some of these foods once in a while after you recover, but try and limit it to once a month and in small quantities.

Can I eat a hamburger after gallbladder surgery?

Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort

Eating the wrong food after gallbladder surgery can induce pain, bloating and diarrhea. To side-step this gastrointestinal discomfort, avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods, including: French fries and potato chips. High-fat meats, such as bologna, sausage and ground beef.