Gallbladder Surgery

Hello, I had my gallbladder removed about 9 months ago. At the time, I was nursing our 9 month old son. The surgery was fairly easy. The worst part was waiting for them to actually call me in from the waiting room. They were running a little behind. I did wake up with some discomfort, but the worst pain was gone by the next morning. A couple days after the procedure, I experienced what felt like severe gas pains. A heating pad worked wonders for that. I never stopped nursing during the few day recovery period and all went well. My husband returned to work the Monday after my Friday operation. I have not had any of the problems I had before the removal. I did not have terrible attacks before-hand, but the doctor figured I was on my way to that shortly. I was glad to have no more stomach-ach like pains and not have to worry about more possible complications. Good luck

I had the same thing-I was pregnant with my first child and threw up for 20 some weeks. I was losing weight, etc. They did an ultrasound and confirmed it was gallstones. I too skipped the surgery. I ate all non fat things when I could-of course, I struggled to gain weight. The pplus was that I weighed less after my son was born (before I left the hospital) than when I got pregnant. He had just sucked away all of my fat stores while I was pregnant so he still got all that he needed. He actually weighed over 9 pounds when he was born. After he was born, I held off on the surgery for almost 2 yrs. I was scared to death since I had never had surgery (except wisdom teeth removed). The recovery was a piece of cake for me. I couldn't lift over 10 pounds for 30 days but I had minestrone soup that night and Bob Evans the next day. As for holding off on nursing, I would ask your doctor that one-I have heard it's different with different medications they can use-makes sense. As for being knocked out, I'm sure they want you to be since they pump your belly full of gas and expand it. I think my surgery was very quick-maybe 30-45 minutes. They even gave me a picture of my gall bladder cut open on a table-17 stones all around it! I pretty much eat anything I want to. I have heard some people have issues with spicy food once their gall bladder is removed. Hang in there-it will go just fine!!

Hi J.,
I had the surgery 12 years ago using Laparscopy. I suffered one major attack which I thought was a heart attack. Anyway, I had the surgery and it went very well. I was up and around in 2 days.

I have 2 friends who had the same surgery. Both went back to work the week after the surgery. I was off for 4 weeks. I was supposed to go back in 2 weeks but I tricked the doctor into giving me 2 more weeks. The surgery is not bad at all. It's more fear of having the surgery that stops people.

Whatever you do don't wait too long. I have one friend who kept putting off the surgery. One night she was rushed to the hospital. Her gallbladder was surgerically removed because it was too dieased for Laparscopy. Not only was she cut on but she had a 6 week recovery period.

As far as nursing, I can't tell you about that. My baby is only 20 months so she was born years after. Good luck and get that thing out as soon as possible. :)

you could see if they would use a epidural or spinal to do the surgery, put if they are doing the laparoscopic one I do not know if they can do that using the gas to blow up your stomach. Most people with no other health problems do the surgery as outpatient. Usually a couple days to a week. I think each person if different. Good Luck jo

I had gallbladder surgery though not right after delivery of a child. The hardest part for me turned out to be the tape that they bandaged me up with. It was with that surgery that I found out that I am allergic to adhesives. Not the latex but the actual adhesive. I got blisters everywhere it touched my skin and had to take it off and rip the blisters off. That is a worst case kinda thing. I did get to see and keep my gallstone which was kinda neat. I got to show my son something when I came home. The healing really isn't too bad, I didn't think (once I figured out the blister thing). I was up and moving around without pain meds in a couple days. The surgery is quite minimal. Believe me, You have gotten hold of someone that has been under the knife many many times. The gallbladder was one of the easiest ones. As far as when you can resume your breastfeeding and options for anesthesia, I'm not sure. It really isn't bad. If you need more support, just drop me a line. I was scared to death before every surgery but have come out fine everytime. I'll help talk ya through the fears. Good luck, Shannon G.

I can't help with the majority of you question topic but can help some so here goes. I had my gallbladder removed during christmas my sophmore year of college. The surgery is a piece of cake I was so nervous becasue I had never been in the hospital only had stiches once when i was 5 no broken bones nothing so I was VERY freaked out. No reason to be. I was 19 so a bit younger than you now but not really in any great shape. I had surgery thursday morning got home mid afternoon slept most of day on and off not really in pain just tired( anastetha I'm sure). rested Friday morning a bit then went to halmarks after christmas ornament sale with my mom. got tired easy but no real pain. Saturday I went to the Mall with mom and her friend. I was a bit uncomfortable but not in pain ever. You will need to be prepared to wear loose elastic or drawstring pants for about a week or so one of the incision sights is throught he belly button and my pants just annoyed me. I was scared about nothing. Now that i have had a c-section i can say you will most likely be fine. One big issue for me is I had to really watch (and still do some) what I eat. Greasy foods go right through you and fatty foods are worse not to be crude but make sure you can get to a potty pretty quick after surgery. It has gotten a lot better but sneaks up on me if i eat to much at once. but you probabbly have to watch what you eat now to prevent a flare. I have 4 tiny scars less than a inch each one mid chest (under bra near center) 1 on my right side upper and 1 lower. then one in belly button (not really a scar) You can't even see them now unless you really look for them some days they are a bit brighter than others but whocares. as far as going under options i have no idea, nursing no idea I was 19 no kids even on my mind yet, I am now 30 so has been 11 years ago (wow)I would think you would have weight restrictions on picking up and Dr may want you to stay overnight since little ones at home and recent surgery to keep an eye on body.
I know I didn't really answer most of your questions but hopefully eased you mind a bit about the actual surgery.
Best of Luck!!!

I would highly recommend getting your gallbladder removed. I had mine out about 3 months after I had my second and last child. The "full" recover was about 2 weeks, but I was up and around within a few days. Just eased into it. The attacks are so painful and unexpected that I don't think it's worth risking having more. Mine sent me to the ER in the middle of the night. No Fun!

I'm pretty sure I need to have the same surgery. I had a severe attack after my daughter was born and was taken to the ER. The doctor told me to see my OB when I got home (we were in Tennessee visiting family). I never did because of insurance problems. Then, I got pregnant with my son. I've had a couple attacks since he was born (6 months ago), but nothing like the ones after my daughter.

I, too, was VERY sick through both of my pregnancies. I weighed less after I delivered my daughter than I did before I got pregnant. With my son, I only gained 12 pounds (after losing 12, so in total gained 24).

I still need to go see my dr to be certain that's exactly what's going on, but I'm about 99% sure that's what it is.

The procedure is out-patient and I do believe that you have to go under general anesthesia. I have had a few surgeries since my daughter was born, and it's no big deal at all. They can give you something to help you calm down before they knock you out.

As for breastfeeding, it depends on who you talk to as to whether or not you can nurse immediately after. Most lactation consultants are now saying that it is safe to continue nursing. I did when I had surgery on my wrist, wisdom teeth and when I had a biopsy done (asleep for all three) and the only thing that happened at all was she got a little sleepy.

I hope you have found some good information to help you make the choice that's best for you.

God bless,
A.