You likely feel a mix of relief and nervousness over the prospect of having gallbladder surgery, which doctors call a cholecystectomy, as you do not know what to expect during the healing process. This is a major step to reclaiming your health since you have been dealing with digestive issues, such as sharp pains and stomach upset, for quite some time.
Even though you look forward to feeling better again, you are probably wondering how your body will change once the gallbladder is gone. The good news is that the human body is incredibly adaptable and will function just fine without a gallbladder. To put your mind at ease, let’s walk through what recovery will look like and what you must do to ensure the process goes smoothly.
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just below your liver. Its main job is to store bile. This substance is responsible for helping the body to break down fats. For instance, when you eat some fried chicken or a juicy hamburger, your gallbladder squeezes that bile into your small intestine. Once the gallbladder has been removed, the liver just drips the bile down into your digestive tract. While this is a different process for handling fatty foods, your body will get used to it and adjust just fine.
The Surgical Approach: Why You Feel the Way You Do
When most people have gallbladder surgery, they undergo a laparoscopic procedure. This approach is minimally invasive compared to the traditional surgery, where the surgeon makes one large incision.
During a laparoscopic procedure, Dr. Harris makes a few tiny incisions in your abdomen. Then, they go in through these incisions with a camera and thin tools to remove the gallbladder. Since these cuts are small, you will recover much faster than if you had traditional surgery. Those who undergo traditional surgery take four to six weeks to fully recover, whereas the minimally invasive option generally takes two to four weeks.
Even with the laparoscopic procedure, you will still experience some discomfort. Many people are surprised that they have shoulder pain during recovery since the gallbladder is in the abdomen. This occurs because surgeons use carbon dioxide gas to inflate your stomach during the procedure, as this allows them more room to work and easier access to the gallbladder. Nearby organs will not be at risk of accidental poking from surgical instruments. This gas provides more space to work. Unfortunately, the gas has been known to irritate the nerve that leads to the shoulder. If this happens to you, walk around your home. This is the best way to get the gas to leave your body.
Your First Few Days at Home
As soon as you arrive home from surgery, your immediate goal is to get a sufficient amount of rest. You will not feel like doing much anyhow because you will experience significant tiredness. This is normal, as your body is using all its energy for the healing process. Listen intently to what your body tells you. If you feel a “twinge” when you move, slow down.
Managing Pain and Care
It is also essential that you manage the pain and properly care for your incisions to facilitate optimal healing. You must:
• Always keep your incisions dry: Your doctor will give you guidance on showering. Usually, they will tell you to wait twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the procedure.
• Ice is your best friend right now: Place a cool pack near your incisions, as this will reduce swelling. Make sure to put a cloth or a towel between the ice and your skin so that you do not get too cold.
• Wear loose clothing: Now is the perfect time for you to wear your softest sweatpants or some loose-fitting pajamas. Anything with a tight waistband will press against your incisions and cause you pain that you do not need.
As it concerns driving and sexual activity, your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume these again.
Relearning How to Eat
This is the part in the healing process that causes some anxiety for many people. Because there is no longer a pouch for bile storage, your digestive system will need time to adjust. You will notice that your stools will be loose at first. This is no real cause for concern, as this is natural as you get used to living without a gallbladder. If you consume fatty foods too quickly, you will find yourself rushing to the bathroom. You may also experience nausea and bloating.
The Slow Introduction Strategy
Think of your digestive system like a person waking up from a long nap. You would not go into their room and scream in their ear to wake them up. In the same way, you do not want to shock your stomach with a pepperoni pizza on day two. To help your digestive system adjust to the new change:
• Introduce clear liquids: Apple juice, broth, and gelatin are easy to digest, as they are gentle on the stomach.
• Add bland foods to your diet: These consist of plain crackers, bananas, toast, and rice.
• Slowly add fiber: Should you experience diarrhea during recovery, you can consume a bit of fiber to bulk up your stool. However, taking in too much too quickly will lead to significant gas, bloating, and even some stomach pain. It is a delicate balance.
Activity and Movement
While you may feel like staying in bed all day, you need to get up and move. Failing to do so can lead to serious complications, such as blood clots in your legs and pneumonia. While you must avoid lifting heavy objects, such as anything heavier than a gallon of milk, walking is absolutely necessary.
Walking helps with blood flow, which is essential for keeping clots at bay. It also gives your bowels a gentle nudge so that they will start moving again. This is important since anesthesia often makes the digestive system go to sleep.
After two weeks of recovery from a laparoscopic procedure, many people can return to work in an office. Those who have jobs that require more activity, such as warehouse or construction work, need to take three to four weeks off. Let your doctor know about the work you do and seek their guidance before returning to the job.
Taking Medications
It is critical that you follow your doctor’s guidance concerning medications during recovery.
• If you take prescription medications, your doctor will let you know when you can start them again.
• If you must take any new medications, your doctor will provide you with instructions for administration.
• Make sure you read and follow all instructions on medication labels.
• If you have been provided with prescription pain medication, follow the instructions closely. If no pain meds have been prescribed, ask about which over-the-counter medications you can use.
• Should the pain medication cause nausea, talk to your doctor about a different option.
When to Call A Doctor
For most people, the healing process goes smoothly without any complications. However, it is important to be your own advocate during this time. The moment you notice that something is not right, you must seek help immediately to avoid any serious complications from developing. Reach out to Dr. Harris’s office for help if you:
• Fever: If you have a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, this could mean you have an infection that needs attention immediately.
• Yellow skin or eyes: This is called jaundice. You can develop this if you have a gallstone stuck in a bile duct.
• Worsening pain: If you notice that the pain continues to get worse instead of better, something is wrong and warrants attention.
• Redness or drainage: If your incisions look very red or are leaking fluid, chances are high that they are infected.
If you notice that you are constipated, talk to your doctor about taking a mild laxative. The key is to avoid straining when going to the bathroom.
When to Call 911
While emergencies are exceedingly rare, they do still happen. Call 911 if:
• You feel short of breath.
• You feel like you are going to pass out.
The Emotional Side of Recovery
If you notice that you feel a bit “off” after surgery, this is no reason for alarm. This happens with many patients. Some report feeling grumpy or sad for a few days. This happens due to the stress surrounding the procedure or a reaction to anesthesia. Be kind to yourself during this time.
Think of this as being an excellent time to bingewatch your favorite series, browse funny videos on social media, or get to those books you have been itching to read but just have not had time. Ask a friend or family member if they will drop by and sit with you to spend some quality time. Sometimes, engaging in some good conversation can take your mind off any discomfort you may be feeling.
Long-Term Expectations
A month after having gallbladder removal surgery, life will get back to normal. Most patients notice that they can eat whatever they want without feeling any discomfort. Your liver finds its rhythm, as it learns to adjust the amount of bile that it must produce to aid in the digestive process.
You may notice that certain foods still cause you to experience gas or bloating. If you experience this, write it down in a food diary. After charting what you eat and how it made you feel, you will be able to better spot patterns that will help you make decisions for your unique body.
Keep in mind that each person is unique. Some can eat a bowl of ice cream two weeks after gallbladder removal without experiencing any issues. Others may decide to consume a lower fat diet because it gives them more energy and makes them feel much lighter. Whichever path you choose, just make sure you are following your doctor’s guidance and that your recovery is going smoothly.
Final Thoughts on Your Health
Your gallbladder was a source of major pain. Now that it is gone, much better days are ahead of you. This change is positive for your long-term health. Now, your focus should be on healing. You will return to your favorite foods and be back on your feet before you know it. Also, it is vital that you remember that recovery is not a race. Think of it as being on a steady walk towards feeling your best again.