What to Expect On the Day of Your Gallbladder Surgery
It is natural to feel nervous before surgery, but knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety.
Most gallbladder surgeries performed by Dr. Harris are done on an outpatient same-day basis, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home the same day as your surgery.
Before Surgery
Upon arrival at the hospital or surgical center, you will be registered and then welcomed by the nursing staff and settled into your preoperative room and an IV will be started. You will have a final consultation with Dr. Harris and the anesthesiologist to review the surgical plan and answer any last-minute questions.
Once the team has completed the necessary safety checks, you will be taken to the operating room. Anesthesia will typically give patients some light IV sedation prior to roll back.
During Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthetic, meaning you will be completely asleep and feel no pain.
Dr. Harris typically uses the laparoscopic approach, making small incisions (usually 5–10mm) to carefully remove the gallbladder. The procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour but there is additional time in the OR going to sleep before surgery and waking up after.
After Surgery
You will wake up in a dedicated recovery area, where nurses will monitor you as the anaesthetic wears off.
- Pain Management: You may feel some mild discomfort or bloating (due to the gas used during surgery), but this is managed effectively with medication. We try to get as much gas out as possible at the end of surgery but there is often some residual that gets trapped under the ribs and can cause discomfort to radiate to the shoulders.
- Going Home: After you are moved to second stage recovery, your family will join you. Once you have had a light snack, can walk comfortably, and urinated, you will be discharged. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home.
Hear From Patients
“Great surgeon! He performed my gallbladder removal. The surgery was fast and flawless. Recovery was so much better and faster than I expected. The result of a skilled and experienced surgeon on laparoscopic gallbladder removal.”
Why Choose Dr. Harris for Your Gallbladder Surgery in Birmingham
We don’t just schedule surgery. Dr. Harris discusses the why and the how, ensuring all your questions are answered.
To schedule an appointment please call our office at (205) 995-9700.
Medically Reviewed by Adam Harris, MD | Updated on February 4, 2026
This content is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.