No Gallbladder - Now what??

bridgettegarzonie

Hey everyone -

I had my gallbladder removed in emergency surgery over the weekend due to having a gallstone lodged in the duct causing a blockage and inflammation of the gallbladder (needless to say it was very very painful).

I only know one person who's had this surgery and they are 3 times my age and overweight so not sure I should be following what she is telling me.

My questions are:
1. How long did it take you to recover fully from the surgery? -- I'm up and moving around but still not 100%.
2. Did you have to make any permanent diet changes?
3. Are there temporary diet changes I should be doing?? - My doc only said no dairy and low fat foods, but nothing beyond that -- not even for how long.

Any and all information would be appreciated! For some reason there's not a lot I've found on the web, even though this is a common surgery now-a-days.

Thanks!

aj_31

I had the same problem/surgery when I was 19. It didn't take me long to heal at all. In fact I had a 6 month old at the time so I didn't have a choice but to be up and moving around. I didn't exercise back then but if I did I'd say give it a week or so and then start back slowly with walking and things like that. Maybe ask your doctor what they think.

Food - I ate whatever and still do to this day with no complications. I haven't any issues or problems since my surgery in 2000.

SouthernArt77

I had my gallbladder removed over 10 years ago. The first few days after surgery were very painful, but after that I healed pretty quickly. I did feel the effects of the anesthesia for a few weeks, but that probably varies from person to person.

As to what to eat, it seems like it really varies from person to person. I have several friends/family members that have had their gallbladder removed, and it seems that all of them are different. Some have had to change their diets and others haven't. Personally, I've found that I can no longer tolerate red meat or fried foods. I can eat them every now and then, but I have to really limit myself. I can't eat bacon or sausage at all without having a lot of pain afterwards. I've switched to mostly chicken, fish, and turkey for my meats.

kirstineu

Bump!!

I wil be having mine out soon

batmanjoker33

I had mine out 4 years ago, i now have 4 lovely scars to prove it. :0
I had a lot of pain after it was taken out, but after a few months all pain was gone and i was back to normal.
After a while the top of my tummy would bloat up esp after eating certain foods like bacon and eggs (which i love)
I have heard of people not being able to tolerate alcohol any longer.
I now have to take a tablet everyday because it has given me another problem. lol
Just hang in there and im sure you will be back to normal soon.

http://www.steadyhealth.com/AFTER_EFFECTS_OF_GALLBLADDER_REMOVAL_t81213.html

jrbourdon

Had mine out 2 months ago because of the same situation. I felt great within a week or so. I think you can pretty much get back to a normal routine within that time. Your body will let you know if you are overdoing it.
I haven't had to much problems with food. Haven't really had to change any eating patterns. I have however had days when I know I have eaten the wrong foods and you better be near a bathroom.
Let your body tell you how it feels

chaosicum

I had mine removed when I was 21 and after a week or two everything was fine.

Beforehand, I read a lot about how people could not eat a lot of things after they got their gallblader removed and I was anxious. However, nothing that drastic happened in my case. The only thing is that if I eat A LOT of fatty food (like a whole bag of crisps or a ton deep fried food) I get a weird feeling in my stomach. Oh, and I have to burp (and fart, depending on the amount ) when I eat too much fat. But that's really just an issue if I eat an amount of fat that should make you sick anyway.

I wouldn't worry too much and just see how it goes, usually your body is telling you what you should eat and what you should not. I was told at a check up later that you should not necessarily eat salads and cabbages the first few days after surgery but I didn't know that and was craving a nice fresh salad, had it and nothing happened. I guess everybody is different.

Honestly, the worst thing was the air that got stuck in my belly for about three days. I don't know what procedure they use in your hospital but where I went they basically pumped air in your belly to be able to do the surgery by just cutting three small holes into your belly, leading to really tiny scars. After the surgery there is some air "stuck" there and it is annoying because I could feel my innards juggling around when I moved. Not a nice feeling but not very painfull or really horrible either and it just comes out "naturally" within a few days.

BeeElMarvin

My wife just had her's removed on 10/16 - sounds like nearly identical situation to yours - she returned to work today 10/24, she's doing very well. She hasn't wanted anything greasy or spicy yet, but nurses and Dr's have indicated that once her body is adjusted completely (a few weeks, I guess) she'll be able to eat whatever she wants. She says she feels WAY BETTER than before! I've heard of others taking up to two weeks to recover fully - I think it's all individual.

purpleprose

Hey everyone -

I had my gallbladder removed in emergency surgery over the weekend due to having a gallstone lodged in the duct causing a blockage and inflammation of the gallbladder (needless to say it was very very painful).

I only know one person who's had this surgery and they are 3 times my age and overweight so not sure I should be following what she is telling me.

My questions are:
1. How long did it take you to recover fully from the surgery? -- I'm up and moving around but still not 100%.
2. Did you have to make any permanent diet changes?
3. Are there temporary diet changes I should be doing?? - My doc only said no dairy and low fat foods, but nothing beyond that -- not even for how long.

Any and all information would be appreciated! For some reason there's not a lot I've found on the web, even though this is a common surgery now-a-days.

Thanks!

I totally understand what you went through - I had mine out 2 years ago and it was so painful!

1. It took me about 2 weeks to fully recover. I went to work part-time in the second week, but was VERY uncomfortable from the air that was still inside post-op.
2. I had to significantly cut back on fatty foods for about a year before my body could process them. That said, I still really try to limit my fat intake because the side effects can be unpleasant. Basically, eating really fatty foods post-gallbladder surgery means that your liver has to work harder to digest it, and a lot of the fat won't get digested, leading to some gross issues.
3. In the short term I added Benefiber to my morning water bottle so I could get my digestive system back on track quickly. My body had a hard time adjusting and having the Benefiber every morning helped get me regular. (I'm sorry if that's TMI!)


I hope you feel better soon!

bridgettegarzonie

Thanks everyone for your response!

I returned to school and work today (which apparently means I'm crazy according to everyone I've seen) but survived. I'm exhausted but I'm a full time student and couldn't really just take a few weeks off, 2 days has put me behind enough! (plus October has been awful to me and my hubby, so I need the money from work). So I'm taking it easy tonight.

I feel ok, and seem to be able to eat somewhat normal. I've been burping a lot. Which I guess is better than the other thing :-p.

I have my post op appt the first week in November, so we'll see how it goes. My incision sites are sore, especially from where my scrubs rub the laproscopy site in my belly button.

Just trying to do the best I can without over doing it!

gothicfires

I've had my gal badder out for a while now. I would suggest you get your daily requirements of fiber and eat low fat. Eating high fat can cause a little 'tummy trouble' but that is usually only one trip to the bathroom. Fiber will reduce that tremendously.

Lightbulb1088

Every person is different. I had mine in emergency situation also. it took me 3 months to get back to work. I still had some light pain for six months. but mine was broke open and I was sick from that also. I ask the specialist and she said it could take up to a year to completely heal. Everyone is different.
Do things if it hurts stop.

Yes stay away from high fat foods as they will cause you to be sick or at least they did me. I had a freind that went back to eating everything and had no trouble. I would say if there is something with higher fat in it try it small and see how it reacts for you.

good luck

stines72

1. i recovered in about 3 days actually... was pretty sore but thats all
2. nope, i ate what i wanted to and never got sick
3. ill agree with your doctor on this.. stick to that for a month and slowly re-introduce your normal foods

Donna6017

Had mine out 2 months ago because of the same situation. I felt great within a week or so. I think you can pretty much get back to a normal routine within that time. Your body will let you know if you are overdoing it.
I haven't had to much problems with food. Haven't really had to change any eating patterns. I have however had days when I know I have eaten the wrong foods and you better be near a bathroom.
Let your body tell you how it feels

^^ This^^ Except I had mine out about 5 years ago. I did have to restrict heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.

mariclemm

Yeah, pretty much what others have said. I had mine out at 19 and the only real issue I had was when I ate something greasy and unhealthy, like Big Macs and the like. If I do this, I have to be pretty close to a bathroom or something bad might happen. But since I'm not eating fast food anymore I've had very limited problems. XD

Also, post-surgery, it took me a couple days of healing and being sore, then I was good to go.

wildcatnyc

I had emergency surgery 4 years ago...i felt normal after about 4 weeks! My surgery was open and not laparoscopic. I couldn't tolerate the acid in coffee for about 6 months and alcohol affected me differently...fried foods were also hard for me to digest/tolerate.

bikinibeliever

Was back to work in 2 weeks (physical job).

Watched my fat for a couple months.

Then I realized that for me nothing was different at all. I eat everything I did before.

My surgery was laparoscopic. Could make a difference in recovery time.

microwoman999

I had my gallbladder out in 2008 and I was never told any diet changes at all. I just ate whatever. I would say after 2 weeks I was doing pretty well but winded if I moved a lot and a month before I felt really quite well. After that it just goes day by day and each person is different. After about 6 months to a year my body was not affected by anything specific when I ate. Usually greasy foods or spicy foods bothered me but now I don't have any issues with anything. Good Luck if you want to add me or ask any other questions just IM me and I will do the best I can to answer with my experience

Machdude

I was doing well (no pain) after three days. I was a little "tender"in the abdominal area for about 6 months (no sit-ups, lol). It has been 1 1/2 years and I still enjoy my red wine and can pretty much eat whatever I want. No issues. Go on and enjoy life!

hobomclacey

I had mine taken out a month ago as well. I had stones for about three years prior to eating it taken out. It only took me about 5 days to heal, two weeks to be completely fine. The surgery was a wake up call for me, to get my gallbladder out at 21, really showed me how poor my eating habits are. Gallstones are usually caused by a high fat, high cholesterol, low fiber diet. They can also be caused by yoyo dieting, rapid weight loss, and weight gain. I am now so determined to eat high fiber, balanced diet.
Not sure if your doctor told you, but your gallbladder holds the bile that your liver creates while breaking down whatever you put in your body. Now that the gallbladder is gone, eating fatty foods or highly processed foods that put more pressure on your liver, may cause nausea, diarrhea, etc. Excessive bile simply has no where to go, so it goes right through you! Since the surgery, I have stayed away from many fried foods. However, I did have a small amount of french fries, and did not have any problems. It varies for each person. Take this as a wake-up call to reevaluate your eating habits. For some gallstones is genetic, but for many it is because of poor eating habits and extra weight.

I know a ridiculous amount about gallstones and the gallbladder if anyone has any questions!

LadyBeryl

I had this done a couple of years ago. I was back to normal in a couple of weeks. I have a desk job and worked mostly from my home office so that helped.

Edited - no real diet changes.

brittanykira

I had mine out 5 years ago. It took 3-4 weeks before I went back to school. I ate exactly the same, if not worse, during the following years. Only downside, usage of the washroom increased!

barbaramitchell101

I had mine taken out a month ago as well. I had stones for about three years prior to eating it taken out. It only took me about 5 days to heal, two weeks to be completely fine. The surgery was a wake up call for me, to get my gallbladder out at 21, really showed me how poor my eating habits are. Gallstones are usually caused by a high fat, high cholesterol, low fiber diet. They can also be caused by yoyo dieting, rapid weight loss, and weight gain. I am now so determined to eat high fiber, balanced diet.
Not sure if your doctor told you, but your gallbladder holds the bile that your liver creates while breaking down whatever you put in your body. Now that the gallbladder is gone, eating fatty foods or highly processed foods that put more pressure on your liver, may cause nausea, diarrhea, etc. Excessive bile simply has no where to go, so it goes right through you! Since the surgery, I have stayed away from many fried foods. However, I did have a small amount of french fries, and did not have any problems. It varies for each person. Take this as a wake-up call to reevaluate your eating habits. For some gallstones is genetic, but for many it is because of poor eating habits and extra weight.

I know a ridiculous amount about gallstones and the gallbladder if anyone has any questions!

OK, what do you know about overactive gallbladder? I recently had a HIDA scan at 80% what causes the gallbladder to produce so much bile?

lrcross

My questions are:
1. How long did it take you to recover fully from the surgery? -- I'm up and moving around but still not 100%.
2. Did you have to make any permanent diet changes?
3. Are there temporary diet changes I should be doing?? - My doc only said no dairy and low fat foods, but nothing beyond that -- not even for how long.

Had my emergency surgery back in 1999...

1. 6 months; I was in pain for about a year.
2. I cannot eat lots of fried food in a weeks time; I stopped coating my chicken when I fry it. I am already lactose intolerant but began eating yogurt to help with upset stomach back then.
3. Since your doc says no dairy and low fat foods, I'd follow that for now and see how your body response over the upcoming months. My dietary changes were permanent.

Peaceful healing.

Dame_Venus

I had mine removed June 14th of this year.

I was back in school and work a week later but I was walking around and going places a couple days after (which wasn't the best idea)

At first I had issues with heavy and fatty foods. (It's embarrassing but it gave me the runs)

However, now I am okay. Sometimes when I eat heavily my stomach gets upset but for the most part I don't really feel any different.

But, I have been sticking to eating healthier because they found fat in my liver while they were giving me an ultrasound for gallstones but that has nothing to do with the lack of a gallbladder.

My doctor told me that I didn't need to change my diet after the surgery. However, I'm sure it's different for everyone.

I hope you have a nice and speedy recovery.

doug4018

I had mine removed in 2009, at the time I was very obese, but it only took a couple weeks to feel normal again. I heard the same things about certain foods being difficult. It seems that if I skip eating breakfast I have problems sometime. The liver dumps bile when I skip breakfast and then that causes a need for the restroom. However if I eat breakfast I have no effects what so ever.

I think everyone is different, I've heard various stories, but hopefully you have no side effects.

EnchantedEvening

I had mine removed with laparoscopic surgery in 2001. My gall bladder was removed on Sunday evening, and I went home Monday afternoon. I had an entire week off from work, but I was up and moving around by Tuesday. It helped that I made myself walk a lot at the hospital and around the house. I just made sure to hug my belly whenever I coughed, sneezed, or rolled over in bed. I was still exhausted, though. I did go out with friends that weekend, and I felt just fine. So I'd say it took me five days to recover completely.

I ate mostly soup and other light foods the first few days and then gradually re-introduced heavier foods. I still have issues with some dairy and most fatty food, especially restaurant food. Almost every time I eat in a restaurant, I have to go to the bathroom within a half-hour because of the oils/butter they use when cooking. It's a lot like being lactose intolerant - gas, bloating, and diarrhea. If I don't know if I'll be near a bathroom after eating, I try to pick foods that are baked and/or lowfat. It kind of sucks, but you get used to it, and it's not like it lasts all day (unless you gorge yourself on fatty food).

PegJ

I had mine out last year. I went to back to work the next day but took the next two off. After 1 week, i was mostly back to normal but took it easy for a month before going back to exercise. It was slow going when I did. (Old people were passing me walking on the street.But, slow and steady wins the race and after a couple weeks I was passing the old guys.)
As for dietary changes, I went easy on the fats for a few months then started reintroducing them and haven't had any issues.

Best wishes on get back.

kallisto208

It took me about 3 weeks before I was back to normal eating wise, a little longer before my incisions heeled... I don't remember a whole lot anymore, I was 17 when I had it done (12 years ago now). My attacks were brought on by red meat (if it's not cooked well done) and rich, creamy cheeses so I still try to avoid those to avoid having a stomach ache (liver working overtime to compensate for the missing bile stores) or going the other way with the touch of IBS and have to use the restroom right after eating.

You'll figure out what foods may or may not give problems but for the most part shouldn't have any issues, keeping a healthy diet should be the best thing regardless. Good luck with the recovery.

TXtstorm

Had my gallbladder out 10 years ago. I went out on a full day of light intensity hiking 6 days later wearing a light backpack. That evening as we wrapped up the day was the first time I took one of my hydrocodone with tylenol tabs because I was kinda sore after all that. Otherwise I just took it a little easy for a few days afterwards. The lap wounds itched a bit. I have some small scars. The biggest/most obvious is the uppermost one, center of the torso about 3 inches below my sternum. I guess I pulled more on that area as it healed, so it stretched a bit more and created a wider bit of scar tissue.

As for food, avoid much fat in your diet for several weeks, and thereafter just don't eat any huge quantities of fat. The gallbladder provides a repository of bile, which breaks down fats during digestion. Not enough bile now to handle lots of fat, so if you go too far, your guts will let you know in a less than pleasant manner. And as another warned, it will keep you in the bathroom for a while.

For a while I actually didn't tolerate large salads for a while, even with limited low-fat dressing, but that eventually resolved too. I never had a problem with dairy, unless it was large quantities of cheese that I didn't need to eat anyway!

cecee27

I had my gallbladder out in January of this year. I have been fine ever since as far as my diet was concerned. It took me about 4 weeks to feel 100% better. I was unable to sit or stand for long periods of time for the first three weeks or so, it was miserable. I did find that wearing very supportive underwear, the corset type that come up to just below your breasts worked really well, this helped with the pain and pressure from the internal swelling from the surgery.

However, my husband who had to have his out in February of this year, yes I think he wanted to copy me...lol; he has had nothing but problems. He has had to stick to a low-fat diet in order to avoid making countless trips to the bathroom after every single meal.

After his surgery he tried every type of low-carb, gluten free, no-dairy, diet that you can think of. After ruling out everything one step at a time he found that it was fatty foods that would cause him grief.

Hang in there....everybody's body heals differently!