My exp of having gallbladder removal surgery alone
Back in early August, I had steak and shrimp for dinner, got way too full. At 2am, a dull pain hit my upper right belly. It lasted 2 hours. A week later, same thing happened. Next day, my primary doc ordered an ultrasound, two 15mm stones, small ones too, gallbladder wall thickened to 4.6mm. Another attack a few days later (ate too much). 3 attacks in two weeks, so I booked a hepatobiliary surgeon. He said I need it removed.
1) Pre-op: Anesthesiologist called for history/blood work.
2) Sept 2: Arrived 12pm, paid ~$4000 after insurance.
3) 1pm: Prep about weighed, BP, wipes for a quick clean, gown/socks, IV. Surgeon said 1hr surgery, anesthesiologist confirmed allergies.
4) 2pm: felt like my C-section OR, calmed me. Woke at 3:50 PM: 3 small incisions. Had a sip of juice, a cookie. Left by 5:30 PM; pain 3/10 lying down.
Does everyone here have experience with this surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery, medically known as cholecystectomy, is a common treatment for gallstones causing pain and complications. Many patients experience symptoms similar to those described, such as upper right abdominal pain after eating fatty meals like steak or shrimp, which can last for hours and often indicate gallstone attacks. Ultrasound imaging is the diagnostic tool of choice to confirm gallstone presence and gallbladder condition, including wall thickening as noted. The procedure usually involves laparoscopic surgery with small incisions, enabling faster recovery and minimal pain. Typical surgery duration ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on complexity. As seen in the shared experience, pre-operative steps include blood work and anesthesia evaluation to ensure safety. Post-surgery, patients often consume light food—the cookie and juice mentioned are common to check digestive tolerance—before discharge. Costs can vary widely, but a figure around $4,000 after insurance is typical in many regions. Pain levels post-operation generally range low to moderate, and most patients can go home within hours, highlighting the minimally invasive nature. Recovery advice often encourages light activity, pain management, and a gradual return to normal diet. It is important to have follow-up care to address any concerns and ensure proper healing. Support forums and social media communities tagged #GallbladderSurgery and #Asklemon8 can be valuable for shared experiences and tips. Hearing from others who have undergone this surgery helps reduce anxiety and provides practical advice. Overall, gallbladder removal is considered a safe, routine surgery with effective relief of symptoms for those struggling with gallstones and related pain.
I had mine out a couple of years ago. I didn’t know I was having a gallbladder issue until the last one where I was in the hospital for 5 days due to dehydration. I was NPO except for ice chips the first couple of days during that visit then I was on a liquid diet the rest of the stay. I had surgery scheduled for a couple of weeks after that. I went to the surgeon that pretty much did most of the gallbladder removals for the nurses on staff that I talked to during my stay. He was pretty great and got it done in about 30 minutes as well. I have 4 scars, 3 really short ones and 1 that’s about 2 inches from where he pulled it out (my gallbladder was “very full” so he had to make the cut a little bigger after he got in there). I took a 3 hour road trip to a family reunion 2 days after surgery.