Has anyone had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?
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Anonymous
| I am supposed to have it next week and am wondering what the recovery will be like. I'm 38 and otherwise very fit. Is it reasonable to think that I can have surgery Wednesday and go back to work Monday? I have heard completely i contradictory things about the recovery time. Thanks! |
Anonymous
| I had it a few years ago and took two weeks off. I think it really depends on what you're doing for work. If you're only sitting at a desk, it might be fine. If you're lifting or moving around much at all, I'd probably take at least a week. The recovery, from what I remember really wasn't that bad, just have to be careful with anything too physical for several days. |
Anonymous
| I had it a few years ago. Mine was an emergency situation. I was admitted to the ER with massive pain. Turns out I had developed pancreatitis from the gallstones. My glucagon and other levels were completely off. I had to have an IV with pain meds and couldn't eat any food for four days. After four days, they did the surgery and I was released feeling great, albeit sore and tired. Three days later, I was readmitted with massive vomiting and pain. Turns out a few stones were still in my bile duct and my system was releasing them. I was released after 48 hours when everything appeared normal. So, long story short, I would take at least a week off to recover and rest, and to make sure everything's good before you go back to work. |
Anonymous
| I was off a week. It was a pretty easy recovery. |
Anonymous
| OP again, thanks! I have a short (one night) business trip scheduled for The Monday after surgery-- is that completely stupid? Do you think I should preemptively cancel it, or just see how I fee Sunday and assume I might be okay to travel, but might not? |
Anonymous
| Had it done as an outpatient a couple years back. One week after the surgery I was mowing the yard. Felt a lot better afterward, although occasionally I'll get stomach cramps. Good luck op |
Anonymous
Just cancel it. Do your body and mind a favor. Rest and recover. |
Anonymous
| I would cancel unless you can have someone else heft your bags and stuff. |
Anonymous
If it can be postponed, I'd do it. I found I was mostly OK within a few days, but for about 2 weeks I'd occasionallymove funny, pull stitches, bleed a bit and hurt like hell for a few.minutes. If nothing else it could make it difficult to pull off "completely professional" |
Anonymous
Definitely. You're not supposed to lift or pull anything, much less heavy stuff. |
Anonymous
| This reminds me of my old Type A crazy boss who had a scheduled C section (even though she didn't need one) and was back at work 48 hours later. |
Anonymous
| I don't mind canceling it at the last minute if I feel awful-- I'd just hate to cancel and then end up feeling fine and sitting home being bored! It's a trip I've been looking forward to.... |
Anonymous
| OMG- you are all such wimps! I had it on a Wednesday, and had complications which lead to surgical drains being put in. I was 100% by Monday. By no means am I extraordinarily tough or have a high pain threshold. I cannot imagine how anyone could be bed ridden for more than a few days from this surgery. Hope you have a good experience, OP. Get a good surgeon, I guess! |
Anonymous
No one is saying to be "bed ridden." Yeesh. Just take it easy for a few days and let your body heal. Why do have to name call... wimps? Please. This is not a competition. |
Anonymous
| should be why do YOU have to name call... |