Three Weeks Post-Op. Life is Good.

Me: 35, M

Surgery: Robotic laparoscopic cholecystectomy

History:

I've had gallbladder issues for more than a decade (1-2 attacks a year). In 2023 I had an abnormally bad attack that left me reeling the day after. Went to a gastroenterologist and got an ultrasound. My gallbladder was filled with stones.

In 2024 things took a turn for the worse. Attacks became more frequent. I started getting acute attacks that would occur right after (or even during) dinner. Meals that I never had an issue with before were now causing attacks.

The last attack I had was the worst one. 12+ hours of pain. My gallbladder was swollen for several days. Fortunately, I was able to see a surgeon quickly. A week from my surgical consult I had my gallbladder removed.

Surgery:

Not bad. The operation took 40 minutes or so. I know a lot of people sweat this, but you are zonked out during the procedure. I was in and out of the hospital quickly. Four abdominal incisions total. They sealed them up with glue.

Recovery:

Days 1-3 are a slog. Abdominal pain, surgical gas pain, no appetite, occasional mild digestive discomfort, and tiredness. Each day gets better though. I stopped taking pain meds after day 3.

After one week I was feeling a lot better. I struggled with upper back pain and bad bouts of indigestion though. I believe the indigestion was brought on by the high dose ibuprofen I took earlier. I made the awful mistake of taking it on an empty stomach one night.

By week two I was feeling normal. My digestion was weird up until this point.

Now at week three I feel good. I'm happy with my decision and eating normally. No more anxiety about attacks or complications. I have yet to eat a massive greasy meal, but this is not something I typically eat.

Some others notes:

  • When I had attacks I found anti-spasmodic medicine to be helpful.
  • Getting in and out of bed sucks after surgery! Also, putting on socks.
  • Burping all the time the first few days after surgery. It's the surgical gas. Heat pads help with the pain.
  • One of my incisions bled after some coughing. Kind of alarming, but not a big deal.
  • Sleep quality took a nosedive the first week or so post-op. I was able to lie down on my left side from day one. However, I was mostly on my back.
  • Two weeks post-op I had an annoying pinching pain where my gallbladder was. It's gone now.
  • I just want to say this sub has been tremendously helpful. Thank you all for posting your experiences.

TL;DR: Worth it.