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Gallbladder removal

17K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  Rosa 
#1 ·
So I have a giant stone that has been bothering me lately and needs to come out. Doc things they will take out the whole gallbladder vs just the stone but I'll find that out in a week or 2 when I see the surgeon for my consult.

Anyone else had theirs done? Anything I should be aware of in particular in regards to diabetes? I know we heal longer (And while my numbers are fairly normal now they were HIGH for years) so I just like to prepare myself for the reality of it all. My cousin was back to work in 2 days but I know I wont be that lucky haha.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Gall bladder removal is usually done laparoscopically these days. They make four very small holes in your abdomen and insert tools and scopes. they remove the gall bladder and pull it out of one of the holes. It is often day surgery and recovery is usually easy. A bad gall bladder can damage the pancreas and cause diabetes. One important thing in a person who has developed pancreas problems related to gall bladder is to be tested for active pancreatitis. I imagine your Dr has done this. If you have active pancreatitis at this time you should be in a hospital and npo until your enzyme levels return to normal at which point the gall bladder can be removed. After the gall bladder removal, the panceatitis usually goes away however the damage to the pancreas remains and you would still be diabetic.
 
#3 ·
I had mine removed years ago (I was 17 and very healthy otherwise). My surgery was fine but I did develop pancreatitis and was in the hospital about 2 weeks until that cleared. Since, I have to watch the fat/grease in my diet, as eating too much at one time causes intestinal distress. Talking to others who have had this surgery this appears to be a common side effect.
Best to you!
 
#4 ·
Since, I have to watch the fat/grease in my diet, as eating too much at one time causes intestinal distress. Talking to others who have had this surgery this appears to be a common side effect.
I had that effect at first, in spades!, but with time it moderated so now I rarely have that issue. Oddly, when I do, it's invariably after a restaurant meal. It seems I can eat the same amount, or more, fat at home without an issue. I continue to scratch my head over that one - maybe the quality/type of fat?

I wasn't diabetic when mine was removed, but recovery was no biggie. There was some tenderness but that's about it. Easy peasy.
 
#5 ·
Gallbladder Removal



My gallbladder problem went misdiagnosed for almost a year (by a dumb doctor I no longer go to!) and I ended up in surgery for 6 hours. I healed rather quickly, in spite of the diabetes. No complications, fortunately, but it was 3 weeks before I was able to drive. That was only because I had a 4-speed stick shift; if I'd had an automatic I could probably have been back to driving in maybe a little more than a week.
 
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