What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery

I recently had my gallbladder removed and I had many questions on what to expect. The doctors simply replied with all the text book jargon and never told me much other then my symptoms will go away. I did a bit of research but if you have ever had a gallbladder attack not much of what you read will intimidate you because you're tired of the horrendous pain.

Bowel Habits: They say bowel habits can go one of two ways you will either suffer from constipation or violent episodes of diarrhea. I am sure everyone has suffered from both at some point in your life but I can assure you the episodes of violent diarrhea are nothing like the common stomach flu. Its commonly called dumping syndrome and basically what it boils down to is if you eat it your body is going to quickly dump it out. If you end up with dumping syndrome before leaving the house you are going to want to written mapped with all the nearby bathrooms easily marked.

Pain: Many people only experience the surgical pain and once that heals life goes on. But there are a few who remain having the same pain right after surgery. They will see doctors and not be able to find out reason. The test results will come back normal and you may even wonder why you ever had your gallbladder out to begin with. This problem could be related to what is known as the sphincter of oddi. The sphincter of oddi can become inflamed, blocked or dilated causing the sphincter of oddi to spasm causing a great deal of abdominal pain.

Diet: While some people claim to come out of surgery feeling wonderful and be able to resume a fatty diet there are others who still have problems processing fat and will need to remain on a low fat diet. This also helps with problems such as dumping syndrome.

Complications: Some people experience pain after the healing process is over this can be caused by bile leaking onto the liver and pancreases. Causes of excessive bile leading to vomiting and diarrhea are also a common complaint. People have complained of feeling the same pain as prior to the removal of the gallbladder, nausea, fatigue, and either constipation or diarrhea.

Source:

Information was compiled from reading various stories people shared about their gallbladder removal troubles. Some can be found online at: Steady Health Forums: Gastrointestinal Disorders

My own experience from gallbladder surgery

Cleveland Clinic: Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

SAGES: Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal