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Gallbladder removal surgery

I am a new mother, had my son about 3 months ago.  Just before I became pregnant last year I was diagnosed with gallstones.  I had an "attack" while I was pregnant, and another one just recently.  I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed at the end of this week.

I am terrified of hospitals and "procedures" due to my Obstetrician scaring me to death while I was pregnant.  I am a type II diabetic and have  gotten my sugar under very good control while pregnant.  I have gone down from about 250 lbs to 175. I still have periods where I feel very hungry and feel as if I'm going to pass out if I don't eat.  

Lately I have been very sick after I eat.  I have been watching fat  intake, but yet my stomach often has this "burning sensation" and I feel very nauseous, I often throw up repeatedly until I'm throwing up yellow bile.  It doesn't happen after every meal, but it does happen alot.  Also, if I press down on the center of my stomach--upper region, it feels very tender.

When I was at the hospital, they did blood tests, and none of my liver enzymes were elevated or anything, but they did say that based on the ultrasound my gallbladder should come out, and that more than likely these "attacks" were gallbladder based.

Since then I have been reading extensively about gallbladder surgery and its potential outcome, I have several questions:

I have heard of developing heart problems, possibly due to cholesterol?  after this procedure, and I have also heard of "sphincter of oddi dysfunction, and a possibility of cutting the "biliary duct" during this procedure.  How commonly do these things occur, and how easily are they treated/corrected?

I have been told that the gallbladder is only a repository for bile, and that afer its removal, the liver will just continuously "drip" bile into the digestive system.  Does the surgeon have to cut out the gallbladder, and then redirect the liver to the intestine?  (In other words, how does the digestive system function both with, and without the gallbladder?)

What are the risks assessed with not having the surgery, and are there any other resources that completely list the pros and cons to this procedure?

Thankyou!
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Avatar universal
I'm a surgeon who's done around a thousand gallbladder operations. There's no asssociation between gallbladder removal and heart problems; people with heart problems can have trouble with any operation.

Gallbladder removal requires no reattachments of bile duct or liver. The gallbladder is a pouch connected to the bile duct, like a ballon connected to the side of a hose. Remove the ballon, the hose remains intact.

Most people have no side effects whatever after gallbladder removal; the gallbladder stores bile, but since we eat regularly, we don't need storage. I think the gallbladder was designed for the days when people starved for days between killing their next meal: when you starve, your gallbladder gets quite full.

Sphincter of oddi dysfunction is somewhat mysterious. It's hard to diagnose, but not hard to treat when it's sure that's what the problem is.

Not all people with gallstones have symptoms, and some people with gallstones have stomach problems that turn out not to be related to the stones. People with stones and no symptoms are mostly ok leaving the gallbladder alone, but many will get symptoms later, and when they do they can have surgery. People who are having symptoms and who don't have surgery have a higher chance of getting more severe problems than people who have stones with no symptoms. In other words, various things can happen with gallstones: 1) nothing; 2) intermittant pain, nausea, etc, that goes away in a few minutes or hours; 3) infection of the gallbladder; 4) passing a stone from the gallbladder to the bile duct which can either a) cause lots of pain but pass without problems; b) get stuck causing jaundice, or severe infection in the bile and then the bloodstream; and/or c) cause pancreatitis. There's no way to predict who will get what -- except to say that it's somewhat uncommon to go from zero symptoms to severe complications without a period of having some symptoms first. It's a crystal ball thing, but most doctors agree that people with symptoms are better off having surgery. It's also true that if diabetics get gallbladder infections, they tend to be more severe than in non-diabetics, which is a reason some doctors recommend gallbladder surgery in diabetics even if they don't have symptoms.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, continue with pain was started.
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I spent the weekend in the E.R. and after CT was recommended to have my GB removed.  But I've been having lower abdominal pain, serious pain.  Is lower abdominal pain linked to GB.  CT showed inflamed GB with many stones.  Just afraid that after the surgery I'll still have the lower abdominal pain and wondering if there is something else going on in addition to the GB.  CT didn't show anything.

Thank you,
Olwyn
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Avatar universal
Hi,

Just wanted to make a comment.  I had a gallstone attack in Nov 2005 had no idea I had gallstones.  It did make my blood pressure go up.  I was in the hospital for 5 day's because my blood pressure was so high!  I had never had problems with high blood pressure nor do I now.  I did have them removed while I was there.  I guess you can say I had them and didn't know it. If I had known that's what it was I would have had it done LONG AGO.  I also had some episodes like you after eating just thought it was the pizza...lol  Go ahead and have it removed then you won't have to worry about what you eat.  I was eating pizza a week after I had the surgery.  I have not had any complications.  I EAT ANYTHING I WANT NOW!!

good luck!

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Avatar universal
Hello everyone, I had my gallbladder removed a little over a week ago (6/30/2006) and the first few days after surgery were great, minimal pain and I could eat again, but now every time I take a deep breath I get this horrible pain on the right side at the bottom of the rib cage.  Kinda feels like something is getting snagged, if that makes any sense.  Coughiing is also very painful and sneezing almost kills me.  Has anyone else had anything like this?  The pain pills prescribed do not help this pain either.  Also sitting in certain positions are very painful.  Just to clarify, the pain is not at the incision points.  I have a post-op visit tomorrow but any comments would be welcomed.  Thanks in advanced :)
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Avatar universal
i have a stone stuck in the opening or whatever you want to call it... that is what causes me all the pain... and im so scared about my surgery as it draws near... i only have 3 stones so that is good... i think lol... myblueeyes i hope your surgery goes well... and i will let everyone know how mine went when i get home and can get out of bed lol... so by friday i will let everyone know how mine went... (i hope it goes alright)


goodluck to everyone!
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Avatar universal
Keep me filled in on how everything is going for you. I am scheduled to have my sugery taken out on the 12, I have a stone lodged in the neck of my gb so I am a little worried if that will make a difference on my surgery. Well just keep in touch and let us know how you all are doing.
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Avatar universal
hey everyone... i have my surgery on the 11th at around 1pm... i dont know what to think about the surgery... i went to sign all the forms on wednesday the 5th and they rung me on thursday the 6th to tell me to come in and get sorted out for surgery on tuesday... im glad im getting it done... because not long ago i had thr worse attack of my life.. 3hrs back pain shoulder pain tummy pain and not even pain killers took it away nothing worked... i was in tears i felt like screaming the only thing that helped me go to sleep at 3am was a hot hot hot shower with the water on my tummy where it was sore... that was the only thing... because i threw up everything i took and all my food it was so yuck lol...

i cant wait untill its all over and im not in any pain anymore... and i can sleep thru the whole night without waking to a sore tummy... the only thing i am worried about is the surgery and being my very first ever surgey... you can all think about how i feel... i have never even broken a bone... lol so this is a huge step for me... but everyone is telling me it will be fine and i believe them but still its nerve racking knowing u have sugery to remove an organ... i thought i would die with anything i was born with lol... oh well

i hope everyone is doing well... and to anyone having their surgery goodluck.. and i hope u all feel well!
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Avatar universal
Hi Kaitsie - Don't worry about gaining weight. I know some say that you do, but I haven't gained a pound since the surgery. I had the surgery in April. I've always been one that could gain weight sooooo easily - I swear just the smell of food put on the pounds! Now since I've had the surgery I have no problem with losing weight and I'm 45! BTW, the surgery is just a walk in the park. Believe me, I was very scared to have it done. Good luck to you.
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Avatar universal
Hello...i found out that i had a gallstone about two weeks ago after i had been having pain in my upper stomach area for a while. i went to the doctor, they did a sonogram and found a stone..then i went to the surgeon and they talked to me and set up an appointment to get a HIDA scan..then they told me i should just get it taken out..so i have surgery in a week.
I am only 19 years old, and in good shape and health...but im worried that after the surgery i will gain weight...is this possible?
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Avatar universal
Hi everyone, for those who have gallstones, but do not want to go through with a gallbladder operation, try the following, it has worked for me.

350 mls virgin olive oil
350 mls lemon juice.

put into a container a shake thoroughly, and put in frig.

from 6pm, sip slowly, over the next 3 hours.

Next morning, when you go to the toilet,  get ready to fish out those little greenish stones that float to the top.'
I drank it last night, and this morning have fished out of my toilet 4 pea size and about 11 smaller ones.  Really worth trying,

If I have another attack, well..........will have to think seriously about having an operation,
Really everyone,,,,,, we were given a gallbladder by mother nature for a reason, and I am not about to have it removed until I had tried this.

NOT REALLY NICE TO TAKE, BUT..........WORTH TRYING....
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Avatar universal
I have been reading these for the last couple weeks. I had laporascopy surgry three days ago.DONT ANYONE WORRY ABOUT THE SURGRY!!!I am nueratic;I worried myself to death.You go to sleep,wakeup,and you are done.Ya, you are a little sore.But, thats it!
I had an attack two weeks ago. At night,after a fatty dinner. It was best described as the belly band pain.My abdomin,high up,tightened so hard I thought I was gonna die!Pain in my sides, and back.Mine only lasted for 20-30min.This happened a couplemore times in the next two weeks- not quite to the same extreme.I was having constant gas(belching).Then all food started bothering me.I staarted getting nausous and vomitting.Anyway, dr. did ultra-sound and found stones. Dr. said I need to have it taken out. I was scared out of my mind!!I read everything there is to read.
The surgry was easy!! The only problem I am having is bouts of nausousness and some dirrea.However,I would reccomend having it done to anyone who is symtomatic!Being able to live a normal life is worth a little inconvinience. I ATE A CHEESEBURGER after second day- felt great! Remember- all you do is fall asleep. You wake uo and it is done. Good luck!
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Avatar universal
26/M just had gallblader removed about 3 months ago because I had a stone in the bile duct.  I'm still having pain at bottom right rib, back and right shoulder blade.  I'm also having swelling around the bottom right rib.  I have had 3 ultrasounds, 1 ct scan, an X-ray and blood work done and everything came back normal.  I am now scheduled to go back to the surgeon to discuss possible exploritory surgery.  Just wondering if I should wait longer for the swelling and pain to go away before I go in for surgery again.
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Well dr called and said my ultrasound i had last week showed a stone lodged in the neck of my gall bladder so i am going for sugery consultation tomorrow. Can anyone help me on what to expect before, during and after the surgery? Since it is in the neck will this be a simple surgery? i am also so worried about gaining weight after the sugery? I have been in pain for well over a year now with serious pain in my lower back that this will be the best thing i have done!! any one care to share what they went through or going through after would be great! thanks
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Avatar universal
For about 2 months now I have been in pain...the pain really never goes away just increases in intensity when I eat.  the pain is located in the RUQ under my ribs...when i have these attacks i get dizzy, nauseated, hot, run low grade fever and have diarrhea.  The Dr's have done a HIDA scan normal at 80% ejection fraction, AB ultrasound..nothing..and a CT scan with contrast...normal.  The surgeon I was referred to said that I have all the symptoms of gallbladder disease, but because my tests come back normal that he is going to base it off of my test results.  He actually had the gall to suggest food allergies...ok so I'm allergic to everything!?  Anyway..I ended up in the ER the other night b/c of the pain...they gave me a GI cocktail...didn't help...and morphine....didn't help either.  At this point my DR's have all given up on me telling me i am just having cronic pain...Any suggestions....please help I am so tired of hurting...my poor kids are suffering because i cannot do anything.
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Avatar universal
I am a 47 year old male and just had my gall bladder out 6-14.  I would encourage anyone considering gall bladder surgery to go ahead and get it done.  I was diagnosed with stones about 5 years ago.  I had little pain, but I did have symptoms.  I thought that the symptoms were minor compared to having surgery.  (I am a coward.  I haven't had the courage to look at my incisions.)  Well, two weeks ago I suffered a sever attack.  I was ready for any kind of surgery.  The doctor started a laproscopic procedure only to have to open me up the old fashioned way.  My gall bladder was enlarged because it was so full of stones--it wouldn't come out the small lap hole. 20 staples and 4 days in the hospital later, I wish I had done the lapro 5 years ago.  A week's recovery has turned into 5 weeks.  The main incision is quite painful, but the little lapro holes are nearly unnoticeable (and were even right after the surgery).  I have had some of the bowel problems others have written about, but a couple of doses of immodium have tamed things for at least a while.  Again, I am a coward, but if I knew what I know now, I would have had the gall bladder out 5 years ago when it could have been done easily.
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Avatar universal
Hello folks - This is my first time posting, but I've been reading the comments and questions for several months now. I had my gallbladder removed 4/14/06. The surgery went well, but the healing took forever, at least it seemed to. I would say I had pain in one area for about 6 weeks afterwards. It finally did subside and go away. Around 4 days later, shortly after I ate something I had to make a few trips to the toilet. That had gone away for a while, but now these sudden bouts of diarrhea have come back again! Is this normal to have sudden bouts of diarrhea after having your gallbladder removed? I mean it's been almost 3 months later since I had it removed! I don't have the diarrhea every day, but I have been having it quite often - maybe every few days. Just curious if this is normal? Also, I know this is gross to talk about, so don't be eating at the moment! (LOL), but just curious if anyone else has light colored stools? Mine are a yellowish color, so I am thinking this is caused from bile. Maybe it's just me, but I am concerned about this. Please reply - Thanks.
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hi, to answer one question, i have been losing weight since my gallbladder surgery three weeks ago. but i had started losing before because i was just so afraid to eat, didn't want to trigger attacks. finally the big one came that put me in the hospital for 11 days. the surgery was the open kind

i have had no bathroom problems.

but i have an external t-tube still and i was wondering why exactly it is there. my surgeon doesn't explain things well.

it is making me rather ill i think. i have NO appetite except for popcicles.

also when i left the hospital i was given a prescription for protonix. i did not have GERD before surgery but now i have the most foul taste in my mouth if i don't take the med and an unpleasant taste when i do, just not as bad. i don't mind losing my appetite, i am the thinnest i have been in years - that extra 20 pounds is gone and i am determined not to gain it back.

any thoughts on the t-tube will be greatly appreciated.
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Avatar universal
Hey guys. I was looking online to find out the side effects of the surgery because I have been having to go to the bathroom after most greasy meals I have had. Now, I dont really have a problem with this because it takes care of the extra 20 mins in the gym. I dont know about weight gain, I actually lost weight from the surgery. I am 22 now and had it taken out when i was 19. I had been having very bad periods(or so i thought) previous to a gallstone getting caught in the bile duct and me having my first VERY painful attack. It felt like nothing i had ever felt, I am a strong girl, but this broke me down to tears. My story was quite the funny one, I was in OLive garden with my mom, and i had my period that day. We were eating, chatting, then i get a very big pain in my side, i figure it is just cramps, it hurts but i will breathe in and out slow. My mom asks me whats wrong, i say i think its just cramps, then she said maybe it was gas bc i turned yellow, then green. This was an unnatural feeling for me, and i felt like i had to puke/maybe go to the bathroom, or at least sit somewhere and rock back and forth lol.
Well, i went to the bathroom and all of a sudden an intense,shocking pain went through my shoulders, to my lower back , to my sides and finally it hit the rib cage. I was in the stall crying because I couldnt breathe and i thought i was having a heart attack. I went to throw up because i thought well maybe it could have been something i ate , poison, something...so i tried and it just started to hurt more and then things started gettng claustraphobic. I felt dizzy and had the sudden urge to take my clothes off because they were restricting and i couldnt breathe without crying and being in pain. To make a long story short, after they put me in a wheelchair upon my mom and i's arrival to the hospital it was then that the demeral(sp) wasnt working, i needed morphine. It was at that moment i realized my love for morphine. lol My mom rubbed my back and held me, that helped, bc at that point i was quite the drama queen, sobbing, and asking the receptionist why she was asking if i thought i was pregnant. I looked at her and was like, DONT U SEE IM IN PAIN!? lol, why the hell would i be pregnant. lol I was a very nasty patient i believe. I think at one point i actually told my mom that i could see the light (that could be me exaggerating a tad bit) ;)
my recovery time: well i was in the hospital for 4 days. They found a lot of stones, and then the reminants of stones so i had to go get those cleared out. The scars practically are non existant now, and are kind of cute. I do notice myself going to the bathroom though and i thought it was just me having an awesome metabolism (im kidding) but i knew it had something to do with my gallbladder.

Did any of your doctor's say that it would make you lose weight? I am curious about this. I am also curious as to when you guys get bowel movements and from what foods...also i want to know who has gained and who has lost weight and what your ages are because that might be a factor.
sorry for the long write! <3s
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Avatar universal
How are you doing since your removal? I am not really worried about the surgery I am a little worried about taking care of my 6 and 2 year old right away? I am also worried about drain tubes, major bowel movements, weight gain,  probably silly things that i don't need to worry about. i just know that i am in such pain now everyday that i have got to get this done. i have a pain that never goes away in my right back side it feels like someone is just pushing a softball into my back all day long. blah blah blah just get it done already!!!LOL!! let me know how you are doing and what you are experiencing. thanks
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Avatar universal
HI my blue eyes. I have the same sensations, and I've already had my gall bladder removed last week. I think you should try having it removed and see if it makes you feel better.  I am waiting to see what else my doctor is going to do to figure out why I still feel this way. I understand how you feel . I am 5' 7", and weigh 223. My stomach for the last 5 years has the appearance of distention. And my back hurts too. It's strange. And no one seems to know why. I am not a lazy person, not a couch potato, but I can't seem to lose weight. I eat healthy too. Please keep me posted as to how you feel. It's important to me. Take care & God Bless
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I am just wondering if what I am experiencing is "attacks" I get a full feeling bloating and almost like a beach ball in my gut that is pushing up under my ribs to where I can't breath or catch my breath? I have had several now this week. I also get a backache that is very similar to labor pains in my back? Are these all symptoms of gall bladder attacks. I have already stated that I do have gall stones and they want me to have the gall bladder taken out. Also are headaches common to have during or after these attacks? thanks
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Avatar universal
For the last two postings...I have heard that there are things you can do to "flush" the gallstones, but they come back. As for the other posting, the woman who was told to have it out, go ahead and do it, and don't listen to everyone who says it's a Walk in the park to have it removed. Yes, you're under anesthesia and you won't remember the actual procedure, but take your time resting afterwards. This is something I didn't do. I had mine removed on 5/31/06 and I'm still in pain...so take it easy.  I am still having burping, tightness around chest and stuff. I'm not sure they found what's really wrong with me. It's upsetting. but I'm staying on top of the doctors on this one. I feel like ****.
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Avatar universal
Hello everyone, it is Teunsina again,  I have read somewhere that there is a home remedy that you can take to help you pass  galbladder stones?  If anyone can tell me what that is please, it would be very much appreciated,  thanks.
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