Guidelines to Follow After Having Your Gallbladder Removed

The gallbladder is a small organ that stores and releases bile to aid in the digestion of certain fats. When this organ is diseased or dysfunctional, surgery is often necessary to remove it. Once the gallbladder is removed from the body, the liver takes over its functions.

Gallbladder Removal

Dr. Abitn Khosravi, MD, performs gallbladder surgery in a few ways: through a tiny incision laparoscopic or robotic-assisted, or as an open procedure. Dr. Khosravi discusses the specific surgical procedure and techniques necessary for your treatment before scheduling.

Whether you’ve recently learned that gallbladder surgery is necessary to treat your condition or your surgery date is quickly approaching, you’ll need to know what guidelines to follow after having your gallbladder removed.

How long it takes to completely recover from gallbladder surgery is influenced by the type of surgery performed (laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or conventional) patients and how well they stick to their post-operative guidelines. Below are some practical tips and suggestions for Orange County Robotic General Surgery patients to utilize for a swift and uneventful recovery.

Upon discharge home, it’s normal to feel tired, weak, and slightly out of sorts. These feelings usually persist up to two weeks. For some patients, it can take a bit longer before their regular energy levels return. Rest is extremely critical during this time. These symptoms indicate that the body needs lots of rest to heal after the gallbladder is removed.

Pay close attention to your body and rest as often as the urge strikes.
Some muscle soreness is common, especially in the back and shoulder areas. The discomfort is a side effect of the surgery as left inside of the abdomen during surgery.

If the discomfort becomes intolerable, walk or move around to help your body release the trapped air. You may even use a heating pad or compress, or pain medicine to alleviate the soreness. Most of the trapped gas works its way out of the body within a few days after gallbladder surgery.

Bloating is another common side effect of cholecystectomy. That typically lasts one to two weeks. The bloating and swelling may be so pronounced that it makes clothes that usually fit seem tighter or less comfortable. We recommend wearing loose, fitting garments until the excess gas and bloating are gone.

There may be some pain, especially near the incision sites.

Elevate your head and upper body when lying down or sleeping with pillows and cushions. Some patients find resting in a recliner easier and more comfortable until they can resume their normal resting or sleeping position.

Dietary Considerations

After gallbladder removal, most patients can safely resume eating normal foods. Because the digestive tract is somewhat sensitive from the procedure, we recommend that patients be mindful of what they eat and drink. Try to eliminate fatty, greasy, and heavy foods and carbonated drinks from your diet for at least two weeks, and consider a liquid-rich diet until your digestive system settles after surgery.

Consume smaller meals to prevent overfullness, bloating, and additional discomfort.

Activity and Lifestyle Considerations

Although gallbladder removal, there are some activity limitations patients should follow to avoid reinjuring the surgical site, muscle strain, and complications.

Avoid high-level activities like heavy lifting, sports, intense workouts, and exercise for several days or until Dr. Khosravi, MD, provides clearance to resume. Take your time and move a bit slower to keep discomfort down.

Driving is off-limits after surgery until you no longer need to take pain medicine to manage any discomfort. Alternative travel arrangements or a designated driver are advised.

Walking and moderate physical activity are necessary to help prevent blood clots and other complications that could slow down your recovery.

Incision Site Care and Wound Management

Avoid showering and bathing the first day home to keep the surgical area dry. Patients may be instructed to remove the dressing on their wound before they resume showering and bathing. It’s important to keep the bandages and surgical site dry to prevent bacteria and germs exposure and lower infection risks.

Medication Management

Pain medication may be provided in the office or by prescription for Orange County Robotic General Surgery. Take all pain meds as directed until you can manage any lingering discomfort with weaker medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Gallbladder removal surgery and prescription narcotics make the intestinal tract sluggish, elevating the likelihood of constipation. Drink lots of fluids, preferably clear liquids, increase fiber intake, and use stool softeners to make bowel movements easier to pass.

Warning Signs to Watch for After Having Your Gallbladder Removed

Gallbladder surgery is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Still, knowing what symptoms indicate potential gallbladder surgery complications is critical. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery immediately or head to the nearest emergency room.

• Fever that lasts longer than a few days or goes above 101.5 degrees
• Bleeding or discolored or foul-smelling drainage that seeps from the incision site
• Redness or soreness around the treatment area
• Yellowing of the eyes or dark or smelly urine
• Feelings of fatigue and soreness that become worse as the days pass after surgery

Attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to do so could be detrimental to your gallbladder removal surgery recovery and results.

If you have any questions about your procedure or the recovery period, don’t hesitate to contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery at (714) 541-4996.

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