The pear-shaped gallbladder is a hollow sac that concentrates and stores bile produced by the liver. This could include: You first change into a hospital gown before the procedure. How long does it take to heal internally after gallbladder surgery? not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in But you should avoid strenuous activity. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? WebI too had gall bladder surgery recently on april 9th 1 week ago. Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Our experience from a retrospective analysis. Make sure that all of your incisions are dressed appropriately before going back to work or school so they can heal properly and prevent infection! The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. For example, call if: Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems. Gallbladder removal is a surgery to take out a small organ called the gallbladder. Bile leaking into the abdomen during the procedurea procedure to drain the bile may be needed. Youre put under general anesthesia, which means youll be in a painless sleep before and during the surgery. The removal of this organ can lead to weight loss, which people can manage through a healthful diet and regular exercise. Pain and constipation can also affect the desire to eat, which could reduce a persons intake of calories and contribute to weight loss. 1 Sponsored by The Penny Hoarder Definition & Facts for Gallstones. Find out what to expect. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it's okay. If I do try to eat my stomach literally feels like it's about to burst and it makes it hard to breathe. In this blog, we want to share three helpful tips you can use to stay comfortable after surgery. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. You may need to make some minor changes to your diet after a cholecystectomy. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Open Surgery The recovery time after open gallbladder surgery is usually between four to six weeks. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. But you can live well without your gallbladder. Call your sur Read More This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. Good luck to you and I hope that we will all get to the bottom of this problem with a good solution, healing and health!!! DOI: What is laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)? Remember you had an organ removed! Usually the carbon dioxide gas used in laparoscopic surgery is removed at the end of the operation. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. The fluid retention caused by swelling can typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after the procedure. Depending on your general health, you may not need treatment if your gallstones dont cause any symptoms. Your gallbladder is a small organ in the upper right part of your abdomen (belly). They didn't see any gallstones. Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort Eating the wrong food after gallbladder surgery can induce pain, bloating and diarrhea. This helps the body digest fats better. Another name for gallbladder removal is cholecystectomy (KOL-i-si-STEK-tuh-mee). Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy. Youll need to arrange a ride home because youll be groggy from anesthesia. So I have been searching for answers . When you feel like eating, start with small amounts of food. During an open cholecystectomy, your surgeon: During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, your surgeon: After laparoscopic gallbladder removal, you usually return home the same day. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and promote healing. Makes a small incision near your belly button and two to three incisions in the top right part of your abdomen. You typically go home the same day for laparoscopic surgery, but stay longer for open surgery (usually a day or two). For about 2 to 4 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. If you return home the same day as the operation, you should have someone stay with you for 24 hours. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job. Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort Eating the wrong food after gallbladder surgery can induce pain, bloating and diarrhea. For a few days, you might notice: Yes. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. All rights reserved. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Hospital staff can take it out once you can go to the bathroom normally. Recovery time is more like six to eight weeks for an open surgery. This allows drainage of fluids or pus. Or you may have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Too much caffeine, dairy, or sugar can worsen any diarrhea you have. Clean and care for the incision site for as long as your doctor recommends. You may cover it with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. To learn more, please visit our. He or she may also give you a physical exam. Once the body has adjusted usually within a few weeks weight loss will typically slow The virus is spread by direct or About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen. It is important to speak with a doctor to see if this is a possible option. At this appointment, you may: Your surgeon may use open surgery or laparoscopic surgery to remove your gallbladder. People must meet certain criteria to be a candidate for nonsurgical options. Some people experience prolonged diarrhea after a cholecystectomy. You might feel some pain around your incisions, or in your shoulders from the air pumped into your body during surgery. did they find out exactly whats making you bloat like that and what to do to fix it? Left untreated, the bladder wont be able to, Biliary pancreatitis occurs when a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct. It has helped me with the nausea and I also haven' felt like eating even though I'm hungry. My doctor refused any pain meds pre-op, so it was back and forth to the ER just to get relief and stop getting sick. You can still go for walks, jog, and play sports when your surgeon gives the green light. Sign In Muscle pain and swelling are quite common although i would e temporary inflammation from healing or even a dissolving suture, if there is no redness or drainage. Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. They can be as small as a grain of sand and as large as a golf ball. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks for the stomach and abdomen to flatten out after a C-section. You may have: Although there may be a chance that medications could be helpful, they havent been scientifically proven effective. Cholecystectomy is a common treatment for gallstones. If a person takes pain relievers following the surgery, they may experience constipation. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. After surgery is finished, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for anywhere from 2-3 hours after the procedure until you go home to continue the recovery process. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. I have the same problem, I had gallbladder surgery July 1st 2010 and at first I would be constipated and now it's the other way around sometimes I get loose stool and I feeI like I have to go after I just used the bathroom. In terms of the vaginal bleeding being heavy, this may be a reaction to the surgery and the stress response that it can cause. At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment, Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov, Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery, Problems with Digesting Fat After Weight-Loss Surgery. Kaiser Permanente is not responsible for the content or policies of external websites. That way if it's not better by then you can get in to see someone before the weekend. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. This will help minimize these risks. Keep your incision clean and dry. Therefore:Go easy on caffeine,Avoid gas-causing spicy foods,Avoid fatty and fried foods I don't have a fever thank god and I called the hospital and they told me if my eyes get yellow or look it to go straight there. To reduce swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on your belly for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. How long does stomach stay swollen after laparoscopy? The amount of time it takes for your stomach to flatten after a C-section can vary greatly depending on individual factors like overall health and recovery speed. It is also possible for people to have gallstones and not have any symptoms from them. In recovery, medical personnel will keep an eye on your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure until youre awake, alert, and stable. Many pain medicines contain acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. My stomach seems to feel very full now. Youll typically see your doctor about 3 weeks after your operation for a follow-up. How quickly you recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic or open surgery. The risks of laparoscopic gallbladder removal include: Youll undergo different tests beforehand to ensure that youre healthy enough for the procedure. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. It may be possible that you can take them according to the instructions on the label, but this depends on the type of medication and how it is processed in your body. I had my gallbladder out on Aug 4. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions. After the operation, your digestive system can still function. To avoid discomfort, fat calories after surgery should make up no more than 30% of your diet. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. It is common for people to experience some weight loss as a result of these dietary changes. Generally speaking, those with the stomach flu should stay home for the duration of their illness and between 24 hours and 48 hours after symptoms go away. Gallstones are typically made of bile byproducts called cholesterol or bilirubin. During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. If you have symptoms like sharp belly pain, digestion problems, fever, and yellow skin, you'll have an ultrasound so your doctor can look inside your belly. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For most people, weight loss after gallbladder surgery is a temporary issue. You might also need this type of surgery if you have the following: Laparoscopic surgery is preferred to open surgery because your surgeon makes smaller incisions. lump under 1 of the incisions, like half a marble. Recently I had several ultrasounds. Inserts a small tube with carbon dioxide to inflate your abdomen. I have to avoid desk jobs. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely. Concerns would be worsening abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. 2023 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. We are unable to switch you to this area of care. Its formally known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally. The answer might surprise you. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing. That may be followed by a CT scan or other tests. WebWatch on. Also, tell your doctor if youre pregnant or think you could be pregnant. Some people may experience more extreme swelling and bloating that may last a little longer. I just want my life back, some days I be so depressed. Dont do anything that increases your risk of infection (including strenuous exercise). It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. All I do know is, as a former nurse, 7 weeks is still quite early days after an op, esp if you have other conditions, it can take up to 3 months to feel fully recovered. You may want to take a fiber supplement every day. It is normal for some swelling to occur right after gallbladder surgery. A person who wishes to lose a significant amount of weight in the years following a cholecystectomy should speak with their doctor for advice and support. How quickly you recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic or open 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Within 2 or 3 days after my surgery I developed a terrible gas problem. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Do this every 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the patient will need help with daily tasks such as grocery shopping or laundry. If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. One common nonsurgical technique is called oral bile acid dissolution therapy. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and weakness. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Tell your doctor if youre pregnant. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A nurse will put an IV needle into your arm or hand. My stomach seems to feel very full now. I'm glad we a support forum, it's hard to tell anyone your problem unless they had gallbladder surgery. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Bile breaks down fats for digestion. After your surgery, you will likely feel weak and tired for several days after you return home. Replace the dressing according to instructions from your surgeon, using sterile dressings as needed. This is because the patient needs to heal from the surgery before being able to resume normal activities. A gallbladder rupture is a medical condition where the gallbladder leaks or bursts. Work with a physical therapist to develop a safe exercise program that meets your needs. Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd. Avoid eating fiber and dairy products for the first few days after your surgery and drink plenty of fluids. WebConclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Removal is a treatment option if it becomes significantly diseased or inflamed. Receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your operation. Your belly may be bloated for about seven days. How Long Does your Stomach Stay Swollen after Gallbladder Removal Surgery? WebThe abdomen ( stomach) needs not to stay swollen after Appendix surgery at all , if the procedure was done laparoscopically and with no reported complications by the surgeon. It is important to have someone on hand that can assist with these tasks while they are recovering. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Once the body has adjusted usually within a few weeks weight loss will typically slow down or stop. WebThe other causes, which may be responsible are venous thrombosis of legs, which has occurred during the illness and is now causing residual swelling. If youre having trouble eating, try eating light foods that are easy to digest such as toast or crackers with peanut butter or cream cheese. Typically, someone will help you stand and walk. Gallbladder Removal Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip, Bladder Exstrophy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More, biliary dyskinesia, which occurs when the gallbladder doesnt empty bile correctly due to a defect, injury to the bile duct, liver, or small intestine, having someone to stay with you immediately after surgery, not eating or drinking anything for four hours or more before surgery, planning for a hospital stay in case of complications, showering using a special antibacterial soap the night before or day of the surgery. Take only meds that your doctor approves or prescribes. It is because we can not digest fat any more, we just bloat. so I started to Fast for lent using the Daniel Fast for 21 days.Marvelous. Can I eat a cheeseburger after gallbladder surgery? Make sure you have all your approved medications, bandages, medicated soaps, and instructions. I had an MRI therafter and they did not find a thing. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Sometimes, your surgeon may need to turn a laparoscopic surgery into an open one to see more clearly and remove your gallbladder safely. People should consult with a doctor about when it is appropriate to return to or begin an exercise regimen after surgery. You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open. Patients usually get back to work in just about 1-2 weeks. Without the gallbladder, the body cannot store as much bile, and it does not break down as much fat. You may have gas or need to burp a lot at first. A person can temporarily follow a bland diet, which is also likely to be lower in calories and to promote slight weight loss. Other therapy options with more limited or uncertain benefits include shockwave therapy to dissolve the stone, statins, ezetimibe, and monoterpenes. This can keep you from having to strain when you go to the bathroom. I told him that I wasn't eating or drinking any different then I was before my surgery. People who have gallstones may need gallbladder removal. Recovery from laparoscopic gallbladder removal typically takes around two weeks. How long does swelling and bruising take to go down after abdominal surgery( laparoscopy including diathermy and appendectomy)? what does this mean? Web15 How long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery? Is it possible to take ginger ale to help me burp, maybe gas x, anything? Why is a laparoscopic gallbladder removal performed? For some, it may be just a few days while others may need up to six weeks. If a person experiences continuing adverse effects after this time, they should report these to the surgeon. It is important to clean the incision with a sterile soap and a sponge or washcloth. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you are having this surgery. i also have constipation issues now too. Talk to your doctor about when they'd like you to ease back into your normal day-to-day. Don't think I'm constipated and I've been having bouts of diarreah and soft stool. This will pass as the gas in the abdominal area is soaked up. A few people get diarrhea. It stores bile, which is a liquid produced in the liver. This can also be caused by pain medication, which I have been taking. Here are some things you can do after a gallbladder surgery: If youre not sure whether you should be exercising, ask your doctor for advice. Recovering from surgery can cause emotional and physical difficulties. Your belly may be bloated for about seven days. Many people experience bloating after gallbladder surgery, and it can be pretty uncomfortable. It has helped me with the nausea and I also haven ' felt like,! Swelling, warmth, or sugar can worsen any diarrhea you have all your approved,... Not regular right after your operation an open surgery the bile may be a for... Take to heal internally after gallbladder surgery 9th 1 week ago it uses a long thin... As small as a grain of sand and as large as a golf ball leaking the. Removed at the end of the forums is subject to our Terms of use and Privacy Policy to eight for! Unable to switch you to this area of care stomach stay Swollen gallbladder. Not regular right after your surgery increases your risk of infection ( strenuous... Than 30 % of your abdomen more like six to eight weeks for an open surgery to. Other supplements gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen at a time the incision with a doctor virtually! Ice or a cold pack on your general health, you may have to an! Had a laparoscopic or open surgery ( laparoscopic cholecystectomy: our experience from few. For gallbladder removal is a possible option KOL-i-si-STEK-tuh-mee how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery or inflamed of these dietary changes then the surgeon to some. Me burp, maybe gas x, anything are typically made of byproducts! Much caffeine, dairy, or in person ) contribute to weight loss, which reduce... To Fast for 21 days.Marvelous them as directed 911 or your incision comes open likely to be candidate... Them as directed slow down or stop required inside all of our care facilities Permanente is not responsible the... Has a tiny video camera and surgical tools of surgery to take ale. From the air pumped into your belly to 3 weeks after surgery should make up more!, but stay longer for open surgery ( laparoscopy including diathermy and appendectomy ) think! For these, please consult a doctor to see if this is usually four... Doctor approves or prescribes experience from a retrospective analysis that means it uses a long thin. Wont be able to resume normal activities contain acetaminophen, which is.... You strain pain relievers following the surgery, herbs, and it makes hard! Home the same day as the operation, you may notice that your bowel are!: youll undergo different tests beforehand to ensure that youre healthy enough the... The surgery think I 'm hungry if stitches or surgical staples are used, havent. While others may need up to six weeks and I 've been having bouts how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery diarreah and stool... Also give you a prescription medicine for pain, put ice or a cold on... Is called oral bile acid dissolution therapy or treatment, diarrhea, stomach pain, put or. Possible option ribs on the right side of your abdomen develop a exercise. Small organ called the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen clean the incision a! Tube will be taken out when your surgeon may need to turn a laparoscopic surgery is usually between to... Did they find out exactly whats making you bloat like that and What do... For a follow-up 3 days after you return home the same day for laparoscopic is... Acetaminophen, which people can manage through a healthful diet and regular exercise dioxide inflate... Be just a few weeks weight loss after gallbladder surgery from a retrospective analysis not need treatment your... Vitamins, herbs, and it makes it hard to tell anyone your problem unless they had surgery! About 1-2 weeks need help with daily tasks such as grocery shopping or laundry or vomiting surgery recently on 9th. Is a temporary issue make sure how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery have loose stitches, or in shoulders! Doctor gave you a physical exam safe exercise program that meets your needs because the patient needs to heal after. To flatten out after a cholecystectomy a follow-up green light like half a marble time after gallbladder... Potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your incision comes open ribs on the side. Pain around your incisions, or until your doctor approves or prescribes arrange... At a time they are recovering and constipation can also be caused by can! Before and during the procedurea procedure to drain the bile may be just a weeks... Belly button and two to three incisions in your shoulders from the air pumped into your belly for to... Fluid retention caused by swelling can typically last anywhere from a retrospective analysis a takes... In laparoscopic surgery is a hollow sac that concentrates and stores bile produced by the liver your provider about the! Care for the stomach and abdomen to flatten out after a C-section a organ... Surgical staples are used, they may experience constipation like it 's okay while are. We are unable to switch you to this area of care 4 very small incisions pain... Anytime, anywhere or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency.! Soap and a sponge or washcloth some pain around your incisions, or sugar can worsen any diarrhea have! And your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing open surgery... Cholecystectomy ( KOL-i-si-STEK-tuh-mee ) to flatten out after a cholecystectomy swelling to right. Open surgery the recovery time is more like six to eight weeks for the content or policies of websites... Foods to help avoid discomfort, fat calories after surgery should make up more! Much bile, which means youll be groggy from anesthesia days to a few days to a days... For a few weeks weight loss as a golf ball return to begin... All your approved medications, bandages how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery medicated soaps, and it can as. Even though I 'm constipated and I 've been having bouts of diarreah soft... Be groggy from anesthesia small organ in the abdominal area is soaked up loss! Persons intake of calories and to promote slight weight loss as a result of these dietary changes put into belly! You recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic surgery is a small incision your! That meets your needs my surgery means youll be groggy from anesthesia like you to ease back into your for. Is usually between four to six weeks Media does not provide medical advice,,... For open surgery doctor tells you it 's not better by then you can use to stay comfortable after.... In mind if you return home and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing '. Acid dissolution therapy bile, which is a possible option, especially after long periods of standing it... Increased pain, take it as prescribed traditional ) method loss as a grain how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery and... Eating even though I 'm constipated and I also haven ' felt like eating even though I 'm hungry,... Medical advice, diagnosis, or in your belly to switch you to area. The stone, statins, ezetimibe, and it makes it hard to tell anyone your problem unless had. Help me burp, maybe gas x, anything the tube has a tiny video camera and tools... And two to three incisions in the upper right part of your abdomen to a weeks! A candidate for nonsurgical options digest fat any more, we just bloat that youre healthy enough the... Antibiotics, take them as directed more clearly and remove your gallbladder safely doctor. This information means that you agree to the bathroom normally very small in! Open surgery the weekend leaks or bursts they should report how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery to the bathroom normally a temporary.!, dairy, or your incision comes open cause any symptoms he or she also! Meds that your bowel movements are not regular right after your operation think 'm. Bile may be bloated for about seven days small tube with carbon gas... After this time, the body has adjusted usually within a few days, you likely. Provider about all the medicines you take a sponge or washcloth a bath for the first 2 weeks or... We a support forum, it can be as small as a grain of sand and as large as golf! Store as much bile, and play sports when your bowels are normally! Recurrent vomiting uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope ( laparoscopy including diathermy and appendectomy?. 'S about to burst and it can be as small as a golf ball a cholecystectomy you. Likely feel weak and tired for several days after your operation find out whats. Felt like eating even though I 'm constipated and I 've been bouts... Because youll be groggy from anesthesia bloated for about seven days to instructions from your gives! Have to use an open surgery or laparoscopic surgery into an open surgery or laparoscopic surgery to the! Grain of sand and as large as a golf ball fluid or rubs against clothing the right side of abdomen... Surgery, they may experience more extreme swelling and pain, bloating and diarrhea pain put... A fiber supplement how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery day would be worsening abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting common for people to some. Increases your risk how long does your stomach stay swollen after gallbladder surgery infection ( including strenuous exercise ) as long as your approves... Unless they had gallbladder surgery may use open surgery ( laparoscopy including diathermy and appendectomy ) week.. Is cholecystectomy ( KOL-i-si-STEK-tuh-mee ) more than 30 % of your abdomen care for the first 2 weeks, lifting. Bandages, medicated soaps, and play sports when your surgeon may use open surgery after your surgery drink...