Kathy
Hello, I had my gallbladder removed 7/2/2004 and its now 2 weeks down the line. My appetite is ok..but not as hungry as I was before and I have lost weight, which is a good thing, as I needed to. I still have some pain on and off in my abdomen but I think its gas. I am also having mild leg cramps in my calfs. Anyway, here is the information I got from my Dr. Thought I would share it with you. Take Care Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gall Bladder) A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is an operation to remove your gallbladder and any gall stones. This is done through a tube with a light on the end called a scope. Four tiny incisions (cuts) are made in your abdomen (stomach area). These incisions will be located above and below your belly button and on the right side of your abdomen. Air will be pushed into your abdomen to inflate it. This makes it easier for the doctor to see while doing your operation. You will be admitted to hospital. Before Your Surgery Read the Inpatient Surgery Guide. You will need to have a bath or shower to cleanse your skin. You should not eat or drink anything, not even water, after midnight unless your doctor or nurse says you can. You should remove any make-up, jewellery, nail polish, dentures (false teeth), contact lenses, eye glasses and prostheses (false body parts). You may be given a needle or pill to relax you before your operation. After Your Surgery You will have an I.V. in your arm or hand. This is tubing connected to a bag which will give you water, nutrition and medication. Your I.V. will usually be removed when you are drinking well. If you are having any pain, or if you are feeling stomach sick, ask your nurse for pain medication. You should take 10 to 15 deep breaths every hour while you are awake. You should move your legs and feet every hour while you are awake. Do this until you are up and around. You will be helped to get out of bed as soon as possible after your surgery. With the help of your nurse, you will walk to the washroom or around your room the evening after your surgery. The next day you should be walking in the hall on your own, if possible. Walking will help reduce some of the discomfort from gas after surgery. You will have small strips of tape or stitches on each of your incisions (cuts). You may have a small bandage which will remain in place when you go home. You are usually only in hospital for 1 to 2 days. Going Home You should not lift anything over 5 pounds for 1 to 2 weeks. You should not do any hard activity or exercise for 1 to 2 weeks. Ask your doctor when you should return to work. This will depend on the type of work that you do and how you are feeling. You may resume sexual activity whenever you feel well enough. Ask your doctor or nurse about any medication that you should be taking when you go home. You can eat the same foods as you did before your surgery unless your doctor or nurse tells you not to. You should not eat any foods that may upset your stomach. You may have a couple of loose bowel movements after your surgery. Don’t worry, this will correct itself. You should not become constipated. Try to eat foods high in fibre such as bran cereal, whole wheat bread, fresh fruits, fruit juices and vegetables. Drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. A laxative or a stool softener may be necessary until your bowels are regular. Remember, it is not necessary to have a bowel movement every day to be healthy. You may shower or take a bath after you return home. You should not soak your incisions. The small bandages or strips over your incisions (cuts) are not needed after a couple of days. You may remove them. If you find that your clothing rubs your incisions, place a band-aid or a gauze square over that area. A Home Care Nurse may visit you. Your doctor will tell you if your stitches have to be removed after you go home. If they do, you will be told what arrangements have been made to have them removed. You may find loose clothing more comfortable. It is normal to get a small amount of bruising and swelling around your incisions. You may have shoulder pain from gas for up to one week after your surgery. This is normal. Your abdomen (stomach) may be tender to touch or bruised. You may need a follow-up appointment with a doctor. The nurse will talk to you about this. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following… fever and chills; increased pain or tenderness around your incision; drainage from your incision; redness, swelling or warmth around your incision. We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse.