Anyone here ever had their gallbladder taken out?!

Anyone here ever had their gallbladder taken out?

Apprently my gallblader isn't working right and I need to have it removed. (Laparoscopic surgery). I was just wondering how you felt after the surgery....was there any pain when you woke up, and for how long do you have to recover? Do they give you pain meds when you leave the hospital, and finally...how are you now? Did you have to change your diet? Any info will help....thanks

Yes, I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago. Before every time I would eat greasy foods or ice cream, hotdogs, things like that I would end up throwing up because the gallbladder was not functioning properly. I had an ultrasound done first and I had several stones and one was blocking the main duct. My surgeon friend advised a Laproscopic surgery. It was done without any complications. Yes, there is pain but it was not severe. At first I was given narcotic-Demerol-injections for pain. After the day was over and I could keep water and food down without vomiting(which is sometimes a problem after anesthesia. My IV was removed and I was given pain medication by mouth, which was strong enough to help with the pain. I spent the night in the hospital and was discharged the next morning with a prescription for pain and an antibiotic. Yes, you will be sore for awhile, but it's not bad. The only change I was told in my diet, was to lay off of fatty, greasy foods, and to work them slowly into your diet. If you have greasy foods right away you will become nauseous and crummy. Sometimes the doctor may remove the stones and leave the gallbladder. I asked for the complete removal, I didnot want to go through the same surgery again. I would highly suggest that you talk with your doctor. He or she will give you instructions for after the surgery. He will also inform you as what to expect before you have an operation. Sounds like you are a little bit frightened, that is quite normal. Remember- Ask your doctor questions- anyone that you need the answers for- that their job. Take care and I hope you have a speedy recovery and try not to worry too much. Ask questions to the medical staff.